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The UPS Store has "lost" my bass!

#61
The police are now involved. I finally found someone high enough that would take a report and allow me to call it "stolen."

I was waiting at the UPS store at closing time. The police were there taking their report from the owner. While the police were there, I asked him for the contact information for his insurance carrier, as I intended to file a claim tomorrow. He wouldn't give it to me, because "I have a $10,000 deductible."

He kept telling the police that it was "lost", not stolen.

Edited to add: I've talked to the local UPS warehouse. The manager searched the warehouse and found nothing. He also talked to the driver that made the pickup at the store and he claimed that he saw the case, but he didn't pick it up because it wasn't packaged. He also said that it was sitting IN FRONT of the counter.....
 
#63
This is unbelievable. I really hope that UPS does the right thing and compensates you for the bass. I understand that its a franshise but the UPS logo is on the front of the building so they should do whats right for the customer and take responsibility.
 
#67
I own/operate a Print/Copy store that ships stuff out via UPS and FedEx.

The owner/manager is on the hook for this one and not UPS. The guys in brown socks are pretty straightforward about claims (same for FedEx). Your insurance with UPS doesn't start until the driver takes it into his possession with a traceable scan.

Seems to me like the owner/manager was playing for time, not calling the police, perhaps hoping that someone on his staff would 'find' the missing item.

I believe you have a pretty solid claim against the store. You left it there, they weighed it (and an empty case weighs less) paid for it and have receipts to prove it all. It was in there possession when it when missing.

I wouldn't try the smear campaign until it warrants it (TV and media coverage). Someone in charge will realize their hopeless condition and come to you quietly before your wife, the lawyer, begins to rack up charges that they'll be liable for as well.

It just sucks! People taking other people's stuff sucks! Running a retail store in a recession sucks too. In fact, come to think of it, everything sucks except TB and that's a 'maybe'.
 
#69
Steve said:
Anyone want to bet me that the owner of that store employs his worthless crack head son and he's all over that security tape?
Click to expand...

I can't say it would surprise me.

Though he could just be doing the right thing, employing young people who have lost there way, giving them a goal and helping them to get back on the right track. He may have seen an employee of his stealing it and is stalling for time to give them a chance to turn it in.

You can never tell, best of luck with getting it back anyway.
 
#70
I'm pretty certain he's full of it when it comes to his insurance. He just doesn't want his rates to go up for filing a claim. All of this could probably be solved by an official letter from a lawyer. I'm not saying it's a terrible idea, but one that is a friend of your wife might be better than someone closely involved, who has a stake in the outcome. Surely she has a lawyer friend who would help for cheap.
 
#72
I was in a UPS store recently...security cams damn near everywhere. Have they even suggested looking at the playback ?
oops, just went back and read where the cam subject already brought to notice. the police should request to see the cam footage as part of a theft investigation. call the local PD and see if you can get a detective involved.
 
#73
guy n. cognito said:
Yes, fully insured. UPS says, however, that they will not honor any claim. Because the bass hadn't been packaged by the store, they claim it isn't in their system yet.

I'm going down there now. Somebody come bail me out!!!!!
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I have a bit of experience with UPS destroying things.

Whoever told you that is lying to your face. The store does not have to package anything for insurance to be valid. UPS only requires a corrogated cardboard box, and packing material, which I assume you used (at least). If your packaging was unsuitable, the store would not have even accpted it, let alone insured it.

If the store tries to weasel out of this, DO NOT HESITATE to call UPS customer service, and raise hell!

UPS is a pain in the @$$, but they have always made good on the insurance for me.

I switched to DHL after all of this. They were fantastic. Nothing ever got lost or damaged. Even the shipping boxes were virtually 'dent free'. Those Germans don't put up with carelessness from their employess. They'll send you to the Russian Front. :D

It's a shame they no longer ship for individuals, only businesses.

Good luck to you.
 
#74
vespasian1 said:
Unfortunately, I have a bit of experience with UPS destroying things.

Whoever told you that is lying to your face. The store does not have to package anything for insurance to be valid. UPS only requires a corrogated cardboard box, and packing material, which I assume you used (at least). If your packaging was unsuitable, the store would not have even accpted it, let alone insured it.

If the store tries to weasel out of this, DO NOT HESITATE to call UPS customer service, and raise hell!

UPS is a pain in the @$$, but they have always made good on the insurance for me.

I switched to DHL after all of this. They were fantastic. Nothing ever got lost or damaged. Even the shipping boxes were virtually 'dent free'. Those Germans don't put up with carelessness from their employess. They'll send you to the Russian Front. :D

It's a shame they no longer ship for individuals, only businesses.

Good luck to you.
Click to expand...
Bass and case were unpacked. He gave it to the store to pack and ship.
 
#75
DWBass said:
Bass and case were unpacked. He gave it to the store to pack and ship.
Click to expand...

I see. I should have read the whole thread before adding my 2 cents.

So now the store is claiming they didn't pack it. They obviously can't deny they accepted it for shipping. The driver says he saw the case, but didn't take it because it was unpacked, and in front of the counter. Since the OP has a receipt showing that this was supposed to be done, I don't understand how the store can defend against this, and say they aren't responsible. And the store owner inferring that the case was empty makes him a scumbag of the first order.

Involving the police was a good idea. The OP's wife being a lawyer is sweet.

One can still involve UPS corporate though. If one of their stores is totally screwing up, and giving them a bad name, they'll get involved.

The sign on the door still says 'UPS'.

I honestly think you're better off shipping via USPS these days, or even Fedex. I've never had a problem with them.
 
#76
vespasian1 said:
I honestly think you're better off shipping via USPS these days, or even Fedex. I've never had a problem with them.
Click to expand...
I agree. I usually pack and label all my shipments before bringing it to the depot and I always use Fedex Ground but this is a moot point at this time. I hope the bass turns up. It was clearly grabbed either intentionally or while no one was looking but I hope they have video coverage. If not, something is real fishy then! To me, it is clearly theft!
 
#78
This is a horror story if I've ever read one.

It seems to me that you're taking the right steps to have some sort of justice here. The complete uninterested stance on the UPS owner's part just screams guilt in some way to me. Persistence will be key.

Part of me wants this to escalate to court so this guy can be raped to the fullest extent. Luckily you won't have to pay the lawyer fees (financially at least. :p).
 

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