15
2010
Shipping Insurance Myths for eBay Users
An article by shipsurance
There has been quite a bit said about how a seller should handle and approach insuring their
sold eBay® items. The problem is that there is an abundance of false information floating
around that leads to confusion of behalf of eBay® buyers and sellers. We have put together a
list of the top 5 eBay® shipping insurance myths. Hopefully, they can assist you with your
shipping insurance decisions.
MYTH #1: Shipping Insurance Protects The Buyer.
This is incorrect. Shipping insurance covers the seller in the case of transit related loss. The
buyer has other remedies at their disposal, such as a PayPal® chargeback, credit card
chargeback, and negative feedback. As a seller, you should protect yourself by insuring your
packages.
MYTH #2: I Can Only Buy Shipping Insurance from the Shipping Carrier.
This is incorrect. The carriers do provide coverage for some items, but full coverage can be
purchased from private insurers such as Shipsurance. The benefits include: more coverage,
less costly coverage, easier claims, AND you can continue shipping with the carriers you
normally use.
MYTH #3: I Know About Shipsurance, but it is Easier to Insure with the Shipping Carrier.
This is incorrect. Often, the shipping carriers can drag claims on for months on end. Also, each
carrier has specific rules for specific items; some are destination specific. Did you know it was
prohibited to ship watches and “Other valuable articles” via USPS Express Mail International?
Shipsurance has developed a program called eReport that integrates with eBay®, making the
insurance process pain-free and simple. The claims process is all electronic and claims are
settled rapidly and fairly.
MYTH #4: You Cannot Cover 1st Class International Shipments.
This is incorrect, for Shipsurance customers. The USPS does not offer any insurance for 1st
class International shipments. This is another reason to insure shipments with Shipsurance.
MYTH #5: If a Buyer Does Not Assist with a Claim, I Am Out the Money.
This is incorrect. Shipsurance does request a signed statement from the buyer stating damage
or non receipt, but there are alternatives. On shipments valued under $100.00, if the buyer files a credit card or PayPal® chargeback, we can often use that in lieu of a signed statement.
You can read this and more at http://ebay.shipsurance.com
Great article! Filed my first claim for a FCI parcel and check arrived in a week! FANTASTIC SERVICE! Thank you David and Shipurance!
Thank you for the kind words!