royal mail - stolen watch

billyfenlon

hi hope someone can help.

i sold a watch on wed, my first sale on ebay.

posted recorded delivery yesterday and arrived (didnt) today. The buyer has rang me first thing to say the padded envelope was empty when he opened it. I asked him to look closely at the envelope and he realised it had been sliced across the top.

I have checked the buyers feedback and he has around 700 positive, he also soundy very genuine.

I have no doubt someone in royal mail has helped themselves.

What do I do?

I needed this money to pay our electric and part of the rent, we are literally on our knees. Feel like crying and cant even face the wife to tell her whats happened.

StaffsSW

Recorded covers you up to £39 compensation in the event of loss or damage - was the watch worth more or less than this?

colony

Don't panic.

Something has happened here.

A. You're right, royal mail have robbed you.

B. The guy is a scammer. Scammers aren't always obvious, so don't just assume.

I would ring Royal mail and explain the situation. If you just sent recorded you should be insured up to £39 I think. If you sent special delivery, it's more. If you can claim, then you should consider refunding his money. If not, or you cannot claim the same amount as the watch sold for, then don't refund immediately.

It's not your fault what has happened, and after a chat with Roayl Mail it should all become clear. Good luck.

billyfenlon

the watch was worth around £250 and I sold it for £200.

I should have posted special delivery but didnt have enough to pay the extra postage

colony

That's unfortunate.

Maybe you could have some kind of agreement with the buyer? If he paid by credit card, he could do a chargeback?

steviebabes

I would be very suspicious of your buyer knowing the value. 700 positives means nothing if they only buy. I would enter the tracking into paypal to delay matters.

lesw

Royal Mail Recorded Signed for will not pay compensation for money, jewellery or valuables, check your Post Office receipt it will say this. Sorry.

billyfenlon

it was my first sale on ebay and paypal are holding the funds until I get a postive feedback. so a charge back is usless, I think.

I reallt wanted good feedback as got loads of stuff ready to sale but this could screw everything up.

To be honest if I didnt live 500 miles away I would be at his door, the local sorting office and have the police questioning the postman.

colony

steviebabes wrote: »

I would be very suspicious of your buyer knowing the value. 700 positives means nothing if they only buy. I would enter the tracking into paypal to delay matters.

I agree.

I would go so far as to say it's up to the buyer to prove it's gone missing in the post.

billyfenlon

lesw wrote: »

Royal Mail Recorded Signed for will not pay compensation for money, jewellery or valuables, check your Post Office receipt it will say this. Sorry.

Ive just noticed this while reading my reciept. Guess im totally F*****.

billyfenlon

when i think about it, i asked the guy had the envelope been damaged and his first response was no not at all. I then said surelt it must have been opened or cut and he then said "oh yeah its been cut along the top"

is that suspicous?