Ebay dilemma...HELP!
I thought I saw something about the USPS offering a certain value coverage on some of their parcels now??? Probably dreaming or they've changed it again along with all the other loop holes, size and weight requirements etc. that all cost more and more. Don't even get me going on International shipping!!!!
I'm with the others here. Get actual pictures of the part. Make sure to specify that the pictures need to be clear and of the damage present. Also pictures of the box etc. Then compare to what you sent and decide from there as far as your part. If you never offered coverage on the USPS shipping, advised purchase of it or explained that you would not be responsible for any damages if coverage was not purchased then that might be something to consider on how you feel about helping the guy out if it did indeed get damaged.
If no coverage and no real proof (pics etc.) of damage can be provided to the USPS then I doubt you will get anywhere. Most string you along until you give up and they don't have to mess with you.
Funnily, the UPS $100 auto coverage is loop hole filled too. Someone mentioned the double boxed part. I'm in the local UPS store all the time and I've never seen them double box anything people are shipping with them.....
The new eBay system for feedback is a real waste for a seller. Supposedly you do have recourse if a buyer is trying to pull a fast one through the claim process. As far as your feedback goes, even if the buyer leaves you a neutral that still changes your percentage. Ebay takes your feedback number and divides it by all the positives, neutrals and negatives that you receive. So, in essence a neutral IS a negative for you.
I've pretty much mellowed or honestly I've just reached the point of being past caring really with all the eBay site changes, fees etc. I still just take care of people as I've always done and just see what happens. At the moment I have 2,600 plus positive feedbacks with only one negative from an International buyer who said they had not received their item. Amazingly left the feedback the day after the confirmation of delivery shows that they received the item! Just a matter now of whatever whim the buyer has as far as feedback left. Even so, makes my feedback 99.7 percent or some such with their NEW math.
Get the proof pics and go from there. If you get a song and dance about not being able to provide pictures, not having a digital camera (look to see if they've sold anything on eBay, no digi cam? how did they get the pics for the listing?), threw the box away etc. etc. then just let them know up front that the pictures are a vital part in your being able to do anything to help them out.
Best of luck with it.