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Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 11:22 pm
by zzyzzogeton
One thing folks need to remember is that insurance is for the seller/shipper NOT the receiver of the package.

Only the sender has the paperwork needed/wanted by the post office when a claim is filed.

The onus is on the shipper to properly package the item.

And a knife should NEVER be shipped in an envelope, padded or not.

Send me a knife in an envelope and you get negative reviews due to poor shipping preparations.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 12:26 am
by americanedgetech
With a valid insurance claim the only thing lost is the item. Neither party is missing cash.

If a claim is denied due to improper packaging, then the seller may learn from his/her loss, and amened their methods. This is my only thought on it... well, that and I believe it is appropriate to insure any package with a value above your comfort level if it is lost.

We all know how these matters work, and can/do go wrong.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 2:32 am
by QTCut5
Has anyone ever filed an insurance claim with the USPS? Any idea of what kind of proof is required and how long it takes to get reimbursed for an item lost in transit?

I don't know because every time I ship a knife, I package it with the expectation that it will get lost, opened/stolen and/or damaged somehow in transit. My motto is "airtight & waterproof" (I use a lot of tape). And, for any knife I ship that is worth more than $50 I always purchase enough insurance to be fully reimbursed in the event it goes MIA. Consequently, I've never had any problems with USPS shipping.

~Q~

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 2:50 am
by americanedgetech
Around 5-6 years ago I had two hand made mast light lenses made for a 1956 Chris Craft, 28' Fly-bridge sedan.
These lenses are called Glass Bee Hives because of their shape, and there are none to be had anywhere.

The fella in Michigan that owns the original mold for them made two for me, and they were both broken in shipping due to something collapsing the package . They are around 250.00 each due to the rarity, and the work involved in making them. He has to pay to have them made plus make a profit.

He was re-reimbursed, and I received my lenses but the entire process took about five months.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 3:05 am
by rea1eye
Hope it all works out for you Jeff. I have received pocket knives in well constructed boxes,

paper envelopes, padded envelopes, and re-used cardboard boxes. Paper envelopes

are very risky. Re-used cardboard boxes are just slightly better.

Hope the AAPK seller learns from this.

Let us know how it all turns out.

Bob

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 4:32 am
by dweb1897
for a domestic claim,

A Tracking or Label Number
The tracking or label number is found on your online label record, package label, mailing receipt, or sales receipt. Tracking and label numbers are between 13 and 34 characters.
Example: 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00
If you don't see a number like that, look for a string of 20, 22, 26, 30, or 34 numbers.

Proof of Value
Proof of value can include:
• A sales receipt
• A paid invoice or paid bill of sale
• Statement of value and/or estimates of repair costs from a reputable dealer
• A credit card billing statement
• Receipt of costs incurred for reconstruction of non-negotiable documents
Printouts of the online transaction identifying the purchaser and seller, price paid, date of transaction, description of item purchased, and assurance that the transaction status is completed

Evidence of Insurance Purchased
Evidence of insurance includes:
• The original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing
The outer packaging showing the names and addresses of the sender and the addressee and the proper label showing that the article was sent insured
• A printed electronic online label record or a computer printout from the application used to print the label and purchase the insurance

Proof of Damage
Photos that clearly show the extent of damage will help with your case. For damaged claims, you’ll also need to provide an estimate of the repair costs from a reputable dealer.
If you received something damaged, please hang onto the original packaging and the damaged item until your claim is settled. You may be asked to take them to your local Post Office™ for inspection later. Please do not reship the package.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 5:03 pm
by Bryan
I have not received an email about this yet, but I was able to locate the order.

I'm going to attempt to contact the seller right after this post. I'm hoping he has responded to the buyer's messages by now if he has received them.

A lack of response to messages of this nature is not something we will allow on the AAPK platform.

The purchase was for a 3 knife lot at $9.99 with free shipping. I can see where the seller might have only been able to offer the knives at this rate with the cheapest possible ship method.

I don't think the use of a padded envelope in this particular case would be grounds to banish the seller in & of itself, but I'm thinking AAPK should consider implementing a shipping method policy going forward that would require that all knives be shipped in a box (no envelopes)...

