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artistsbeware2_archive2018-09-14 09:09 pm
laughsatthunder.livejournal.com) wrote in artistsbeware2_archive2018-09-14 09:09 pm
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Advice: USPS lost commission
Hi again!
I need a little help.
Long story short, was commissioned for a fursuit, made it, mailed it on August 25th and it hasn't been seen since August 30th. There is no update to the tracking or anything.
I filed a claim with USPS for the full amount (roughly ($2,200) with proof of the transactions and they offered to pay me $70. I don't even know where they pulled that number from, it doesn't even make sense with the insurance; I filed for an appeal.
Client says that they called their local post office and that an investigation has been opened.
I don't know what more I can do and I'm honestly scared. I haven't spent the money but USPS just lost an expensive, one-of-a-kind costume I can't exactly replicate and, ideally, would like to have them refund me in full for the item they lost.
If it comes to it, how do I go about out-of-pocket calculating a refund for my client? They already have the tail in their possession so I would subtract that from the total cost, but what about things like the cost of materials and such? Is it "cheap" to keep those funds?
Anything would be really helpful right now. I cannot afford to remake the costume again. The $70 USPS tried to offer me doesn't even cover the cost of the fabric.
I need a little help.
Long story short, was commissioned for a fursuit, made it, mailed it on August 25th and it hasn't been seen since August 30th. There is no update to the tracking or anything.
I filed a claim with USPS for the full amount (roughly ($2,200) with proof of the transactions and they offered to pay me $70. I don't even know where they pulled that number from, it doesn't even make sense with the insurance; I filed for an appeal.
Client says that they called their local post office and that an investigation has been opened.
I don't know what more I can do and I'm honestly scared. I haven't spent the money but USPS just lost an expensive, one-of-a-kind costume I can't exactly replicate and, ideally, would like to have them refund me in full for the item they lost.
If it comes to it, how do I go about out-of-pocket calculating a refund for my client? They already have the tail in their possession so I would subtract that from the total cost, but what about things like the cost of materials and such? Is it "cheap" to keep those funds?
Anything would be really helpful right now. I cannot afford to remake the costume again. The $70 USPS tried to offer me doesn't even cover the cost of the fabric.
no subject
Did you insure it for the full $2200 amount? I've always had to ask for insurance for more expensive items- when I shipped fursuit parts, I had to specifically request that they insure them for the value of having new ones made, just in case Canada Post or USPS lost it in transit. It's usually $30-60 extra; it should be on your receipt, for basic insurance, or they gave you a separate slip for claim purposes for a higher amount, and (I think) the parcel has to be signed for. That's been my experience shipping from Canada to the US, and the experience of a couple maker pals I've got.
Basically, if they don't find it, your options are like... hounding USPS for the insured value, remaking the suit, or refunding your client. Crappy situation, hopefully they locate the parcel; with any luck, it just got routed to Miami or something, and they ain't found it yet. Fingers crossed it turns up!