Complaint Review: UPS Store - Atlanta Georgia

All you really had to do, was call 1-800-PICK-UPS and it will give you a couple options, track a package or shipping information. As most are (and I even understand-I hate talking to robots/machines), I just say "agent" as it's controlled by voice commands.

Just be prepared with your tracking # and the address where it was sent to. If you're having issues with the UPS Store (obviously you are, or you wouldnt be on this site to begin with), just tell them you are and have been passed around, and just want to figure out what the hell is going on with your package and your claim. And if that agent doesn't know what to tell you other than to talk to that UPS Store owner about the claim, then (politely) ask them how you would be able to report that store.

Each store is under control of their own insurance and damage claims. Usually, when a package is damaged in transit and it's picked up, it's taken back to the UPS Store in which it was shipped out of. Chances are, your stereo is sitting in the back of that UPS Store- so if you haven't yet, find out when the owner will be there and go back to the store to figure out what's happening. Hopefully you'll be able to take it home as well as your claim, as long as it went through.

A lot of people don't realize that the UPS Stores only use UPS' name and shipping business, and technically isn't part of UPS, as it's a franchise of it's own (it used to be called Mailboxes Etc).

When a claim is made, UPS actually will inspect the package and how it was delivered. They will also look at how it was packed and then determine whether it was their fault that it was damaged, or how it was packed. And then they would deal with the insurance. It shouldn't take more than a week for this to happen, unless it's a busy time of the year for them (that's typically the christmas season).

Perhaps the most critical detail that I couldn't find in your posting is whether you had packaged this stereo yourself or had The UPS Store package for you. If the The UPS Store packaged, the claim would be a formality as UPS would not question the industry packing standards. If anyone else packaged the stereo, UPS would need to inspect the packaging to verify that it was packaged to industry guidelines. All carriers need to be sure items used proper corrogate, sufficient padding including distance to the side of box with respect to weight, and proper packing materials. Whomever packed that stereo, considering it's weight and value, should have at least used a double walled 275ECT box minimum with styrofoam walls with a minimum of 4" between the stereo and box wall. The UPS Store would often suggest double boxing, but some customers whine because it's more than a buck. There are actually people that expect the best service and maximum protection, while expecting it to be free. (Too bad all employers don't treat their employees that way, huh? We could all stay home and sleep while our paychecks keep coming.) If that The UPS Store packaged the stereo, they would simply need that proof of value that you mentioned: the Ebay auction close sale. Just as with car insurance protocal, if the full value (or a percentage close there of) is claimed, the insurance company keeps the damaged car upon totalling. UPS and FEDEX are the same. If you get a check for full value, you forfeit the merchandise. There are people who just don't get it as they want both. No kidding! If you haven't already, do this: Ask that The UPS Store for a copy of the email or fax that they received from UPS regarding the claim. If they say they don't have it, ask them to get one. It's simple for them, as the shipper, to get it. It will state what UPS needs to process the claim OR the exact specifics of packaging where the industry standards were not met. All carriers use those guidelines and you can find them in the websites. Rather odd that some people have a fit over their own packaging, while never bothering to review packing recommendations or bother asking if it is adequate. An extreme example is the nice guy that says, "My wife packed grandma's china really good. She used TWO sheets of newspaper between each plate and balled the paper really really tight in the box spaces." Should I mention that the box was an ex-grocery store Bounty paper towel box? Then (this is comical), when popping this guys bubble by saying the dishes will be broken, the response is, "I ain't paying that much to repack it. Just insure it in case something gets broken." OK....that's extreme, but there is a difference between what people often think is good packaging and what industry guidelines dictate. If a person doesn't do their homework, or pay someone who has, they really shouldn't make an fool of themselves by blaming others after the fact. If The UPS Store did not package, then packaging needs to be verified (as would be by any carrier). People often blame the carrier while not understanding that the same would have happened, with that same packaging, if it was shipped through any carrier. If it does not meet industry guidelines, the claim is denied. Everything is over but for the ignorant whiners. Just get that copy of the claim report status from The UPS Store. It will itemize the standard documentation required to process the approved claim, or specifically indicate why responsibility will have to be accepted by the person shipping the package.