Home U.S. Coin Forum

Ebay/Post Office claim

i just posted this below- but hey, It's stressful. Post office lost or decided to keep the gold coin I sold on eBay. I have insurance for the cost of the sale (over $2000). eBay won't pay the claim- saying since the post office didnt get a signature there is no coverage- post office didn't get a signature but marked it as delivered- buyer claimed didn't receive it, and post office denied claim! When I call they say it was delivered?

They then say to appeal after I point out there is no signature and it was to an apt building (and signatures are required on items over 200$). So mad. Over 30 phone calls over the last 3 weeks and they DENY the claim? Now they tell me to wait 60 days for the appeal. the signature page is BLANK. just keeping my fingers crossed they'll pay it but for now- I'm out 2000$!!! This is the most frustrated I've been as a coin collector.

anybody know anybody at the post office who can speed this up/ensure they don't deny the appeal?

-------------------------
This is so fun
This is so fun

Comments

  • segojasegoja Posts: 6,136 ✭✭✭✭
    That bites! Hope you win your appeal.
    JMSCoins Website Link


    Ike Specialist

    Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986

    image
  • UNLVinoUNLVino Posts: 416
    Sorry, I don't but understand panic of mail issues. Fortunately it worked out for me, I was buyer, but live in house where we have a mailbox cluster - showed delivered, but I didn't get. Mailman put in a parcel bin but never put key in my mailbox. When I stalked the mailman, there it was. Maybe have your buyer stalk mailman to see if same thing happened. Hope it works out!
  • TomBTomB Posts: 21,323 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If I follow correctly, you sent it viaFirst Class, Insured mail for $2,000 coverage. Did you also get Signature Confirmation? Regardless, at $2,000 coverage it would have been less expensive to ship via Registered Mail. I'm not slamming anyone, I'm just trying to follow what services were purchased.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • lcoopielcoopie Posts: 8,873 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I don't understand,
    every time I get an insured delivery a signature is needed

    does that mean that the sender is requesting a signature specifically in addition to the insurance?
    LCoopie = Les
  • CoinlearnerCoinlearner Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭✭
    Had something very similar. It will take awhile and your not letting it go........ Lost Silver Bar Edited to add. See your fairly new here. Searching the forum(ONE WORD or Two in Search Box works best) for similar posts helped me then and may be worthwhile.
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,088 ✭✭✭✭✭
    What does the insurance tracking number say when they look it up? For that amount of insurance, a signature is/was required. Frankly, it isn't very smart to pay THAT MUCH for shipping when the security isn't commensurate. Use registered and don't fret over how fast the buyer will get it. Cover your ass first, other's asses second.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • deviousdevious Posts: 1,690
    If insurance is 200 dollars or more, signature is automatic.

    Added to say: If the insurance is less than 200, a shipper can still request signature confirmation as a separate request on top of the <200 insurance.

  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,703 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Some carriers will "sign" for you as a courtesy so they can avoid customer contact, too..

    Edit to add: I've always used Express Mail for large (over 2K) orders...the insurance is a lot cheaper for Express vs Priority and the package is in the system for a shorter time frame (NY to CA in 24 hours or less, usually). I know registered is supposedly the safest method but for paypal purchases where buyers can now file INR claims in like 4 days, I find Express Mail a better option.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • 19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,491 ✭✭✭✭
    Hmmmm.



    << <i>Post office lost or decided to keep the gold coin I sold on eBay. >>


    With statements like this, I think I'd wanna make you wait 60 days as well since it appears as if you're being accusatory yet not very communicative.

    The details of your transaction are barely discernable and as such, I just do not know how much of this USPS/eBay flaming I really want to believe where you do not share at least partially in the responsibility of the package getting "lost". (or kept by the Post Office).

    IF you assumed that because the insurance was so high that a signature would be required yet did not fork over the $2.15 for signature confirmation, you may have made the wrong assumption.
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • derrybderryb Posts: 36,937 ✭✭✭✭✭
    did your postage fees include signature required at delivery? If not consider this an expensive lesson. If so, stay on top of the post office, involve your congressman. congressional inquiries at any government agency get quick attention.

