You’ve been eagerly waiting for a personalized wine glass to arrive at your house. When you open the package to check out your purchase, a shattered wine glass is all you find. Frustrated with receiving your new wine glass in pieces, you wonder to yourself, “Is there anything I can do if UPS® damaged my package?”
UPS damaged package claims process
You’ve probably seen shocking videos floating around of UPS® employees throwing or mishandling packages and FedEx® employees hurling computer monitors over fences. It’s no surprise that some packages end up damaged when you hear about how some employees are treating packages. Luckily, you can receive a full refund when a damaged shipment was delivered to you. However, UPS® has a five-step process to follow before a shipper can get the claim paid.
1. Report damage
Damage can be reported online for packages with an origination and destination within the United States. UPS® accepts documentation from the shipper online, via email or by fax. If the damaged package is noticed while in transit, UPS® will notify the shipper about the condition of the package.
2. Possible UPS® Package Inspection
UPS® may wish to inspect the damaged package to verify proper packing materials were used. If UPS® finds it was improperly packed according to their terms, the claim could be denied. This inspection can happen at the receiver’s location or the package may be collected for inspection at a UPS® facility.
Once the UPS® investigation is complete, a notification letter will be sent to the shipper – not the receiver of the shipment.
3. Claim authorized
If the claim is issued, a damage/loss notification claim letter will be emailed, faxed or mailed to the shipper. The shipper will also be notified if the claim is not approved.
4. UPS® reviews documents for damaged package
Documentation that supports your claim and the declared value of the package is often required in order to receive a refund or replacement of merchandise. This documentation can be submitted when the damage is first reported, or after the damage/loss notification is sent. Supporting documentation for a damaged package can include original invoices, purchase orders, or other information required by UPS®.
5. Claim Paid
Once UPS® received the required documentation and the claim has been approved, payment will be sent. Sometimes the amount credited may differ from what was requested. UPS® will explain the difference of the payment amount which usually differs depending on their view of the documentation provided. Claim checks are mailed to the shipper’s billing address three to five business days after UPS® receives the final documentation.
How to avoid missing out on money
Pack it properly
Maybe you are the one sending the package to a customer or business. UPS® can deny a claim if the package isn’t packed according to UPS requirements.
Declare the value
UPS® automatically protects each domestic package and international shipment against loss or damage up to a value of $100 without a declaration of value. If the value of your items surpasses $100, you should declare the correct value. If not, the maximum liability for loss or damage to a package is $100. Not declaring the appropriate value can cause issues when filing a claim.
Enlist the help of Share A Refund
Filing these claims individually can become a hassle as you jump through multiple hoops to obtain a refund. This five-step process is time-consuming and organizing all the supporting documentation can be complicated. The Share A Refund lost and damaged claims management service is designed to handle even the most complex requirements. Share A Refund manages the hassle of filing lost and damaged claims and sending all pertinent documents to UPS® on the shipper’s behalf. The repetitive task of completing forms, downloading invoices and credit memos from ordering systems, and submitting the documents electronically for each shipment is done quicker and more precisely by Share A Refund.
