Filing a claim with FEDEX?

[XKnight]

For those that have been through the process please share your experiences and any pointers. If you had to do it again would you do anything differently?

I shipped a guitar that appears to have been lost or stolen, although FEDEX has not admitted such as of yet. The guitar was insured for $2500 although it is probably worth more. I'm just looking for input on what I can expect through the claims process and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

They are going to want you to prove what the fair market value was. If it was used, you'll have to fight them to get your price. If it was vintage or collectable, forget it. You'll have to show how much you were paid for it. You better make a copy of the ebay page or any supporting documentation including cancelled checks or paypal receipts. I've done good as much as getting 50% of my claim back on some JBL speakers


Good luck. :tapedshut

[XKnight]

Update! The guitar was located in Utah. So far, it has been from TX to FL (the original destination) and now UT. This is going to be one well traveled guitar. I asked FEDEX to expedite service back to FL and they said they would try. They also said they would refund my shipping fees, but that isn't much of a consolation at this point. At least it wasn't stolen like I originally feared.

[jumpnblues]

IMHO, you don't stand a snowball's chance in heck of getting a satisfactory result (hope I'm wrong). I had damage to a brand new amp cab by Fedex, had photos, filled out all the paperwork, all "I's" dotted and "T's" crossed...denied. Appealed, denied. Quite a racket they have going with their insurance...you pay for the insurance but never collect, no matter what. And it's all legal. So, good luck. You're gonna' need it.


Tom

[rhinocaster]

Love reading threads like this when I'm waiting for FedEx to deliver a guitar.:cry:

[gdomeier]

Fedex destroyed an amp that was shipped to me. They were fine in paying the claim. I even go the busted up amp along with the check.

[XKnight]

IMHO, you don't stand a snowball's chance in heck of getting a satisfactory result (hope I'm wrong). I had damage to a brand new amp cab by Fedex, had photos, filled out all the paperwork, all "I's" dotted and "T's" crossed...denied. Appealed, denied. Quite a racket they have going with their insurance...you pay for the insurance but never collect, no matter what. And it's all legal. So, good luck. You're gonna' need it.


Tom

If I end up filing a claim with FEDEX and it gets denied, I'll take them to small claims court.

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

If I end up filing a claim with FEDEX and it gets denied, I'll take them to small claims court.



That's what I would do. The only thing is, you have to read their fine print on what is required packing wise to validate a claim. I know UPS won't pay a claim unless there is 2" of foam all around the item. Now, when I pack something to ship, I take pictures of the packing procedure and show a ruler that displays that there indeed is 2" or more of foam around the amp or whatever it is...... just in case I have to take them to court. :drink

[Doodad]

IMHO, you don't stand a snowball's chance in heck of getting a satisfactory result (hope I'm wrong). I had damage to a brand new amp cab by Fedex, had photos, filled out all the paperwork, all "I's" dotted and "T's" crossed...denied. Appealed, denied. Quite a racket they have going with their insurance...you pay for the insurance but never collect, no matter what. And it's all legal. So, good luck. You're gonna' need it.


Tom

I am the shipping manager at my office. What I can say is the only end around on that is use one of their stores to pack an expensive item. Yes, I know it is a ripoff, but they will deny any other way.

I had some very high end artwork monitors destroyed by UPS. Submit claim. Denied, you did not package properly here are our requirements...blah blah blah. :Spank

Ah....you packed them.:FM Oh... we did? Can you show reciept. Yep. Hmm, I guess this claim is valid and the packaging just failed. :dunno

Check will be sent.:crazyguy:roll

[mr coffee]

With fedex ground it was all about getting a human on the phone and sending him pictures of where the forklift punched the box and speared the blonde bassman bottom..... after they stated there was NO damage to the box. I think it's just a ratio to them as far as payout. The squeaky wheel does get the grease.

[Mondoslug]

With fedex ground it was all about getting a human on the phone and sending him pictures
Exactly...get through to the person who has your case. Their reps ain't all on the same page. On my claim the Fed Ex branch that first inspected the trashed amp observed that there was no damage to the amp...irregardless of how well it may or may not have been packed. It was obviously tweaked pretty badly. I had to refile, send picts & keep after them & always in direct contact with the person who had the claim. They paid after about two weeks and also picked the amp up as "salvage" so I'm guessing there was damage to the amp afterall.

[Luke]

If I end up filing a claim with FEDEX and it gets denied, I'll take them to small claims court.

And you will never have to enter the court room. It is all a percentage's game with them. They know 99.9% of those that threaten to sue never will. The ones that do, will get paid, because it is cheaper for them then spending $1000+ on a lawyer.