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 5:47 pm
by just bob
Is there a difference between a padded mailer and an envelope? 99% of the knives I buy or sell come in a padded mailer and I've never had an issue either way with that. More expensive knives go in a priority box to better safeguard, but an EDC in a padded mailer is standard practice? Don't know why anyone would gripe? What gripes me is when the seller dumps a knife into a priority box with no padding at all and lets it flop around without protection. I'll take the padded mailer over that any day.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 6:04 pm
by QTCut5
And, with enough tape, even a paper envelope is protected against ripping open due to moisture or rough handling, essentially turning it into a paper envelope with a tear-proof plastic shell. The cost of enough tape to completely cover an envelope with at least one layer is negligible...a few cents at most; and just a bit more to make it airtight and waterproof.

~Q~

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 6:22 pm
by jerryd6818
Not my decision to make but I agree with you Bob. I would say 85% - 90% of my knives, both coming and going, are in padded envelopes. I've only had one problem. The one problem I had was a knife (actually two knives in the same envelope) dropped in an envelope with NO padding on the knives themselves. Unfortunately you can't legislate common sense.

Edit: You're right ~Q~, one strip of packing tape would have avoided this. I don't completely cover the envelope with tape but I at least tape the ends and sometimes all four sides.
0829161603.jpg
Padded envelopes, paper or plastic, I'll accept or use anytime (I also pad the knife inside the envelope). If you purchase a $100++ knife from Knives Ship Free, you will receive it in a padded envelope.

This type of envelope is unacceptable although I've received knives in this type envelope and they made it okay. The secret is in the packing.
1204171110-1.jpg

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 6:43 pm
by Bryan
Regrading any shipping requirement policies going forward:

Maybe we need a policy that requires all knives over a certain amount be shipped in a box & anything under that stated amount can be shipped in a well padded, well sealed envelope?

...or a more lenient requirement that knives be well padded & shipped in well sealed package?

...or maybe something as simple as an illustrated guideline for suggested packaging standards?

I don't know the answer... Just thinking out loud here. Suggestions welcomed.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 7:03 pm
by #goldpan
I like to give my buyers the option of using the small flat rate box or if they are buying one knife the option of choosing a lower mailing cost. If they choose that the lower cost I ship in a envelope that has been taped on all four edges. Since the mailing label covers the envelopes that I use I both glue and tape the label. I would hate to loose the ability to give my buyers the option.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 7:17 pm
by peanut740
I use both boxes and padded envelopes.If the knife has a box it is usually shipped in a box.When I use a padded envelope, I put packing tape creased around the edges.Have never had a problem.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 7:20 pm
by jerryd6818
I don't know the answer either Bryan. You can't force people to do the right thing, thus my comment above, "You can't legislate common sense". For me, the great thing about AAPK has always been it's lack of militaristic atmosphere and I would hate to see one bad apple spoil the fruit salad.

Randy's way of doing things seems sensible to me. Can you add check boxes that specify shipping in a USPS Flat Rate Priority box or another that specifies "Ship the most cost effective yet secure method".

Maybe add a packing tutorial to the seller sign up and require new store members, before they can proceed. to check the box, "I have read and understand this good shipping practices tutorial and agree to use good packing practices when shipping product to my customers" .

Are those programing nightmares? Best of luck to you with this.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 7:43 pm
by RalphAlsip
Another thought is for the the system to force the seller to specify how the items will be packaged for shipping. For example options such as flat rate box, padded envelope, unpadded envelope, etc., then the buyer can decide to continue the purchase or maybe ask for different packaging. This might lead to better aligned expectations and the two parties (buyer and seller) can work it out themselves.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:18 pm
by just bob
Not always the case but when I see a seller is charging $3.50 S&H I'm assuming padded mailer. When I see they are charging $7.50 I'm expecting priority mail. Not a bad idea to offer an option and let the buyer decide which route he wants to go.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:43 pm
by Bryan
jerryd6818 wrote: Maybe add a packing tutorial to the seller sign up and require new store members, before they can proceed. to check the box, "I have read and understand this good shipping practices tutorial and agree to use good packing practices when shipping product to my customers" .
I like this idea.

