What’s the value of pin after post is repaired?

[Lisa Lopez]

A pin I mailed had the post break off. It was the Marie Cursive Cutie. Assuming the post is repairable, what is the value? I happened to buy postal insurance and think I’ll have to prove that the pin is either not repairable and has little to no value, or has little value as a collectable if repaired. Is there a reputable place that I can get that information?

I’m already concerned that they won’t accept the eBay listings as proof of value, but it’s all I can think of right now.

Anybody file a claim with the post office that has any advice?

TIA

Lisa

PS. I traded the Marie pin to get a holy grail for my Christmas in July person and if I can’t resolve this, I may have to return the pin I received and will have nothing for my person. The person I traded with will allow me to compensate him monetarily, but I don’t have $100 to spare, so I’m hoping USPS will compensate me.

 

[starry_solo]

It is unlikely the post office will compensate you much because the item can be repaired. It usually knocks 10-20% off the price. I know that when I had some lost packages, I had to provide the invoice that shows the item had been paid for and the amount.

If you took it to a jeweler, you could get a quote as to the cost to repair the post. That might help with some insurance aspect.

Also, if the item was improperly packaged, it is unlikely that USPS will compensate. Have your person bring all the packaging to the post office when you start your claim.

 

[Disneychildwithin]

Lisa are you sure you can't use eBay listings? I've done this with some dolls in the past and that worked for me.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Lisa Lopez]

Thank you for the input. Not very promising since I have to expect the other person to do a bunch of work, which isn’t very reasonable. But I read the insurance claim info and they are not supposed to send it back to me. I took pictures that I sent to the person I traded with, with Marie wrapped in bubble wrap and the envelope completed, so I do have what I think is proof that I packaged it well. But I can’t get repair quotes on a pin I don’t have. If he sends it back to me, I’m concerned they won’t honor a claim. This just plain stinks. I don’t know what to do.

To top it off, DSSH shipped my Solo order without Chewbacca and the marquee’s post is bent. It had to be bent before it shipped because it came in a huge, undamaged box.

 

[KT07]

Did you receive the pin you traded fire? If so and the pin you sent was fine when you sent it. I fail to see why you have to do anything. It should be up to the receiver and the shipping company or so I would think.

 

[Lisa Lopez]

Did you receive the pin you traded fire? If so and the pin you sent was fine when you sent it. I fail to see why you have to do anything. It should be up to the receiver and the shipping company or so I would think.

I kind of agree (especially since it helps me) but I don’t know what’s really right. I was thinking I might post in the FB forum where I arranged the trade to get some feedback. I really don’t want this to fall completely on me, but I also don’t want to do anything that would be considered taboo in the pin trading world.

 

[dancecats]

To top it off, DSSH shipped my Solo order without Chewbacca and the marquee’s post is bent. It had to be bent before it shipped because it came in a huge, undamaged box.

I've received/purchased pins with bent posts. If exchanging it for a non-damaged pin is not possible and you either can't or don't want to return it:

If you are very careful, you can slowly and gently straighten out the post without breaking it. I have done this with more pins than I can count. Depending upon the severity of the bend, the end result varies from a pin that's almost completely straight to bent-but-useable.

 

[KT07]

I may have misunderstood. What I thought I read was.... She sent a htg pin in the mail for a trade. The pin was ok when she sent it. Now the person that got the pin is saying it was damaged. So she wants to know if she has to help or what her responsibilities are. I think... If in fact she sent it and all was well than its up to the shipping company to fix things. I think I also read that the receiver is willing to take 100 bucks for the shipping mistake. That is what I thought I read. Sorry if I got it wrong.

 

[Lisa Lopez]

I may have misunderstood. What I thought I read was.... She sent a htg pin in the mail for a trade. The pin was ok when she sent it. Now the person that got the pin is saying it was damaged. So she wants to know if she has to help or what her responsibilities are. I think... If in fact she sent it and all was well than its up to the shipping company to fix things. I think I also read that the receiver is willing to take 100 bucks for the shipping mistake. That is what I thought I read. Sorry if I got it wrong.

