United Parcel Service UPS insane hamster wheel rude scam artist arrogant crooks Altamonte Springs, Florida
I brought my sculpture in about a month and a half before actually shipping it to show a store employee the size and dimensions and structural supports that it must have. I discussed the shipping process at length with the employee of UPS. I purchased "insurance" (syntax disagreement) and trusted that UPS would honor their "Pack and Ship" promise.
On arrival, at it's destination, the box and it's contents were damaged. I notified UPS of the damage immediately. This was the first of many conversations along with emails with photos of the damage. As I responded with request and further requests it became clear that they had no intention of satisfying my claim. I asked advice of a south fl. art conservancy and they told me that they heard this complaint about UPS on numerous occasions. It would cost over $500.00 to have a professional art restorer assess the damage. That receipt, from assessment of damage, is what UPS says they need in order to pay me for the damage they caused. I've filed a complaint with the BBB. A complaint of what I believe to be insurance fraud is being filed against UPS with Senator Bill Nelsons office. It is my sincerest opinion that UPS wants me to just give up on my claim.. but this time they are messing with one tenacious artist. I won't be dismissed.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
seeworthy
Madison,Wisconsin,
USA
Without proof of value, a claim will be dismissed. Period.
#2Consumer Comment
Fri, November 02, 2012
I operate a facility similar to a UPS Store. Unlike them, we utilize all carriers. I prefer FedEx, but that refers more to the tier discount I receive (UPS Store's obviously receive a better discount from UPS). I am not corporate and neither is a UPS Store. People that work there are not UPS employees. Even if you had a legitimate complaint, UPS is not at fault. You need to focus on the little guy - the UPS Store. The use of hearsay slander about "heard this complaint" is equally made against every carrier. No exceptions. When package to industry guidelines, damage to a shipment is extremely, and I emphasize extremely, rare. This controversy, however, is a mute point here as it was professionally packaged with a guarantee.
The most obvious question to me is: What does that shipping location say about the pack and ship promise? You hear the phrase on the radio. There is a sticker saying that right on your box!! If they pack it, a claim is supposed to be automatically approved. There isn't anything said in this complaint that sounds out of order, other than no proof of value was provided to complete the claim.
I believe the following will only add to the complaintant's contentious problem. Just as with any insurance claim in any industry, protocol needs be followed. What kind of person really expects to say, "I have damage to my insured property. Pay me now.", and have a check handed to them? Amongst other blatant issues, would not potential fraud become a concern from an individual such as this? It should be common knowledge that any insurance policy covers actual value, whether current or replacement value. Should that somewhat irrational individual continue to argue, "I insured for a thousand dollars because it's worth a thousand dollars because I say so."? The value that the insurer is claiming does in fact need to be validated. That shouldn't be too difficult to understand, but appears to be the real problem with this complaint.
It is a bit odd that no value of the statue is listed here, nor of the associated insured amount. Proof of this value includes such things as receipts, catalog or online comparison of same merchandise, or appraisal for rarer/one-of-kind items. In this case, it is apparent that only an appraisal can validate the true value. Now...an absurd appraisal fee of $500, for an estimate only?! That immediately raises a red flag. What does a body shop charge to estimate $1000's in damage repair to a vehicle? There are also many television shows that offer appraisals of restoration/repair to vintage/antique or art pieces, ie: Antiques Roadshow, American Pickers, American Restoration, Pawn Stars, etc, all of which include appraisals at no charge. These are reality television shows for entertainment purposes, but there is an individual stating that he won't provide a repair estimate unless he's paid $500??
The box doesn't appear to be badly damaged. It looks as if the tape were cut to open the box, then the flap was pulled (not pushed in) after opening the box, tearing the side outward. To avoid fraud, significant damage is often noted by a driver as he leaves a package. With the efforts made in shipping preparation, it would be extremely unusual to not have requested a signature upon delivery. Normal transit for any carrier susbject boxes to bumps and scuffs but, if damage appeared greater than that, why did the receiver not inspect before signing? Or, was a signature avoided for some reason?
Regardless, all that is needed to resolve this entire issue is a proof of value for that statue. You don't even need a repair estimate at any cost! Just state that it is not repairable and give a proof of value (receipt, catalog or internet site of same, or inexpensive appraisal). Just a verbal claim of what someone wants it to be worth doesn't cut it. Simply provide that legitimate and verifiable proof of value, the claim will be approved, and you'll receive a check for the insured amount. Doing that, in most people's opinion, would seem proper and more mature than the "insane hamster wheel rude scam artist arrogant crooks" name calling to get unfounded results.