Oh Heck! French buyer has opened a dispute!

Norma_Desmond

UPDATE!
Well, thanks for your suggestions everyone (including knightstyle!).
I received the photos from the buyer and the item / packaging IS wrecked despite it having been in yards of bubblewrap, tons of foam bits and TWO strong boxes with 'fragile' all over them!
I've refunded him in full - he was actually very polite in the end and has 300+ 100% feedback, so I told him not to bother to send the item back and dispose of it how he wishes.
I will start a claim with Royal Mail, but as yesleck points out, the damage most likely happened in France so I may just have to put up with the loss. (ouch!).
I would love to know how the French postal system can totally crush a package and break a small solid bronze figure in two! :mad:

Astec

I wouldn't ask them to dispose of it yet, maybe it's better if they can keep hold whilst the claim is in process in case either postal service wants it as proof.

Refund is the right thing to do though, it's a shame for you but hopefully you can claim it back.

Norma_Desmond

Good point, but I'd imagine the buyer might try to repair it; they were clean breaks from the look of the photos - I think I'd have a go if it were me as it was 'free' after all.

angel00079

I am glad you got the photos. It is not good as you will probably not win the claim but there is nothing worse than thinking you may have been scammed.

I think if the damage had been done in the UK it would have been bad to send it on. I am not sure how it works but if it was that badly damaged in the UK would they still send it on? Perhaps someone with RM know how will have something to add.