Package damaged due to seller negligence (2024)

FAQs

Package damaged due to seller negligence? ›

The seller is wrong, shipping insurance is to protect the seller not the buyer. The seller is responsible for getting the item safely to the buyer.

Thankfully, the question of who's at fault for damaged merchandise is an easy one to answer. Unless a prior arrangement between the buyer and seller has been agreed upon or some fine print excuses them of damages, the seller is responsible—at least initially—for the damaged product.

In most cases, the shipping carriers are responsible for the damaged contents. Still, the customer often considers you, the seller, responsible for the bad experience. The last thing you should do is test their patience with a complicated refund process.

The seller is responsible to the buyer, so if the item is lost or damaged during shipping, the seller will refund the buyer.

Package Damage means damage to the carton or other packaging associated with a unit of Inventory, but not to the Inventory itself.

The seller will always be responsible for the package containing their product until it gets to the purchaser. This essentially means that as an e-commerce seller, you are responsible for the package until it is officially delivered– even though the package is no longer in your possession.

Either the sender or the recipient may file a claim for insured mail that is lost, arrived damaged, or was missing contents. The person filing must have the original mailing receipt. Each claim must be filed within a certain time period and include proof of insurance, value, and damage.

Ask the courier to fill out a damage report upon delivery. Inspect the package and document the damage with photographs or videos. File a damage claim procedure, providing all the required information. Stay in contact with the carrier or logistics provider for updates about your claim.

The USPS® liability is restricted to lost, damaged, and/or missing content claims for the following products: Insured Mail (includes any mail class purchased with Insurance, i.e. First-Class Mail® or Priority Mail®) Registered Mail.

Refusing to take the goods in this situation will likely only cost you even more money in the long run, since you could be on the line for further shipping costs. Do not turn the driver away, instead, as counter-intuitive as it might seem, accept the freight, damages and all.

Who pays for return shipping if an item is damaged? ›

Who pays for return shipping? The seller pays for return shipping if they offer a free returns policy or if the item was damaged, faulty, or doesn't match the listing description.

If your insured mailing has been lost or damaged in transit, you may file an insurance claim: Online: Go to www.usps.com⁄help⁄claims. htm for information on USPS domestic insurance. By mail: Call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) to have a claim form mailed to you.

Often, it's up to the seller or retailer to ensure that you receive your package. Thus, anything that happens in transit is the responsibility of the seller; they are responsible if the package is lost or damaged during transit, and usually must replace it or give a reimbursem*nt.

Register your complaint in the Post Office where transaction has taken place and get acknowledgement.

You will want to contact the carrier as soon as you notice any damage, and follow their instructions on how to file a claim. If your cargo gets damaged during transport, you'll need to contact your shipping company and notify them of the damages. The shipping company will then give you instructions on how to proceed.

In cases where goods are damaged in the carrier's possession, but no misconduct or negligence is involved, the carrier's insurance should cover the losses. Upon discovering damaged goods, the receiving party should request a carrier inspection via phone and submit a written request.

If your insured mailing has been lost or damaged in transit, you may file an insurance claim: Online: Go to www.usps.com⁄help⁄claims.htm for information on USPS domestic insurance. By mail: Call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) to have a claim form mailed to you.

Often, it's up to the seller or retailer to ensure that you receive your package. Thus, anything that happens in transit is the responsibility of the seller; they are responsible if the package is lost or damaged during transit, and usually must replace it or give a reimbursem*nt.

The Bottom Line

FOB shipping point holds the seller liable for the goods until the goods begin their transport to the customer, while FOB destination holds the seller liable for the goods until they have reached the customer. International Chamber of Commerce. “Incoterms® 2020.” International Chamber of Commerce.

The Role of Carriers in Shipping Liability

Carriers are responsible for delivering your item safely and in good condition. They are also legally responsible for any damage or loss that occurs during transit, unless the damage was caused by an act of God or something outside of their control.