Some Tips on UPS claims

I have heard that if after you receive something from UPS or Fedex, and there is an operational problem, like a buzz or noise, from dropping or jarring the box, UPS will not cover it. My understanding is that there must be viewable physical damage to the unit and the box. If the box is intact, and some internal components end up malfunctioning from the jarring or dropping they do, you are out of luck. That pretty much sucks.

I bought a receiver off Ebay and it arrived bent and busted up. Fed Ex sez that it may look a bit banged up (buttons smashed off the face plate, handles bent) but probably works just fine so....no settlement. I suppose the next step is sueing them, the before and after pictures speak volumes. And yes, I want the insured amount PLUS shipping, no reason why I should pay for them to use my package as a soccer ball. There ought to be an additional amount awarded for time and frustration having to deal with these clowns that sell you insurance, yet won't honor claims. I often wonder why I pay for insurance, then it dawns on me when they actually lose a package I'll be glad I did. Sure doesn't protect you from damage they inflict on your stuff.

Jeff, definitely file a claim in court (small claims) and that will get you a *definite* timeline to get it resolved. In fact, that should be the first step, file it the same day you file the claim with UPS/FedEx/etc. usually what happens is you get a check a few days before the court date. Also, I'd hassle them daily on their 800#, if it was me. Be the biggest PITA you can - that's how things get done, it seems.

-Ed
(lucky so far, no real damages that haven't been covered eventually)