eBay shipping policy - too funny not to share
jmlanzaf
Posts: 35,192 ✭✭✭✭✭
This is probably not a coin problem as "ShipCover" insurance doesn't cover coins. But this is so funny, that I had to share.
I have the most patient customer in the world, literally, and it is going to cost me.
I shipped a $700 comic book on December 31st using eBay international standard with ShipCover insurance. It arrived in "UK customs" on January 9th, then nothing.
In mid-February, the customer messaged me and inquired. He was very patient. I looked into it and told him I had had a comic book in the fall take 2 months to clear customs. I checked with eBay and EBAY POLICY WILL NOT ALLOW A CLAIM TO BE FILED FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ESTIMATED DELIVERY DATE. [emphasized for importance.] The estimated delivery date was February 1st so there was nothing official to do until March 2nd.
On March 3rd, the customer reached out again. I called around. No one can figure out where it is so I called eBay. eBay told me THAT MY INSURANCE & THE CUSTOMERS DELIVERY GUARANTEE EXPIRED 30 DAYS AFTER THE ESTIMATED DELIVERY DATE.
That is deliciously funny, isn't it? It's kind of 2 companies with ShipCover involved, but the CS people didn't seem to see the inherent contradiction in the 2 policies. I asked the one, "was there an hour before midnight on the 2nd when I should have done something?" She didn't laugh.
Bottom line: Shipcover insurance is useless for lost packages.
Comments
@jmlanzaf... Thanks for the alert. I have not had occasion to use Shipcover, but the need could arise... now it will not. Hope the product turns up.... Cheers, RickO
Well, you're okay if the item breaks. But the non-delivery is a problem.
It should eventually make its way back to you. Just may take a long time. Fill out as many of those lost package claims as you can. Sometimes you just need a little grease to keep the wheels moving.
NEVER EVER ship directly overseas.... ALWAYS use Ebay's Global shipping service. Once the item is received at Ebay's shipping hub in Kentucky, you are covered for non delivery and damage. Twice I had items arrive at their overseas destination damaged, I put in a claim with Ebay and the buyer was given a full refund from Ebay and I was allowed to keep the proceeds from the sale.
I wouldn’t give up hope yet..
Royal Mail had cyber attack in January, everything is a mess and delayed for all international parcels.
If they fail to honor the insurance I would file a claim with the state's consumer affairs department or even use small claims court which I have found useful for what looks like fraud to me.
This is ebay standard. The problem is that it's NOT direct.
This would also not be a problem for damage. It is the non- delivery. Check the terms on ebay global and you might find the same problem as it is the same insurer.
I haven't given up hope. It's the 30/30 problem that is funny????
Just one more of the many reasons we quit doing international years ago. Haven't missed it either.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
Not strictly an international problem. It's a shipcover problem. [Although it is easier to use USPS insurance domestically. ]
thats just plain sad. (yes, there is a funny side as well)
I remember using ShipCover a time or two years ago. Didn't take long to figure out it was all but useless.
I read an article where a decedent in Great Britain just received a letter sent and dated during WWI. Hopefully it turns up and not 100 years later.
USAF (Ret.) 1985 - 2005. E-4B Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief and Contracting Officer.
My current Registry sets:
✓ Everyman Mint State Carson City Morgan Dollars (1878 – 1893)
✓ Everyman Mint State Lincoln Cents (1909 – 1958)
✓ Morgan Dollar GSA Hoard (1878 – 1891)