That’s basically correct. But, I did also add an extra whine at the end of my post stating I received a pin from DSSH with a bent post, so dance cats was suggesting how to fix that pin.

New twist to my dilemma. I advised the receiver of the pin that he’d have to take the damaged pin and packaging in to the post office, if the post office wants to inspect it, and he said he didn’t want to put any more time into a problem that isn’t his. So, doesn’t seem like he’s willing to help. He just wants to send back my damaged pin and have me send him his pin back or a different pin of mine that’s more valuable than the one I previously sent (he’ll throw in something to even it out). But, I don’t think I have a shot at an insurance claim if he mails the damaged pin back to me. I went ahead and reached out to one of the admins of the FB group so they can maybe mediate.

 

[Lisa Lopez]

Lisa are you sure you can't use eBay listings? I've done this with some dolls in the past and that worked for me.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Sorry I missed your comment until now. I don’t know that I can’t use eBay - I’m just feeling skeptical. It has been a really rough day and bad news keeps rolling in. Luckily, nothing serious, but all of the piling on has really got me down. I’m at a point where I just want to give up pin trading. I shouldn’t let one bad experience get to me, but it does. I take everything to heart. I just wanted to do something special for someone else. I put a lot of effort into getting the pin I received and now I’m in a frustrating limbo.

 

[Zack_attack]

Just be careful of scams. I've unfortunately had a similar experience but my situation was a bit different. Someone had a pin that was damaged that they wanted replaced for free. They sought out trades for the same pin with the intention of swapping it out through bait and switch. When the new pin arrived to them they claimed it arrived damaged when in fact they switched it with their damaged pin and claimed the damaged pin was the pin I sent them. I do package all my pins and collectibles very well, it was very unlikely it was damaged when it arrived but I try to believe everyone I trade with does so in good faith. Unfortunately this was one of those situations where that wasn't the case.

I did agree to send their pin back and allow them to send the pin back to me. I was so embarrassed that I even paid for their shipping cost and mine to do so. When the pin came back it was definitely not the pin I sent them. I knew for certain it wasn't the same pin because the back of the original pin I sent them was an artist proof, but I didn't state that when I made the trade with them (most people don't care about artist proofs so it wasn't all that relevant to disclose.) When I received "my pin" back it of course was "the damaged pin" they claimed I sent them, but oddly enough it did not have the artist proof mark on the back of the pin but the post was definitely broken. A mod did end up banning them but I never did get my original pin back or the pin I originally traded for.

If you are confident you packaged your pin well just be aware sometimes people do try to scam knowingly.

Disclaimer: I am not implying this is the scenario that happened in your situation but your story made me think of this.

Best of luck in resolving your trade!

 

[pinnochiolover]

At the end of the day, its between you and the other party to decide how you/they are prepared to resolve the situation. Its never a nice situation to be in, especially as your case involves an expensive pin. If it had been a cheaper pin, you could stomach the loss and offer a replacement. However, this definitely needs to be resolved differently. If you have photos of the item before you posted it, and photos of the packaging and have a postal receipt and insurance, you could pass COPIES of these onto the other party, so that they can make an insurance claim, or you can both agree that you will make the claim your end. Although, my understanding is that the receiver is best placed to make the claim. I know that in trading, the sender is responsible for making sure the item is received by the other party, (but this is easier to apply to cheaper pins than it is to a more valuable pin), and you will certainly have fulfilled your obligations by buying postal insurance and keeping a receipt and photos. I don't think it is reasonable for you to just cough up another expensive pin. I think it is reasonable that the other party is patient, and works with you to file a claim with the postal company. If your claim is unsuccessful, then you can decide what to do at the stage. This is something that will take time, but will ultimately be resolved. Talk this through with the other party. Good Luck

 

[pinnochiolover]

Compensation, it has been suggested that you wont get much because the pin is repairable. I don't agree with that theory. As long as you bought enough insurance cover, you should be reimbursed for the full value of the pin. Pins are the same as any other collectable, how do you value them, supply photoshots of several sold ebay auctions to prove its value, that should be very acceptable, as there really is no other way to prove value, owners of expensive paintings will quote auction prices when valuing, so in my eyes so can pin owners!

