Shipping - Who's Resposible for Receipt of Item?


Small item transaction. Buyer sent funds and I shipped the item regular post with tracking. The on-line tracking indicates the item was received, but the buyer does not acknowledge receipt. If the item does not show up, what is the next step? Do I refund his money and I take the hit for the lost item, or is he responsible. Looking for advice.
brf
Tvad, alright, how about this? In my situation the shipper and receiver did not agree on shipping terms before hand. I e-mailed the sender and asked him to send a tracking number when he shipped. He sent me a tracking number. When I checked out the tracking number, I was shocked to see that the package had already been delivered. I never told him to ship with no signature required. I never told him to ship UPS. There were no shipping discussions before hand.

How can the shipping companies obligation be fulfilled? How do I know the idiot driver even left it at the right address. Sure, it could be theft, but it could be a mistake by the driver too. The shipping company has to have some liability.

While I agree that AudiogoN's polocies are a paper tiger, they will not help you re-coup lost money, they can cancel a member's membership. I've seen this done firsthand. Sure, you can come back under another e-mail address and moniker, but the moniker you have is dead.

BTW, I know a member who just purchased a expensive preamp and the box was all oily when he opened it. The oil caps had leaked. The seller claims no liability in this case too. No refund, no repair charge. Nice, huh? So it's a seller's market now I guess.

Let the buyer beware.

John
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03-23-07: Tvad
It's a question of due diligence on the part of both parties.

I still think the shipping company has some liability.
Should one of the two parties get screwed if the shipping company delivers to the wrong house/apt? I can see how the shipping company wouldn't want liability in case of theft, but I think the shipping company should have to prove that they delivered to the correct address. They may have the correct address on record, but who here hasn't received their neighbor's mail? Obviously, occasionally, the delivery person makes a mistake. Shouldn't the shipping company be held liable for the mistakes of their employees?
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Well the mystery has been solved. The box was delivered to the wrong address. My neighbor gave the box to my son last night. It took so long because my neighbor is moving and doesn't live at this address much anymore. FWIW, the box was labeled with the correct address 2432 XXXX. It was delivered to 2425 XXXX. These are all single homes, and do not look alike at all. Not apartments, condominuims, or even a development. So UPS screwed up big time, it still pisses me off that they have no accountability for the actions of their employees.

But, in this case anyway, all's well that ends well.

John