Semi-OT: Advanced package protection charges??

[AngryScientist]

I have been noticing some online sales vendors have been automatically adding some "advanced package protection" or similar to orders these days. Basically a paid insurance policy that your package wont get lost or stolen enroute.

Seems like a complete scam and cop-out, passing on the cost of customer service to the consumer.

Anyone else been noticing the same? I always go into my cart and delete that line item. It's annoying, and sneaky to automatically add that line item to orders, probably hoping people dont notice.

[.RJ]

Thats a bit silly. If the package never shows up thats on them so why do they want you to pay for it?

[HenryA]

Originally Posted by .RJ

Thats a bit silly. If the package never shows up thats on them so why do they want you to pay for it?

Your question is the answer. Of course they want you to pay for it.

[Flinch]

Yup - seems that it's spreading, and as pointed out, sneaky.

On the other hand, McDonald's now has something similar: Surcharge for ensuring that all orders come with the correct number of French fry orders. Well, it might happen.

[merckxman]

I haven't sent this...yet. Google turned up this comment on reddit: "Without this extra charge, in their FAQ it says they will not refund or replace lost/stolen/damaged packages."

Angry, have you looked at the sellers to see what they say if you don't take the protection?

[yngpunk]

Originally Posted by merckxman

I haven't sent this...yet. Google turned up this comment on reddit: "Without this extra charge, in their FAQ it says they will not refund or replace lost/stolen/damaged packages."

Angry, have you looked at the sellers to see what they say if you don't take the protection?

Pay with a credit card and if it gets lost/stolen/damaged in transit and seller won't re-ship/refund, open a dispute with your credit card company. Just because the merchant says you're not covered if you don't pay for protection, doesn't mean you waive your rights or you don't have protection.

[ntb1001]

I’ve seen too from a few online retailers, BikeInn was one of them. At least it’s been an optional charge. I feel it’s a scam as well, if you don’t get your purchase, the credit card will do charge back for you if the store won’t.


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[bikinchris]

But the shipper is supposed to pay for lost packages.

[charliedid]

Yes

I ain't buying it.

[Llewellyn]

The only thing you need to remember when businesses offer you these kind of scams is that the only reason they offer them is because they make more money from people falling for them and paying up, than they pay out in claims.

Same with extended warranties....they're all a con.

[dgauthier]

If you want to eliminate this practice, the solution is simple: don't buy from a vendor that requires this, period.

[tbike4]

Originally Posted by ntb1001

I’ve seen too from a few online retailers, BikeInn was one of them. At least it’s been an optional charge. I feel it’s a scam as well, if you don’t get your purchase, the credit card will do charge back for you if the store won’t.

^This. I always use the same card for online purchases. I have made charge backs in the past with unscrupulous sellers and the CC company was very aggressive in handling the problem.

McDonald's french fries. That's funny.

[FriarQuade]

Originally Posted by bikinchris

But the shipper is supposed to pay for lost packages.

When you say shipper are you referring to the carrier, USPS, UPS, FedEx or the merchant who shipped the product? Because the carrier is the one at fault 99% of the time but customers have come to expect the merchant to foot the bill for the replacement of goods. Thanks Amazon!

[hartmmike]

I just received an order from Showers Pass with a $3.08 charge for "free " one time refund or exchange.

[LouDeeter]

There are businesses, some framebuilders as well, who say they are acting as your agent and will only be responsible for "free onboard", in other words, only for actually shipping the product, but not responsible after that. Here's an in-depth description of when ownership and responsibility passes from seller to buyer: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fob.asp