 

[CCofRR13]

I'm so sorry this has happened to you.

 

[starry_solo]

From USPS.com:
File a Claim | USPS

Proof of Value
Proof of value can include:

• A sales receipt
• A paid invoice or paid bill of sale
• Statement of value and/or estimates of repair costs from a reputable dealer
• A credit card billing statement
• Receipt of costs incurred for reconstruction of non-negotiable documents
• Printouts of the online transaction identifying the purchaser and seller, price paid, date of transaction, description of item purchased, and assurance that the transaction status is completed

Evidence of Insurance Purchased
Evidence of insurance includes:

• The original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing
• The outer packaging showing the names and addresses of the sender and the addressee and the proper label showing that the article was sent insured
• A printed electronic online label record or a computer printout from the application used to print the label and purchase the insurance.

Proof of Damage
Photos that clearly show the extent of damage will help with your case. For damaged claims, you’ll also need to provide an estimate of the repair costs from a reputable dealer.

If you received something damaged, please hang onto the original packaging and the damaged item until your claim is settled. You may be asked to take them to your local Post Office™ for inspection later. Please do not reship the package.

I don't think it will hurt to file a claim online (you can do that) with photos. Have the person take at least a dozen photos, front & back of the pin (more for the back) and see if you can get an online estimate that way. When I tried to do that for a framed pin set (unsuccessfully because the person shipped through an authorized retailer, not a regular post office so there was no record of it being shipped priority mail w/insurance), I looked online for quotes. Perhaps you can do that.

 

[TheMickeyMouseRules]

I kind of agree (especially since it helps me) but I don’t know what’s really right. I was thinking I might post in the FB forum where I arranged the trade to get some feedback. I really don’t want this to fall completely on me, but I also don’t want to do anything that would be considered taboo in the pin trading world.

That’s basically correct. But, I did also add an extra whine at the end of my post stating I received a pin from DSSH with a bent post, so dance cats was suggesting how to fix that pin.

New twist to my dilemma. I advised the receiver of the pin that he’d have to take the damaged pin and packaging in to the post office, if the post office wants to inspect it, and he said he didn’t want to put any more time into a problem that isn’t his. So, doesn’t seem like he’s willing to help. He just wants to send back my damaged pin and have me send him his pin back or a different pin of mine that’s more valuable than the one I previously sent (he’ll throw in something to even it out). But, I don’t think I have a shot at an insurance claim if he mails the damaged pin back to me. I went ahead and reached out to one of the admins of the FB group so they can maybe mediate.

I do not like the fact that they 'just' want you to fix this for them. I believe a decent trader (human being) is more reasonable than the person you are describing. Proceed with caution. @Zack_attack has a good point above about how the other trader could be manipulating you.

Once the original pins are in the mail I believe it becomes a shared responsibility if it arrives damaged (if the pin was packaged correctly.) This person must follow through with the USPS at his end to confirm the insurance covers the pin. If he is unwilling to do this, so insurance may be claimed... then you should not re-trade for the damaged pin. Both sides must work this out. It is not just you who has to fix the whole thing.

Thus, I would insist this trader file the damage claim with the USPS and do that leg work... once this is complete you may then continue resolving this in a way that is fair to both of you.

I also agree pin posts may be bent back out... carefully. I have done this a number of times and I have had one trader who received my pin and claimed the post was bent who bent it out and they were fine with the pin.

 

[Ajk]

I fully agree with recent statements - It's a two-way street. As long as you packaged things correctly, it's not just your problem that USPS damaged it. Them filing for insurance is the reasonable next step. And if they refuse to do so, it starts sounding pretty suspicious.

