Item damaged in the post

SoozyJ22

I'm having a clear out and recently sold two vinyl records to a guy in Denmark. I knew this had potential for trouble when he left a note on his Paypal payment saying "PLEASE pack these 7"s very safe as I'm a collector of MINT items only thanks.".

I packed them in the cardboard mailing envelope that the larger record was sent to me in (one was 10", one 7"). I've both sent and received records in these kind of envelopes before with no problems, including receiving from shops and other organisations that send out thousands of records every year so I figured this would be sufficient.

He's now emailed me saying "I got the 7" and 10" today thanks but come on... You didn't even put in protective cardboard to stiffen the package and now the 10" has a big bend corner in the top left of the sleeve.

As I ONLY collect MINT vinyl and covers I would like to return this for a new copy or a full refund."

His attitude is not endearing me to him at all, but while I don't feel it was my fault it was damaged, it wasn't his either. I don't have another copy so will have to ask him to return for a refund.

What I was wondering is if there's any way I can claim from Royal Mail for the damage? The record sold for £16 and I can try re-selling but won't get as much (if anything) since it's no longer mint condition. I don't suppose it helps that this was an international transaction and could have been damaged either by RM or the Danish post office.

If anyone can advise on the refund process too, that would be helpful as this is the first time I've done this. Am I ok to just do a partial refund of his payment (corresponding to the amount for the item he's returning plus part of the postage) or do I have to do anything else to cover myself? Is there a way of getting my ebay fees back too?

Thanks!

twinmom04

your claim is with Royal Mail even if it was damaged in Denmark. make sure that when you get him to send it back he also encloses the original packaging. you need to complete a international damage claim form enclosing all original copies of your postal reciept etc.

NIC26

You have to refund the buyer item cost + original postage. You do not have to refund return postage if you're a private seller. However most sellers refund return postage for damaged items to avoid negative feedback & buyer complaints. With regards to recouping fees, it's a case of asking the buyer to agree to a mutual cancellation since the sale has not completed. The buyer has the option of declining this.

custardy

If are talking about a crease in a record sleeve?
you realise RM are unlikely to entertain that?

even if it was damamged,this is the required packaging

Records (vinyl discs) Place between thick card and surround with cushioning material at least 2.5cm longer than the item. Wrap in strong paper, seal with tape and clearly mark package RECORDS - DO NOT BEND.

SoozyJ22

I did suspect that would be the case custardy, with regards to them not being interested.

But those guidelines for packaging are crazy. Every time I've received a vinyl record in the post before (from established shops or fan clubs who send out lots of these things) they're just sent in a thick cardboard envelope the same size as the record. And I've never had any problems at all. I've also then sold these items and sent them all over the world in the same packaging and again not had any problems.

custardy

SoozyJ22 wrote: »

I did suspect that would be the case custardy, with regards to them not being interested.

But those guidelines for packaging are crazy. Every time I've received a vinyl record in the post before (from established shops or fan clubs who send out lots of these things) they're just sent in a thick cardboard envelope the same size as the record. And I've never had any problems at all. I've also then sold these items and sent them all over the world in the same packaging and again not had any problems.

yes,and most of the time thats fine
however I have seen records snapped in those packages too

items are moved in these

http://www.envosort.co.uk/york-roll-container-476.html

albeit with fabric liners for loose items
note the carry capacity