Tiffany repair - USPS stole the package in NYC with items for repair

[GemsBerry]

Hi guys. Just want to share my horrible experience. I sent 2 pieces for repair worth almost $12,000 last Wed to NYC store and the package was stolen while in USPS possession. it didn't go anywhere after being marked "out for delivery" on Fri and tracking shows false information that main store was closed and delivery location unavailable at 5:17pm (the store is open until 6pm). It's Tuesday,no updates.
I filed a claim and NYC PO called me saying "we don't have it", "they (Tiffany's) don't have it either". "it's not only here, they (who? you?) steal it everywhere", bye, case closed. I opened another case with Postal inspectors, who are kinda their law enforcement, I don't think it's going anywhere and will be closed likewise. Like it happened before when my credit cards were stolen by local USPS and postal inspectors never investigated anything, just kept closing cases
Oh, the package insurance is only $100. In USPS if you pay insurance for the full price it doesn't mean you are covered. They'll only cover the original cost of purchase if you have receipts for those.
So I'm just sitting here and crying...

 

[Etriers]

Do you have any of these?

Providing proof of value:
“Proof of value proves an item’s value or any required repair costs. Either the mailer or the addressee must submit acceptable proof to establish the cost or value of the merchandise at the time it was mailed. If you are filing your claim online, evidence may be uploaded or mailed in with your claim. Examples are:

1. A sales receipt, paid invoice or bill of sale, or statement of value from a reputable dealer.
2. Paid repair bills; if the claim is for partial damage, estimates of repair costs or appraisals from a reputable dealer. Repair costs may not exceed the original purchase price.
3. Receipt or invoice for the costs incurred to buy a surety bond required to reissue a lost item.
4. Receipt or invoice of costs incurred for the reconstruction of non-negotiable documents.
5. A copy of a credit card statement or other documentation indicating the amount paid.
6. For Internet transactions conducted through a Web-based payment network that offers payment services through a stored value account, provide a computer printout 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. The printout must clearly identify the Web-based payment network provider through which the Internet transaction was conducted.”

https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Domestic-Claims-The-Basics#What_is_Proof_of_Value

 

[MatAllston]

I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m hoping for a miracle and that your package will be found. I’ve had good experiences shipping expensive items with FedEx and FedEx allows the items to be insured at higher value too. If your package is found, please use FedEx for the return delivery. Again, I’m hoping your package will be found and please keep us posted.

 

[baghagg]

I don't understand - you paid full item value to USPS to insure the package but they'll only cover you for $100.00? Have you insured your jewelry under your own private policy? Do you not have (purchase) receipts for this jewelry? Have you filed a police report?

 

[QueenLa]

I am so sorry to hear about this. The Postal Inspectors aren’t very helpful. They lost a package of mine, and even with the original receipt, they only reimbursed me for $50. I am praying that they find yours!

 

[GemsBerry]

Do you have any of these?

Providing proof of value:
“Proof of value proves an item’s value or any required repair costs. Either the mailer or the addressee must submit acceptable proof to establish the cost or value of the merchandise at the time it was mailed. If you are filing your claim online, evidence may be uploaded or mailed in with your claim. Examples are:

1. A sales receipt, paid invoice or bill of sale, or statement of value from a reputable dealer.
2. Paid repair bills; if the claim is for partial damage, estimates of repair costs or appraisals from a reputable dealer. Repair costs may not exceed the original purchase price.
3. Receipt or invoice for the costs incurred to buy a surety bond required to reissue a lost item.
4. Receipt or invoice of costs incurred for the reconstruction of non-negotiable documents.
5. A copy of a credit card statement or other documentation indicating the amount paid.
6. For Internet transactions conducted through a Web-based payment network that offers payment services through a stored value account, provide a computer printout 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. The printout must clearly identify the Web-based payment network provider through which the Internet transaction was conducted.”

https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Domestic-Claims-The-Basics#What_is_Proof_of_Value

I do have invoice from online purchase and another one was my family member's piece. It was all in old prices anyway like before triple price increase. I will never be able to re-purchase at this price.

 

[GemsBerry]

I don't understand - you paid full item value to USPS to insure the package but they'll only cover you for $100.00? Have you insured your jewelry under your own private policy? Do you not have (purchase) receipts for this jewelry? Have you filed a police report?

They'll only allow insurance up to $5000.01. But they are known for not giving a full amount or even close, what's included in Priority mail is $100 coverage. I added signature confirmation which delivery guy didn't care for.

