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Story by
CustomerCare
Published on December 20, 2007 in How-To |
Photo by Anda |
Hi sellers! Protect yourself and your customers by getting some type of proof of shipping when you mail out your orders. We know that not all sellers like to require this sometimes expensive service, but if items are lost or stolen from the post, the burden of proof falls upon the sender (you know, just like your taxes!). Etsy does not hold sellers responsible for lost or stolen items, but we will ask for a receipt, confirmation or tracking if the buyer reports a Non-Delivery. With proof, you can also file a postal claim for a refund. PayPal will also drop any case where proof of shipping is provided (see here). This will also protect you from PayPal scams (chargebacks).
Hurrah! Everyone wins.
Here is a link to a shipping service that some of our sellers are using for International sales:
Endicia.com
(They offer Insurance on International shipping. USPS doesn't unless it's Express)
http://www.endicia.com/?referredby=vgl7&lid=g0002&gclid=CJev8q7XlpACFSG8GgoddF_N7w
People in the Community are talking about it in these forum threads:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5119132
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5131436
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5268874
| Tags | CustomerCare, Customer Support, endicia, international, PayPal, Seller Handbook, selling, shipping |
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13 comments Login to add your own!
thebeadingtree
I just wanted to mention that stamps.com also offers the same services that endicia.com offers. That goes for shipping labels with the $0.18 first class delivery confirmation, Free delivery confirmation for priority and they offer both usps insurance and their own insurance program. It's simple to use and you always have postage on hand since you can purchase online 24/7. Anyone US sellers needing help to learn how to ship internationally should feel free to convo me at anytime and I'll be more than happy to help!!!
ThePaintedTiger
You can get proof of shipping through paypal, just use the SCAN form.
http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/h...
USPS online shipping offers it also, but only for Priority and Express mail.
Joujoux
Metaluna
Paypal actually requires proof of *delivery* not proof of *shipping*.
According to the article "PayPal will also drop any case where proof of shipping is provided." There are actually several conditions you must meet to be covered by the Seller Protection Policy. See the Paypal User Agreement here:
http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?...
UnePetiteEtoile
Endicia is by the far the best solution I've found for Mac users. (Stamps.com cannot be used with a Mac, BTW.)
I never, ever ship without Delivery Confirmation....it's good for all parties.
timelady
While Etsy may not hold sellers responsible for lost or stolen items, Trading Standards (at least in the UK and Europe) certainly does. If you are trading, you have to abide by consumer laws and regulations - one being that you must provide the item fit for purpose or refund. I'd recommend US businesses check their responsibilities in a sales transaction.
Always insure (or be willing to refund anyway). It protects the seller. :)
eclipse
Storque says:
"PayPal will also drop any case where proof of shipping is provided"
Only for paypal users in three countries. To be covered by the paypal seller protection policy, The transaction must be between a US, UK or Canadian buyer and a US, UK or Canadian seller. If either the buyer or seller is from another country, the seller has no protection (through paypal) even WITH proof of delivery.
And of course you must ship to the confirmed paypal address to qualify for seller protection. When the Etsy address and the paypal address do not match, many sellers will ship to the Etsy address, thus voiding all of their protection.
dangerousmezzo
What is acceptable proof of shipping for Canadian sellers?
emilybidwell
We are happy to review any form of proof:
Postal receipts of purchase
Customs forms
Photograph of package or envelope
Tracking or Trace numbers
Delivery Confirmation
Be creative! If there is anything you can think of that will be considered "evidence" in the event of a non-delivery concern, do it.
It never hurts to offer your customers this evidence at the time the order is shipped!
whatyoumacallits
1.) If you offer a buyer mail registration (thats what we call it here in Australia) and they do not wish to pay the extra $10 - $20 on top of the base shipping for that, then what happens.
2.) Also our receipts only have amount date and country, nothing else to prove you shipped a particular item....
3.) Where are your international links to mail services outside of the US and Canada.
4.) Are the shipping policies that we list in our shop enough, or do they amount to nothing when all is said and done??
whatyoumacallits
oh and also
5.) I convo my customers with the shipping details, date, and expected time of delivery, but I have heard this can be considered as spam, which is silly. If I dont hear from a seller after I have paid my hard earned money into there account, I start to wonder if my item has been sent or not!
Previous Page
I am so happy that you published this. Its only "happened" to me a few times and ive just reshipped the item. Come to find out, the post office delivered the item 1 month later.... like it was lost or something.