damaged vase

[sprinklespowerpuff]

Hi, could I please have some thoughts from experienced sellers on this. Received today 2 ceramic vases. When opened 1 fine, other large crack. In seller's pics on listing no damage at all. Paid for registered post, no insurance. There was some foam inserts round inside of box but not a lot of bubble wrap or other protection on inside top of box. Mailing box was not damaged. No dents, squashing nothing. These only had to come from Toowoomba to Brisbane not the other side of the country. In seller's listing they state will not take responsibility for items damaged in post without insurance. I know AP are picky now about packaging and believe they would say there wasn't sufficient packing. Seller did tape "fragile'' printed sticky tape round box. Postage cost me $17.95, vases were $20. Have sent msg to seller but no response - as yet. Was a few hours ago. I would like to add that I have bought quite a few ceramic/pottery items here and o'seas and never had damage like this. Huge crack. Thanks so much in advance for your help.

[oldworldlady]

It really doesn't matter what the seller put in their listing. If they don't respond to your query, open an 'item significantly not as described dispute with paypal. If you can't come to an agreement , Paypal will decide ;\, and it should be in your favour.

[sprinklespowerpuff]

Thanks for your quick reply, Oldworldlady. Hopefully will hear from seller soon.

[wishuponastarcelebrationsandgifts]

Give the seller 24 hours to respond. Perhaps send a follow up message attaching a photo of the vases (if you haven't done so already) so the seller has evidence that the vase was actually damaged. Unfortunately there are some dishonest buyers and sellers around that make false claims, so a photo will at least assure the seller that your claim is legitimate.

If the vase arrived damaged then I believe the seller should refund you for it (as well as the postage associated with it), or send out a replacement. Irrespective of their terms, you are entitled to receive a vase in the condition as shown and stated in the listing. Australia Post have a policy of not being responsible for damage to fragile items sent in the post, so sellers need to exercise caution when packing fragile items. In saying that, sometimes even the best packed items can arrive damaged as I have received parcels myself that have been squashed/torn apart with a note attached from AP stating the packaging was damaged whilst in their possession.

It's also a good idea to mention in your communication to the seller how you expect them to resolve the matter ie refund or replacement. I hope you reach an amicable resolution with the seller.

[peternt2001]

I received a watch box from a seller in china not long ago, and it arrived with the glass top all broken. The box and the internal box and the watch box were very well wrapped, but the glass still managed to break. I dont and didnt blame the seller for this as it did appear they went to some effort wrapping it.

However with glass, it doesnt take much, it just has to be a jolt or a sharp drop to break glass and ceramics.

But, i contacted the seller and they went out of their way to help me, and we ended up deciding on a partial refund to cover the cost of getting new glass. So that i would not have to pay for postage back to china.

Because the problem i see with your vase, is that if you cant come to some sort of satisfactory compromise with the seller. And go through the paypal dispute, you will be forced to send the vase back at your expense, which might end up costing more than the item is worth in the first place.

Good luck and hope it all works out well.

[sprinklespowerpuff]

Thanks Wish. That's just it - there was no damage to the mailing box. No tears, squashing, dents nothing.  I will certainly give seller plenty of time to respond. They can't send a replacement as the items are vintage. I didn't mention refunding in my msg as I wanted to get their thoughts first. Probably should have I suppose. I really feel they should take my word for it and not have to send them pics or anything.  I have excellent feedback with no history of negs for sellers and/or trying to get items for free or other compensation in all the years I've been on Ebay. Don't know what to make of it but their feedback from a couple of other buyers mentions items "'dropped'." Anyway we shall see.

[sprinklespowerpuff]

Hi Peternt and thanks. Yes, it's a large ceramic vase - posting it back would cost me too much.

[putney32]

australia post do NOT offer 'insurance' against breakages, so whether or not you had insurance would only insure against loss. never damage.

there is no 'fragile' service offered by aust post, so it is up to the seller to pack correctly.

you could take the vases and all the packing to the PO and ask their opinion, as for damaged items, where it is aust post fault, not the seller, and aust post think it was sufficiently packed they sometimes do offer compensation at their discretion.   However, this is something only the Buyer, and not the Seller has to instigate with Aust post.

[davewil1964]

It is illegal to send broken glass/pottery through the postal system, so Paypal shouldn't require you to return it, if you show proof that you have finished destroying it. I would be asking the seller for a partial refund of the cost of the broken vase ($10).

[sprinklespowerpuff]

Hi Putney, as mailing box was undamaged I wouldn't think AP would say it was their fault and I believe AP will not compensate if they reckon sender's wrapping of items was insufficient. Thanks heaps for your post - am taking it all on board.