 

[GemsBerry]

I am so sorry to hear about this. The Postal Inspectors aren’t very helpful. They lost a package of mine, and even with the original receipt, they only reimbursed me for $50. I am praying that they find yours!

Thank you, exactly. Their coverage is a tricky one. People who sell jewelry had to go through their insurance claims. If you sell say $1000 ring and insured it for this price, they only reimburse fraction of the costs for parts used in manufacturing. You will need to show the proof of costs for materials used like raw gemstones and metal. Then they won't cover even that finding the way to dismiss it. Instead of $1000 you'll receive $150 maybe, if you are lucky. With items sent for repair they'll claim it's damaged and unless you have proof of value with damage it's a piece of useless metal worth $100-200.
Postal inspectors aka USPS law enforcement seem to have two buttons only. They hit "open the case" and the next day they hit "close the case". I wonder if they ever solved anything. They always blame customers or outer forces like mailbox thefts on the streets but never investigate their employees. I had credit cards stolen by delivery person in my building, her card was charged for paying someone's rent, so bold. The case was dismissed like it never happened.

 

[GemsBerry]

The new development is the package was turned in. Can be an empty one but fingers crossed!

 

[GemsBerry]

I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m hoping for a miracle and that your package will be found. I’ve had good experiences shipping expensive items with FedEx and FedEx allows the items to be insured at higher value too. If your package is found, please use FedEx for the return delivery. Again, I’m hoping your package will be found and please keep us posted.

Yes, only Fedex. I thought I'll use USPS one last time for a quick repair. My local Tiffany store closed, driving to another state or shipping yourself were the only options.

 

[livethelake]

The new development is the package was turned in. Can be an empty one but fingers crossed!

Great news! Where was it turned in? And who turned it in?

 

[Etriers]

They'll only allow insurance up to $5000.01. But they are known for not giving a full amount or even close, what's included in Priority mail is $100 coverage. I added signature confirmation which delivery guy didn't care for.

So hopefully your jewelry is all there. If not, take the receipts you have to Tiffany’s and get an estimate (and photos) from them for the item at current prices. You may be surprised what the PI will do if they know, with official documentation, what you paid for recognizable name-brand jewelry that is currently available, exactly what the item looks like, and what it sells for today. The reason you sent it to Tiffany’s is none of their business.

I agree, telling them it was just some broken jewelry sent for repair that you have no photo of, or documentation for, is a pretty rickety argument. Especially since you yourself didn’t think enough of it to ensure it was handled carefully and properly insured. I probably would not pay much either if I were the PI. However— Documenting exactly what brand, size, type, year, make, model with current photos of the item and current replacement prices from a reputable brand, along with your own receipts for cross-reference, is something else entirely.

In the future, always send valuables Registered mail so they are kept locked and anyone who touches them must sign for them.

 

[GemsBerry]

Great news! Where was it turned in? And who turned it in?

Something weird is going on. I got a voicemail from Postal inspectors and they said the package should be in local (NYC) post office and I should go to pick it up with my ID. Like they dismissed the information I provided that I'm a sender, I'm in a different state and I won't be able "to go to local PO" in NYC. Then the package appeared in the Tiffany's store. like USPS handed it in today. Now I'm waiting for the news from SA about its content.

 

[MatAllston]

Fingers crossed your package and contents are there. Please keep us posted.

 

[GemsBerry]

So hopefully your jewelry is all there. If not, take the receipts you have to Tiffany’s and get an estimate (and photos) from them for the item at current prices. You may be surprised what the PI will do if they know, with official documentation, what you paid for recognizable name-brand jewelry that is currently available, exactly what the item looks like, and what it sells for today. The reason you sent it to Tiffany’s is none of their business.

I agree, telling them it was just some broken jewelry sent for repair that you have no photo of, or documentation for, is a pretty rickety argument. Especially since you yourself didn’t think enough of it to ensure it was handled carefully and properly insured. I probably would not pay much either if I were the PI. However— Documenting exactly what brand, size, type, year, make, model with current photos of the item and current replacement prices from a reputable brand, along with your own receipts for cross-reference, is something else entirely.

In the future, always send valuables Registered mail so they are kept locked and anyone who touches them must sign for them.

That's a good idea to get an appraisal from Tiffany's. They know that repair is not that expensive and after their service it will be like new. No significant loss of value.