First ever USPS Claim, what to expect?
Proofmorgan
Posts: 915 ✭✭✭✭✭
I sold a roll of 40% Kennedys on eBay for $204 a few weeks ago. Packaged well. Made it to the local distribution center a day later and never left. I put in a lost mail search a week ago. Sometimes that moves it along. No go. So I put in a claim.
I just had the standard ground advantage $100
Insurance so that’s all I requested. I attached the proof of the sale and buyers info.
I’ve sent a few hundred packages and never an issue so insuring them fully didn’t seem worth it until I get into higher values.
What happens next?
I’ve heard all kinds of nightmare stories here. If I remember right some have had claims denied because they were under insured, even though they requested the actual amount of insurance paid for. Also, possible exclusions for coins/bullion?
Let me know what I’m in for. I’d at least like to get half my money back if possible.
Comments
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance.
USPS DMM Section 609, Sub-Section 4.1.m:
Link: https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm
numismatic items
You may have to argue that it is a numismatic item if they go with the "bullion" definition. It's generally a little bit of a nuisance, but not nearly as bad as some here suggest.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
No happy endings.
There are many happy endings, despite the fact that there are also many unhappy beginnings.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
There are also many unhappy endings despite the fact that there are also many happy beginnings.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
You can trust USPS provided shipping is via Registered Mail. Otherwise you are rolling the dice.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/gold/liberty-head-2-1-gold-major-sets/liberty-head-2-1-gold-basic-set-circulation-strikes-1840-1907-cac/alltimeset/268163
March of Time - 27 Centuries in Gold
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=36590
I had a $1200 shipment go south when it got to its destination. But since it was "signed for" they said it was delivered.
I got nutting. Not to be a negative nellie, but my guess is you will too.
Red finds it best when reading @MFeld to simply nod his head in agreement and attempt to decipher what he wrote at a later time (after an Old Fashion or a Whiskey Sour).
Did eBay buyer say they did not receive item? Have you already refunded them? I ask because sometimes tracking does not always get recorded but still delivered.
You have eBay sale price and tracking number so should get the $100.
What happens next is you get a letter with a check or a paragraph saying why they denied claim and how you appeal their decision.
I’m guessing they will not get fussy about what to them is a small claim.
The $100 will come, but of course not quickly.
30+ years coin shop experience (ret.) Coins, bullion, currency, scrap & interesting folks. Loved every minute!
Yeah the buyer reached out to ask the status. Thankfully an understanding person.
What kind of turnaround to get paid on these claims?
Can you clarify with how you actually packaged it? You may have felt it was "well" but it may not have been...
Was this in a box? USPS box? Taped at all? Well stuff so nothing would shift?
Again, how was it actually packaged? Movement during the shipping process can be brutal
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Doubled up bubble mailer and then completely taped over. I’ve sent several rolls this way without issue. It made it to the distribution center 30 miles away and stayed at “Arrived” ever since. The way I package them, it takes a knife and some time to get into it. But I’m sure anything can happen in a sorting center.
My experience with USPS insurance claims is negative.
As J-roc said, it's important to file the claim under collectibles and not just coins or bullion and if it's 100% certain that the item will not be delivered to the buyer, I would issue the refund now. This might take a couple months , frankly, it may turn out to be more of a headache than its worth for $100 but no harm in trying.
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You should be good, since the proof of payment came from ebay. I was not considered "adequate payment proof" with a canceled check from the buyer.
You never really know what will happen! Had one recently where eBay seller shipped to me and package disappeared. Unfortunately the seller did not have the package scanned at drop off and therefore, there were no scans at all. Seller kindly refunded me $400 through eBay after 2 weeks. Package showed up about 2 months later. Oddly, eBay had no mechanism to reverse the refund, so I had to message the seller and pay via Zelle. The seller was thrilled and i was happy to have the package.
False. Two inbound Registered packages missing within the past three years.
As for what the OP can expect? Expect to hate the USPS more than you already do.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Not false for me as I have never encountered any problems with incoming or outgoing registered mail.
Packages sent via other USPS shipping services frequently arrive with rips, cuts and fist sized holes.
At least there are consequences within USPS for registered mail going missing.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/gold/liberty-head-2-1-gold-major-sets/liberty-head-2-1-gold-basic-set-circulation-strikes-1840-1907-cac/alltimeset/268163
March of Time - 27 Centuries in Gold
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=36590
I had three bad experiences last year. The first one took three appeals to get $100 back. The third one I didn’t even file a claim because it’s not worth the time and aggravation involved with dealing with them. Best of luck to you. I will never deal with their claims process again.
I’ve had two USPS claims, both as a Seller on eBay. The most recent was around 10 years ago, so it’s been awhile. Both claims went through without a hitch. No issues at all, just paperwork and some waiting.
Good luck!
Dave
Wish me luck as well, as I just filed a claim last week for $48.
Official PCGS account of:
www.TallahasseeCoinClub.com