Perhaps something like this with an add-on that states that excessive complaints may result in revocation of seller account privileges.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:44 pm
by Bryan
RalphAlsip wrote:Another thought is for the the system to force the seller to specify how the items will be packaged for shipping. For example options such as flat rate box, padded envelope, unpadded envelope, etc., then the buyer can decide to continue the purchase or maybe ask for different packaging. This might lead to better aligned expectations and the two parties (buyer and seller) can work it out themselves.
This is another idea that I like ::tu:: I may be able to add a variation of this idea into our platform.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:56 pm
by Bryan
jerryd6818 wrote:Can you add check boxes that specify shipping in a USPS Flat Rate Priority box or another that specifies "Ship the most cost effective yet secure method"
This would probably prove to be extremely difficult for me to implement, but I'll give the idea plenty of additional thought.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 9:04 pm
by Shearer
Bryan to save someone having to complain about AAPK stores and the way they post item.
Why don't you ask all the store managers who are having disputes with customers and ''cannot'' come to a resolution contact you.
This way you will know the seller and buyer are communicating.
I would say you would very seldom have a dispute.
I have sold a few knives and always put them in a box and packed them so they could not move.
If you are a seller of a $1 or dearer item you should take care.
It might be something you are selling cheap but to the buyer it is a item they wanted.
If you don't care you lose you customer base
Why would you no refund the $9.99 you could make more money later of the same customer.
Goodwill goes a long way.
That's just my 2c worth.
Grant

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 10:05 pm
by Bryan
Shearer wrote:Bryan to save someone having to complain about AAPK stores and the way they post item.
Why don't you ask all the store managers who are having disputes with customers and ''cannot'' come to a resolution contact you.
This way you will know the seller and buyer are communicating.
I'll likely start looking into a better way for both buyers & sellers to report unresolved issues.
Shearer wrote: Why would you no refund the $9.99 you could make more money later of the same customer.
Goodwill goes a long way.
I have not yet heard the seller's side of the story. For all I know, he may have or is planning to refund the buyer since this thread was started. I'm hopeful he has not been ignoring the buyer's attempts to make contact.

When all info is available, AAPK will take action & will refund the buyer as last resort if necessary.

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 10:33 pm
by Shearer
Bryan wrote:
Shearer wrote:Bryan to save someone having to complain about AAPK stores and the way they post item.
Why don't you ask all the store managers who are having disputes with customers and ''cannot'' come to a resolution contact you.
This way you will know the seller and buyer are communicating.
I'll likely start looking into a better way for both buyers & sellers to report unresolved issues.
Shearer wrote: Why would you no refund the $9.99 you could make more money later of the same customer.
Goodwill goes a long way.
I have not yet heard the seller's side of the story. For all I know, he may have or is planning to refund the buyer since this thread was started. I'm hopeful he has not been ignoring the buyer's attempts to make contact.

When all info is available, AAPK will take action & will refund the buyer as last resort if necessary.
Bryan I know what it's like.I managed a hire company for ten years.You had the customers ,boss and employees all pushing from different directions. :x
I classed the job as I was the meat in a sandwich.You could make some of them happy and the rest wanted to bite you. ::nod::

Grant

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 12:48 am
by dweb1897
As long as we're bitchin and hopefully educating a few people about packing methods, how about the idiots that send a display box that has a plastic insert and leaves the knife inside.
1.jpg

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 1:08 am
by rea1eye
Per Ralph: " Another thought is for the the system to force the seller to specify how the items will be packaged for shipping"

I think you hit the nail on the head. Seller and buyer both know what is expected.

Bob

Re: First and Last Purchase From AAPK Stores

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 3:42 am
by jerryd6818
dweb1897 wrote:As long as we're bitchin and hopefully educating a few people about packing methods, how about the idiots that send a display box that has a plastic insert and leaves the knife inside.
1.jpg
And then there was the idiot eBay seller who shipped my knife in it's tin but just dropped the tin in one of those plastic shipping bags (no padding). For me, the tin is very cool looking and had almost as much value as the knife. Package got here with big dents in the tin.

I straightened it out as much as possible before taking pictures but if you look close, you can still see a dent. (front edge, right side) No, I didn't pay huge bucks for it but that's not the point.