what is the proper protocol

I understand this inclination. I can say that the company with whom I had this transaction has stellar customer service, and is one of the most highly regarded manufacturers in the high end industry. Communication was excellent, and I never had any doubt of a satisfactory outcome.

exactly - it's the total package that counts.

I am in the camp that believes an item belongs to the seller until it is properly delivered to the buyer in the as-described condition. All shipping/insurance issues are the seller's, in the absence of a prior agreement with the buyer to the contrary. I would promptly refund the buyer for goods lost in shipping, as soon as it was reasonably determined the item was lost. This highlights the importance of using a shipping method with tracking for all but very low cost items.

"as soon as it was reasonably determined the item was lost"

I'd agree with that too - it should take no more than a week or so to file a claim and have the shipping company admit that it is lost and start a search. In the case I described, I was able to have fedex redirect the package to a new address after it was found (over a month and many phone later) so the ability to redirect the lost package (at least at fedex) should provide protection for the seller and allow for a much quicker refund to the buyer.

Bdgregory,

You missed the first part of my response ("unless otherwise agreed to"). I guarantee that if you litigate the matter, a majority of courts will conclude that the buyer bears the risk.

NT