Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Why Would Anybody Ship By USPS?

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Topic: Why Would Anybody Ship By USPS?

Robert Throop
Master Film Handler

Posts: 412
From: Vernon, NY USA
Registered: Jun 99

posted 08-29-2005 10:07 AM

I once sold a turntable on Ebay for $635.00. The buyer was in Hong Kong. I foolishly shipped via USPS. I thought I was protected by their insurance and delivery confirmation. The buyer filed a claim with PayPal saying he didn't receive the parcel. Since USPS doesn't have online tracking for international shipments PayPal made me give a refund of $742.00. I never did get delivery confirmation. I filed an insurance claim with USPS but that was useless. After six months they informed me that the Hong Kong PO said the item was delivered BEFORE the claim was filed. Repeated attempts to contact the buyer failed. He'd changed his email.
You live and learn.
Bob

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Mike Blakesley
Film God

Posts: 12767
From: Forsyth, Montana
Registered: Jun 99

posted 08-29-2005 12:39 PM

UPS claims -- we've processed quite a few over the years so I'm very experienced in that area. The main thing is get your documentation in order -- you have to prove to them what you lost, along with its value. If a package is left at your house without a signature, it's SUPPOSED to be left out of sight -- inside the screen door, on the back porch or wherever. (If you're expecting a UPS package and you know your driver, you might be able to leave a note for him/her where to stash it.) If a package is left and is stolen, or if it gets rained on and ruined, you have a legitimate claim and should get reimbursed. After all it isn't your fault you didn't get it. So file that claim. If you don't get satisfaction, keep going up the managerial ladder until you do.

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Tao Yue
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 209
From: Princeton, NJ
Registered: Apr 2001

posted 08-30-2005 01:12 AM

Scott, Special Fourth Class Mail is more commonly known as "Media Mail." Strictly speaking, film is restricted to 16mm or below, and there is an explicit restriction against mail to and from commercial theater. Realistically, the postal inspectors are much more interested in finding narcotics in the mail than in stuff like this.

Robert, there is no such thing as Delivery Confirmation for international mail. It is a domestic-only service. Also, did you send it via surface mail? Those ships take several weeks to reach Hong Kong from Los Angeles.

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Mike Blakesley
Film God

Posts: 12767
From: Forsyth, Montana
Registered: Jun 99

posted 08-30-2005 01:25 AM

The best thing I've found for sending stuff overseas is "Airmail Letter Post." Despite the name, you can send packages and they arrive in 4 - 8 days. There are size restrictions but since we ship mostly very small items (CDs) I'm not sure what they are. (Look on www.usps.com for details)

Global Priority Mail is nice if you're sending something very small -- $5 flat rate, no matter the weight (up to 4 pounds).

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