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Buyer responsible for shipping damages

I've seen several ads in recent months stating the buyer assumes any damages occurring in transit. Initially I get frustrated that this blatant contradiction to Audiogon policy is touted so freely.  But then I am reminded that I was probably an Audiogon member for at least 6-7 years, having sold many pieces of gear, before I saw that policy somewhere here.  And at the time it seemed counter-intuitive somehow.  That is what insurance is for !  But then, I thought about buying ANYTHING from the web, and could not imagine any retailer who would balk at taking back some item that arrived at my house trashed.  Why would it be any different for me as a private seller?  So, it seems this is not common knowledge on the 'Gon.  I think Audiogon should make it more apparent to anyone posting a for sale ad.
jimmy2615
theo's avatar
theo
2,331 posts
 
I agree, the seller is responsible for the packing and obtaining insurance if need be. The buyer must accept responsibility for providing evidence and proof of damage to the seller so a claim can be efficiently processed. The shipper ultimately is responsible to reimburse the seller, that is their customer, then the seller must reimburse the buyer, that is his customer.
jafant's avatar
jafant
10,525 posts
 
theo-
is correct in his address of this issue.
dweller's avatar
dweller
2,152 posts
 
My take is if "buyer responsible" is a term of the sale, then the buyer either accepts it or does not purchase. Sometimes the seller doesn't want to be bothered with dealing with the paperwork and indifferent/self-serving shipping companies. Ergo, the "buyer responsible" terms.
Also, the buyer may have remorse for making the purchase and "accidentally" drop the whatever on the floor and make a false claim.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
I always ask the seller to insure the item and I will pay the fee if need be. Never had a problem with any seller when doing this.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
1,368 posts
 

Any seller who puts this in an ad knows that the shipping companies will not deal with a recipient who claims damage. If a recipient claims damage they will schedule a pickup to send it back to the shipper and that's all they will do for a recipient.

The seller wants you to bet the entire cost of the equipment on UPS or FedEx getting it to you undamaged, a bet I wouldn't take.

All you can do is not buy from these sellers.  Audiogon should make them take that stipulation out of their ads.

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