    The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong

  • I didn't make any accusations. When I purchased the insurance with priority mail ($30 for the insurance) the postal clerk told me that it could only be delivered to a signature. If you think I deserve to have over $2000 lost, well, you aren't very nice. I have a copy of the delivery record and it has a blank signature- which is why eBay decided in the buyer's favor. They said "we require a signature for seller protection". I told them I had signature required but since there was no signature obtained, they said to take it up with the post office. I haven't posted this before but I saw the other post about the post office not paying claims. It's been a catch-22: need insurance in case it doesn't get delivered, no signature so no eBay coverage, post office saying "our records show it was delivered". Local post office branch: "our fault, file a claim- somebody filling in must have left it somewhere and then marked it delivered.". Post claims: "our records show delivered.". LOL. It's funny but it's over $2000, so.... I know it's just money but it's been a headache.
    This is so fun
  • The postage fees included signature at delivery- apparently it's a new policy : all insured articles over $200 have to be signed for. Any way- just letting everybody know what can happen image
    This is so fun
  • grote15grote15 Posts: 29,703 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I didn't make any accusations. When I purchased the insurance with priority mail ($30 for the insurance) the postal clerk told me that it could only be delivered to a signature. If you think I deserve to have over $2000 lost, well, you aren't very nice. I have a copy of the delivery record and it has a blank signature- which is why eBay decided in the buyer's favor. They said "we require a signature for seller protection". I told them I had signature required but since there was no signature obtained, they said to take it up with the post office. I haven't posted this before but I saw the other post about the post office not paying claims. It's been a catch-22: need insurance in case it doesn't get delivered, no signature so no eBay coverage, post office saying "our records show it was delivered". Local post office branch: "our fault, file a claim- somebody filling in must have left it somewhere and then marked it delivered.". Post claims: "our records show delivered.". LOL. It's funny but it's over $2000, so.... I know it's just money but it's been a headache. >>



    Unfortunately, you can take all the right precautions, but signature required doesn't mean a darn thing if the package is delivered but never signed for (happens to me on a regular basis and I could make a killing filing false claims for non-receipt) or the carrier "signs" for you and either steals it or misdelivers it or leaves it on the porch for someone to walk off with it. In this case, I can't imagine how the USPS would deny your claim if it clearly shows that no signature was obtained at delivery. Unfortunately, you have to be tenacious with these claims as any agency like the PO is going to stonewall you in hopes you will just give up.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
  • CoinlearnerCoinlearner Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭✭
    May want to turn your private message on (Little lock icon) in case someone wants to message you..... Check my link in this thread and my headache adventure. Denied is common,appeal and write postal inspector. Search forum history for similar trouble
  • Thanks for your story too- I am hopeful they will see the light in the appeal- I was shocked at the denial in the first place. Okay maybe not shocked- sickened is probably more accurate. lol - how do you turn the little lock on?
    This is so fun
  • jt88jt88 Posts: 3,037 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If the package is insured for 2K then signature is required by USPS even you did not buy it. I understand why ebay don't pay for it because no signature but USPS should require the signature.
  • jt88jt88 Posts: 3,037 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I didn't make any accusations. When I purchased the insurance with priority mail ($30 for the insurance) the postal clerk told me that it could only be delivered to a signature. If you think I deserve to have over $2000 lost, well, you aren't very nice. I have a copy of the delivery record and it has a blank signature- which is why eBay decided in the buyer's favor. They said "we require a signature for seller protection". I told them I had signature required but since there was no signature obtained, they said to take it up with the post office. I haven't posted this before but I saw the other post about the post office not paying claims. It's been a catch-22: need insurance in case it doesn't get delivered, no signature so no eBay coverage, post office saying "our records show it was delivered". Local post office branch: "our fault, file a claim- somebody filling in must have left it somewhere and then marked it delivered.". Post claims: "our records show delivered.". LOL. It's funny but it's over $2000, so.... I know it's just money but it's been a headache. >>



    Let's make this clear, did you buy signature confirmation? If you did buy that I don't think ebay can deny your protection. If you did not buy the signature then ebay can deny your protection since signature confirmation is require for over $200.
  • CoinlearnerCoinlearner Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭✭
    " - how do you turn the little lock on? >>