 

[bookhugger]

I fully agree with recent statements - It's a two-way street. As long as you packaged things correctly, it's not just your problem that USPS damaged it. Them filing for insurance is the reasonable next step. And if they refuse to do so, it starts sounding pretty suspicious.

The other trader would say that it obviously wasn't packaged correctly if the pin post broke.

 

[ladyroselie]

I had a lost eBay item that I sold refunded by the USPS. The local post office didn't want anything to do with it, they directed me to use the online system. I would suggest getting photos of the damage and trying the online claim system. Explain how a broken back is a broken pin and repaired pins do not hold the same value. If your claim is accepted then you can pay the buyer back and move on. It doesn't require too much effort on their part (just take some pictures if they haven't already) and it is fairly easy on your part. I believe the shipper (the one who purchased the insurance) has to file the claim.

Whatever happens I hope that it ends okay and doesn't turn you off from pin trading forever. These things are stressful, but eventually when it is all sorted out and you take some time you can get back in and enjoy the hobby.

 

[Ajk]

The other trader would say that it obviously wasn't packaged correctly if the pin post broke.

Sure, they could certainly say that. But they saw how it was packaged and, perhaps more importantly, Lisa did a CYA by taking a photo of the bubble wrapped pin. But regardless, my main point is they can't (or at least shouldn't) just say "you deal with it".

 

[Disneychildwithin]

Sure, they could certainly say that. But they saw how it was packaged and, perhaps more importantly, Lisa did a CYA by taking a photo of the bubble wrapped pin. But regardless, my main point is they can't (or at least shouldn't) just say "you deal with it".

I can vouch for Lisa's packaging!

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[TheMickeyMouseRules]

The other trader would say that it obviously wasn't packaged correctly if the pin post broke.

I had an issue with a pin package not showing up (mine arrived at the other traders address, but hers never arrived at mine). It was only my word and I understood the other trader had no reason to believe me. Luckily we worked it out, both of us had to give a bit... Its the same here... Lisa has no reason to believe the other trader is not gaming her regarding the pin post being broke/bent etc. Even a picture doesn't prove it, since it could be of another pin. It is only the other traders word, so being reasonable (on both sides) is important.

 

[starry_solo]

Either the sender or the recipient can file for insurance. Since the recipient doesn't want to do so, then the sender (Lisa) should do so, providing pictures of the bubble wrapped pin, the packaging and anything else she can think of. So gather all the evidence that you can.

There is a guy on FB that repairs pin posts. His name is Kirk Fabbro. I'm not sure if he has a business, but perhaps he could give you a quote to repair as well.

BTW, I ship my pins in boxes.

 

[Lisa Lopez]

Thanks for all the insight. I’m still not sure where this is headed. The admin reached out to the other party and he hasn’t responded to her, as far as I know. He sent me a message earlier today asking about next steps. I essentially said a claim needs to be filed and that he needs to help the process because I didn’t think it’d be fair of him to hinder the process, preventing any hope for reimbursement, then expect me to cover the damage that should be covered by the insurance.

BTW, DSSH told me to ship my Marquee back and they’ll replace it. Since the marquees sold out, how do you suppose they’re able to replace it? I just hope they don’t keep it and refund me because I’d rather try to unbend the post that give up my first Marquee!

 

[TheMickeyMouseRules]

Thanks for all the insight. I’m still not sure where this is headed. The admin reached out to the other party and he hasn’t responded to her, as far as I know. He sent me a message earlier today asking about next steps. I essentially said a claim needs to be filed and that he needs to help the process because I didn’t think it’d be fair of him to hinder the process, preventing any hope for reimbursement, then expect me to cover the damage that should be covered by the insurance.

BTW, DSSH told me to ship my Marquee back and they’ll replace it. Since the marquees sold out, how do you suppose they’re able to replace it? I just hope they don’t keep it and refund me because I’d rather try to unbend the post that give up my first Marquee!

Marquee replacement: They probably set a few aside for trading events, prizes, etc. You will likely receive one of those.