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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4227
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | I though I might go fishing for some advice. Some of you may remember that I sold an '89 Collectors on the 'bay about a month ago. Here's a link...
Closed auction
To make a long story short, it was not received in the condition in which it was shipped. :mad: (I shipped insured via USPS Priority mail from Poughkeepsie, NY to Buffalo, NY.)
Admittedly, it was not pristine when it shipped, but it was definitely not in the condition that the buyer's pictures showed. Basically, it's flat top developed a noticeable bridge bubble, and two cracks appeared on the back of the headstock. According to the buyer, the action is now so high, that it's almost unplayable. :eek: (Something he regrets, as he says the tone is still outstanding, especially for an SSB.)
Anyway, I gave his money back and filed a claim. I found out today that the claim was denied (Natch!) :mad: :mad: :mad:
So here's the question, now that I'm stuck with it, do I fix it or sell it as is? I actually have not received it back yet. It is being held at the Post Office while I decide whether or not to appeal.
I swear, I don't think I've ever put this much effort and angst into a few hundred dollars before. :rolleyes: What a pain!! :mad: |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Appeal! |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Patch, did the PO inspect the guitar and the packaging, or did they just blow you off without looking at the evidence? I would keep after it. Eventually you should wear them down. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1673
Location: SoCal | Patch,
Priority Mail is usually one of the safest ways. As Stephen once told me, your box is usually the biggest one on the truck.
Do you have photos showing that these issues did not exist prior to shipping?
How was the guitar packed?
Was there any damage to the box? |
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Joined:
July 2007
Posts: 325
Location: Texas | Patch - I had a similar thing happen though it was not a guitar - They -USPS- didn't even send me a "denied" notice - they just ingored my claim. I kept making a pest out of myself and finally got my money back. Don't give up - if you have the receipt for insurance - they had to pay you. The squeaky wheel gets the oil! |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4227
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Thanks for all the replies so far.
USPS did inspect the packaging; that's the problem. They admit it was well packed. They also say the condition of the package shows no obvious damage, so "it wasn't the fault of USPS personnel." (I bet if the box had caved in, they would have said the packaging was insufficient, so it still wasn't their fault. :rolleyes: )
I don't have photos that show the "before" state of affairs. I also have "post" pictures from the buyer. I do have the eBay ad with it's description and my 100% positive feedback rating showing plainly. I'll right a letter and send everything I have to appeal. So there goes another month! :mad:
I'm trying to remain professional with these negotiations, though I've caved a little and told one rep that USPS has too much competition to make things this difficult and frustrating! (SIGH!)
Anyway, I appreciate the support folks. Thanks for everything. :cool:
Patrick |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | my rule of thumb
the post office does best with mail
fed ex does best with overnight letters
ups does packages |
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Looking for some input about shipping damage