    Press profile link,then at bottom of page check, allow private messages ,on or off,press on
  • Got it- thanks!
    This is so fun
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,088 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It shouldn't matter if shows delivery or not. If a signature is required and they didn't get it, then USPS screwed up. If I was an arbitrator here, I would rule against them. Does the delivery scan show delivery on or about the "normal" time that delivery would take place for that address? Those requirements are there for a reason, that is to assure delivery to the intended recipient. If the USPS allows their employees to "shortcut" the system then they should cough up when things go wrong.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • derrybderryb Posts: 36,937 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ebay is correct. They require signature confirmation of delivery before they will honor their protection. Purchasing signature confirmation is not the same as having a delivery signature. Your beef is with the PO and don't give up the fight. It's simple - item was insured, a signature was required, PO failed to obtain it and your buyer did not receive the item. As I stated earlier letters to all of your reps in Washington will require a reply to those reps by the PO. How your letter is written (include all the facts) will determine the outcome. You might also mention that there appears to be a growing trend that the PO is denying valid claims to increase revenue, this will get your congressman's attention more than anything and could easily result in an investigation on PO claim denial in general. Congressional inquiries are not taken lightly by federal agencies and require a reply within a limited amount of time. You just need a congressman aking the questions.

    For future reference insured registered mail is much safer and is actually cheaper for items insured for over $750. Everyone that takes possession of the shipment, postal employees as well as end receiver are required to sign for it (chain of custody). PO fires employees who lose registered mail. Explain to your buyer that registered is a bit slower but the safest way to get their purchase to them.

    There are two methods for signature confirmation with registered mail. (1) the regular confirmation that requires the signature confirmatin form at time of handoff to the PO and (2) the lesser known, cheaper "electronic return receipt" which requires no form and is purchased at the counter at time of shipment. Ebay/paypal protection will honor both since the signature becomes viewable online. On-line viewing of proof of delivery is what your protection requires. I have used both forms of proof to win paypal claims. If item is over $250 the on-line viewing must show the receiver's signature. Both methods mentioned will provide this. Your problem is that the PO failed to get the required signature, thus no protection. Registered mail will ensure the mailman gets the required signature or he will be looking for other employment.

    There's a lot more info on registered mail here in the forum as it has special requirements for the shipper. Do a search and learn more.

    The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong

  • TomBTomB Posts: 21,323 ✭✭✭✭✭
    With the additional posts is appears that you did not purchase Signature Confirmation from the USPS. If this is correct, then ebay's PayPal will not side with you since Signature Confirmation is required on all packages over a certain amount (either $200 or $250, if I recall correctly). It does not matter that the USPS states that a signature is required for items insured at levels greater than $200, because the PayPal stance is that they must be able to document the signature electronically and regular Insured mail signatures cannot be documented by the public electronically. However, Signature Confirmation can be documented electronically. In the future, buy Signature Confirmation and you will have the ability to lay a claim via PayPal, too.

    A word of caution should be added. If you choose Registered Mail with insurance then you may only pay something like $18 for a shipment such as this, but the signature obtained via this method will not necessarily satisfy ebay or PayPal. You may not have the ability to combine Registered Mail with Signature Confirmation, but you can combine Registered Mail with Return Receipt in order to obtain electronic proof of signature.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • djmdjm Posts: 1,562 ✭✭✭✭✭
    What you need for the Post Office in order for this claim to ever go forward is a signed affidavide from the buyer stating that the coin was not received at his residence, That is why it is better to have the buyer file the claim.
  • Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 8,268 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Selling big ticket $2000 coins on ebay is both risky and expensive. And if USPS loses an item, good luck in collecting on it.

    I sell the big ticket material over $500 sight seen at shows or to retail clients by appointment. I don't have a problem listing material under $500 in my ebay store. I can make make a much bigger margin on the smaller ticket material so this can offset the cost of using ebay. Big ticket material can be a real dogfight at times to make any kind of decent margin unless you have bullion profits. On top of that we are still in a deep recession which has caused all kind of pain / income stagnation for ordinary working people.

    I send all my ebay shipments with tracking and a green signature card for items over $200-250 as I have no control over the conditions at the delivery point.
    Coins & Currency
  • Thanks everybody- I'll update as to what happens next. It goes without stating that I won't give up! Happy memorial day - true sacrifices and losses honored this weekend all.
    -fly2k
    This is so fun

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file