How do I tell if a shipped item was insured?

[George T]

Ok, so I bought an item from a member on this site and it was shipped via Parcel Post through USPS. I got the item today, left at my door, the box looks like it got ran over by 20 semi's. I dont know if the item was insured or not. The left tail light is broken. So im wondering does the cost of shipping also pay for the insurance? Can I do anything to get money from the USPS since im almost certain it is their fault. Do you guys have any other suggestions?



Thanks,

George T.

 

[Todd Z]

You need to purchase insurance with USPS... They normally stamp a red INSURED stamp on it if it was..



ALSO if you did not ask for insurance, chances it was NOT insured...



IF the person shipping it paid for it, they have a tag # you can use to file a claim..



UPS gives you the first $100 Free of insurance..



Todd Z

 

[Dave S 2]

Insurance through USPS carries an insurance tag with it. Within that tag is a tracking #. If the box didn't have the tag, it ain't insured.



I'd suggest emailing the seller privately to work through your perceived problem though.

 

[Matt Stehle]

it's funny how you can pay for a service, with the option to pay more for them to do it right.



Although I must say USPS has by far been the best for prices and treatment in my experience.

 

[Mark K 2]

I pay extra to have stuff shipped Priority Mail. It's only a few cents more. I have yet to receive a damaged Priority Mail package. Priority Mail is first class mail. Parcel Post is the lowest class you can go (other than library or periodicals rate).

 

[Dave S 2]

mjs:

Treatment? Yes...

Prices??? NO WAY...

Collect insurance??? The worst!!!

 

[George T]

There is no red tag. There is a little red stamp, on the price tag, and there is just a "Priority mail" tag on the box, even though i paid for it to be shipped Parcel Post. So I dont know, I emailed the seller privately, but he has been busy lately and i dont know when he will be able to reply. I mean, they are tail lights, new ones are being sold at about 80, but i got these cheaper.

So I dont know, do you guys think Ill be able to do anything about it? Should I go to the post office tomorrow? Or should I just wait for the seller to reply.

 

[Todd Z]

Honestly if they were not insured I don't think there is any thing that can be done....

You could try the PO and see what they say....



Also if they were not packaged well you could see if the seller is willing to refund something....



I hate shipping stuff, I worry about every single item I ship..



Todd Z

 

[George T]

Yea, ill have to try them and see what they say.

I wouldnt say it was packaged poorly. I mean there was bubble wrap and bags that secured everything pretty good. It just seems that something heavy was dropped on top of the box and the side where the left tail light was. And the bubble wrap was popped and deflated in that region.

Ughh, i hate this. This is the first time that I have had trouble with any shipping service. I will be mad if the USPS dont do anything, and I will have to end up charging the seller and end up with no tail lights