Post Office problem- Packages "Vandalized"

[Rootskate]

Oh wow, I am seething mad right now. I just got a phonecall from the post office saying that the 3 packages I mailed out on Monday were found "vandalized", as they put it. They found my three packages empty. These were Ebay items that were mailed out to buyers. Only one of the buyers paid for the optional insurance, so only that one package was insured. The thing that burns me up is that the guy on the phone sounded like he almost thought the whole thing was funny. So what do I do now? Refund everyone their money and explain what happened? This is crazy. Thanks for listening.

 

[ziggystardust]

I guess since it wasn't your fault, you shouldn't have to refund the money. It is more of a moral decision if you ask me. You have to decide how you would want to be treated in this situation.

You should quickly send an email out explaining the delay in delivery so people that were anxiously awaiting their purchases aren't disappointed 2x. Even if you haven't decided what to do yet.

 

[PaulaSue]

OMG, did someone in the Post Office do this.

Who can you trust now a days?

 

[magicmato]

I do not know this for fact, but I would think that the post office would have to somehow compensate you if their employee stole your stuff. I mean, this goes beyond the unfortunate damaged package and enters the realm of their mis-protection of your goods.

 

[Poohs Pal]

Where did they find the vandalized package's. Would the PO be accountable at all if the package's were still in their possession. If you choose not to reimburse the non insured buyers can you get a written statment from the PO stating what happened. I would want the proof if I were buyer. Susan

 

[Alicnwondrln]

im so sorry but this doesnt surprise me and the post office stinks
my cousin works there and she says its a mess

 

[Rootskate]

The guy on the phone said that they were "investigating" the matter. (apparently, it was more than just my 3 things that were found empty.)
I asked him what good that would do me- he said "none, unless you insured the packages."

 

[Gymbomom]

I had something that came up missing and was never delivered. I told the buyer they did not buy insurance, so sorry!
Well I was reported to ebay and ended up having to refund. I was told by many sellers that is why they do not make insurance optional.
If they paid by Paypal, tehy WILL get their money back...so be forewarned.

 

[jlb]

Make sure you report it to Postal Investigators.

 

[DiscussDisney]

Your best bet is to refund all the buyers explaining what happened. File the 1 insurance claim so that you can recoup some of your money.

The reason I say refund all the buyers, even if uninsured, is that once a buyer files a non-receipt claim, they automatically get a refund, unless you can provide proof of delivery. I am not sure as to whether or not the post office will provide you with any kind of documentation indicating your packages were vandalized.

If you are going to do a lot of shipping, I recommend insuring all your packages with a 3rd party vendor like DSI Insurance. They charge about .50 per 100 of coverage.

Hope everything works out for you!!

 

[disneysteve]

I would definitely refund the money. If I order merchandise from someone and pay for it, I expect to either get the merchandise or get my money back. It's as simple as that.

What about insurance, you may ask? I'm sure others will disagree, but as far as I'm concerned, insurance is to protect the seller, not the buyer. If something happens in shipping, the buyer gets a refund. With an uninsured package, that refund comes out of the seller's pocket. With insurance, the refund comes from the post office.

As a seller, I require insurance on any items of value (more than $10 generally) and fragile items that are more likely to be damaged in shipping. I offer but rarely require insurance on low priced items and items that aren't fragile (books, clothing, etc.).

 

[DiscussDisney]

What about insurance, you may ask? I'm sure others will disagree, but as far as I'm concerned, insurance is to protect the seller, not the buyer. If something happens in shipping, the buyer gets a refund. With an uninsured package, that refund comes out of the seller's pocket. With insurance, the refund comes from the post office.

ITA. Others will not agree, but that is why I insure with a 3rd party. For .50 a package, I have peace of mind. All my auctions state insurance is included and I tack on the .50 as part of my handling charge.

 

[Rootskate]

I really wasn't asking whether or not to refund their money. I just got through doing that. I was more or less asking "Who is going to believe this?!"

Needless to say, I won't be sending out any more packages through the post office.

Thank you all for listening to my rant.

 

[my3kids]

If the post office called you and they admit it happened, I have to think that after some sort of postal inspector investigation that you will find out more about what happened....maybe even getting your money back on the uninsured items.

 

[iggbees]

i just called to find out when an order of mine that i placed online was coming in. it had shipped on the 19th of october and still had not gotten here. it was supposed to arrive on the 27th. i found out that it was tracked to springfield, ma and it never left there. i don't understand, i mean, i've never had a problem before! i'm still so annoyed about it, but i'm glad i called, the refunded my money because they didn't have any left in stock.

 

[tnhillbilly]

Check with the local police. Someone stole something. You can fill out a report and they will contact the post office. You will have proof to send to your buyers, and with the police looking into it maybe the post office will be a little nicer to you.

 

[magicmato]

Your local PD can do nothing, since the post office is a federal branch and out of their jurisdiction. Mail tampering is a federal crime. You have to deal with the Post Office Investigative branch to get it looked at.

 

[tlmcmurray]

This is why I always get a printed receipt from the P.O. when I send out packages. If you have proof that the package was sent then you are NOT responsible for refunds. This is why people can buy insurance. I have had this happen MANY times. I have even had envelopes slit at the bottom to remove things.

Sorry this happened to you.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

OMG, did someone in the Post Office do this.

Who can you trust now a days?

Things happen unfortunately.

I shipped items home while on vacation in Paris. The package never came. It actually made it to the United states and I received a portion of the box with the address--box cuttered perfectly.

Since there was no postage--and it was in a postal service envelope--somebody in the postal service made out with some nice souvenirs.

All you can do is file a claim. I did. Never heard a word.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I do not know this for fact, but I would think that the post office would have to somehow compensate you if their employee stole your stuff. I mean, this goes beyond the unfortunate damaged package and enters the realm of their mis-protection of your goods.

Unless insured--they are liable for nothing.

HOwever--if caught--the employee would be charged criminally.

The post office would not pay for the items though without insurance.