atension wrote:
In a bit of a sticky situation with a straight up stuff for stuff trade, hoping to get some input on peoples thoughts about what is fair.
The situation is:
Both myself and another traded a good deal of items. The value is in the hundreds of USD. The package to me arrived approximately 2 weeks ago and the package I sent out hasn't arrived and it has been close to 5 weeks since shipped. The person I am trading with specifically requested that I send the package to him/her valued at 15GBP and NOT as a gift for the reason that she/he gets many many packages as gifts and doesn't want to be investigated/charged copious import fees. I consented and shipped the items as requested.
Now while I am sympathetic to the persons situation for not yet receiving their stuff, I am told by that person I have but one fair option:
Return all the items I received at my own expense or pay their value and put in a claim with the postal service to recoup the items value that I sent. ( I can't recoup anything due to the requested shipping desires of the person I shipped to).
To me I was under the impression that the person was aware of the risks of having the item sent the way he/she requested and would therefore take responsibility for them.
This may all be a moot point as the postal service said that its not unheard of for the package to take up to 6-7 weeks due to random customs checks etc...
Hi!
I have a LOT of experience with this issue. I deal with people world round and these are my suggestions:
1. If you used a cheap method of delivery, wait. Sometimes 2, 3 even 4 times as long as they said it would take. Even parcels sent by more expensive methods never arrive in the so called "average" delivery times. If only 5 weeks have passed, you need to wait 2 months (8 weeks or more) before making any decisions
2. Do NOT send anything back. You are in the drivers seat. If I read correctly the other party wanted it sent this way, thus he cannot make demands (suggestions certainly, demands, NO). If you send it back then it arrives (which you will never really know), he gets both. You lose. You followed instructions, he has to wait.
3. In my experience DO NOT skimp on shipping something overseas. The package MUST be tracked. Yes, I know, it can be expensive. But if one party does not want to flip the bill of such cost then it should be spelled out CLEARLY, that you have NO RESPONSIBILITY if it gets lost or never gets there. You can't have it both ways. If you want to save money (always a good thing), then you must assume the risk.
I personally never agree to send things unless they are by tracked mail. The rare time I make an exception I make it abundantly clear that the risk is SOLELY on the other party.
So in the short term, wait. If another 5 weeks passes then you can make a call.
I personally would point out that you followed his instructions and scan and send the documents you filled out at the post office with receipt and e-mail it to him. You did your part. The risk left on the table is his alone.
I would not send him anything back under any circumstances. For even if it is legitimately lost, why should you be the loser on the deal by paying in full?
At most I may consider giving him HALF. Thus you both lose equally. I certainly would not pay in full, you committed no wrong.
Sometimes people need to be adults and accept that crummy things happen. He SPECIFICALLY asked you to send it that way. I consider it solely his risk and responsibility.
Stand firm.
Primarch