adalbert68, on 04 January 2011, 14:41, said:
Hi,
I've the such unpleasant adventure with the USPS. I bought from a client from the USA 2 laptops for about $1400. We got along by emails about the details and the price. I sent him the money transfer by bank. Then he sent me the package. Unfortunately before coming to Poland (I'm from Poland), it'd been robbed. When came to our custom they informed me that the package had been robbed (waighted 1 pound in the place of 6). They made a protocol and sent me the package, so that I decide what to do with it. Of course I didn't take the one and the package had been sent back to the USA. It's been already over 2 months, and it is still not back to the sender. The package had been insured, but only for about $300. Is there any way for me to claim for the money I payed from the seller?
adalbert,
I am sorry to hear of your ordeal.
You can go to this page to see the details of the process:
USPS: Submitting an International Insurance Claim
Quote
First Step
The initial step in filing a claim on an international item is to initiate an inquiry for loss, rifling, or damage. The sender must call the International Inquiry Center at 1-800-222-1811 and provide the United States Postal ServiceĀ® agent with the relevant mailing particulars.
Note: The amount of time it takes to research your inquiry can vary based on several factors including the destination country. The Postal Service agent will provide you with more information when you call.
...
According to the information on that page, the claim-inquiry must be initiated by the SHIPPER, and it must be initiated within 183 calendar days of when the shipper mailed the package. (Less time is allowed to initiate an inquiry for certain shipping methods.)
You didn't say when the shipper mailed the package, or how it was shipped, but it seems you should still have time to have the shipper initiate an inquiry.
This whole process requires the cooperation of the shipper, but you mentioned that it was a client that shipped the items to you so hopefully your relationship with them is good so they will help. The USPS will likely send a letter to the shipper, and they will also send a form/letter to you asking if you received the package and if it was damaged or had contents missing.
If they (USPS) determine that a "Claim" should be initiated, they will send a "claim packet" to the shipper with instructions on filing the claim. More information here:
International Inquiries and Claims - Filing inquiries and claims
If they deny the claim, it can be appealed. See information here:
Appeals
It seems to me that if you and the shipper follow this through and answer thee letters from the USPS truthfully, you will recover the insurance amount plus the shipping cost. Keep in mind that they will send this money to the SHIPPER so it will be up to them to refund it to you.
The other possibility is that if the Laptop was lost from the package due to damage to the package within their facility or equipment, it is possible that during their investigation, they may recover the laptop and return it. If this is the case, I am not sure if they will return it to the shipper or to you.
I wish you the best of luck resolving this.
Kevin