The UPS Store has "lost" my bass!

[Jim Campbell]

well I know that if they don't pack it, they won't cover insurance, or at least there is a decent chance they won't, so I didn't want to take a chance. I don't think UPS governs the price of packing materials at the UPS stores, being that they are franchisees.

its interesting that the number of ltl carriers is limited to the ups/fedex crowd....they seem to have consolidated their grip on the market,to the detriment of competition....it's nearly a monopoly....

now they can squeeze more money out of customers by insisting on packing fees,or claims will not be honored.....i've seen a small eight pound item turned into a box more than triple the size needed,as then it is billed by volume instead of weight......

if you have a dispute with fedex there are not that many options available..and disgruntled ups customers will end up back at fedex,so customer service is really not a necessary part of the business plan......i'll bet that there has been a lot of lobbying to limit the amount of options through the usps as well.....

 

[fdeck]

Not admissable in legal proceedings, but I'll bet UPS corporate will be quite interested...

This is a derail, but I am curious why it's not admissible.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

This is a derail, but I am curious why it's not admissible.

Because it was done with out the clerks permission or knowledge.

 

[Jim Campbell]

Because it was done with out the clerks permission or knowledge.

here taping without the other party consenting is illegal

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Good news!

I got the bass back and its in perfect condition!!!

Here's what happened:

Friday, I finally got the insurance information from the owner, and contacted them to file a claim. The insurance agent was pretty helpful, but did mention that this claim was "below the deductible amount." Despite that, they would process the claim and recoup the money from the owner. They asked me to wait a week or so for the check.

I got a call from the store owner on Saturday (they're closed on Saturday.) When he called, he didn't identify himself or even say he was from the store. He said "I told you we'd find your bass. Come get it right now, we want to be done with you." I thanked him and asked him where it was found, but he said "just come get your **** bass. I don't have time to talk about it. I'm at the store now."

The store is just a few minutes from my home, so I jumped in my car and raced to get it. When I got there, the bass was in the case and leaning up against the wall. The owner of the store was standing about 10 feet away. When I got there, I said thanks for finding it and asked him where it was. He just shook his head and said "I don't owe you any answers. I told you not to call the cops. Now UPS corporate is pissed at me!"

I opened the case and there it was, in perfect condition. All of my internal packing was still in place. The owner started to leave, and I asked him where my refund was. He says "it's in the envelope, stupid" and then said "you're banned from my store for life!!!!" I must admit that at this point I lost my cool and invited him come say that in my face, but he got in his car and left. Probably a good thing, because I was way too mad to be rational.

I got the bass home and checked it out. Two things of interest: the whole bass was tuned down exactly one step and there was a pick in the case. I have no reason to tune down a 5 string bass and I never play with a pick. In addition, the allen wrench in the case was missing. My guess is that someone in the store took the bass and was using it. I've used this store alot in the past, and I know that many of the owner's family members work there, so I'm guessing he's covering for one of them.

I called the police and told them I recovered it. They were thrilled and said that they were closing their case.

The bass works perfectly, and there are no nicks or dings. I still can't believe I got it back!!

Glad to hear that everything turned out ok after all. Also good to hear that the thing ain't over yet.

Honestly I can't decide which amazes me more, Your patience or the UPS franchise owners behaviour. I wouldn't have been anywhere that patient, a serious faulty wiring in my brain I guess.

The owner I really don't get.
Granted, a franchise like that is not a goldmine, especially in economy like this. It's still a way to make a decent living though. Not to mention the way to employ Your (whole) family. That should also count for something.

To jeopardize that all for something like this, that's just beyond stupid. I wonder what his family thinks when their livelihood is gone. For good.

I can't think of any reason why UPS would let him keep the franchise, I bet there's plenty of takers.

I've discovered the the recorder on my iPhone works very well. I recorded the whole conversation.

That was classy. Somewhat illegal obviously, but classy none the less.

The UPS investigator wouldn't probably give a rats ass about it being "somewhat illegally aquired evidence" if there's no legal dispute between them. The balloon-knot can't really be stupid enough to take UPS to the court if they quite rightfully decide to drop him off.

Regards
Sam

 

[guy n. cognito]

Because it was done with out the clerks permission or knowledge.

Incorrect. In the State of TN, a recorded conversation IS admissible so long as ONE party to the conversation is aware that it is being recorded. I was a party to the conversation and I was aware that it was recorded.

 

[Indiana Mike]

Incorrect. In the State of TN, a recorded conversation IS admissible so long as ONE party to the conversation is aware that it is being recorded. I was a party to the conversation and I was aware that it was recorded.

10-4 , same here in Indiana.

 

[5StringBlues]

That UPS store owner should join a certain club listed at the end of my sig.


Edit:Sig changed.Move along,nothing to see here.

 

[Eric Perry]

Incorrect. In the State of TN, a recorded conversation IS admissible so long as ONE party to the conversation is aware that it is being recorded. I was a party to the conversation and I was aware that it was recorded.

That's the way it should be everywhere!!! Evidence is friggin' evidence! I get so annoyed with how the legal system tailors to crooks and scumbags sometimes!

 

[Marley's Ghost]

here taping without the other party consenting is illegal

Laws vary by state. Certain ones allow if your voice is part of the conversation that is recorded.

Great thread, sorry or your aggravation though. USPS ftw, never had one problem with them.

edit, already stated above

 

[TrooperFarva]

Incorrect. In the State of TN, a recorded conversation IS admissible so long as ONE party to the conversation is aware that it is being recorded. I was a party to the conversation and I was aware that it was recorded.

Exactly right. That's how most states are.

The laws are basically designed so that wire taps are inadmissable as evidence, but if one person records a conversation they had, that's fine.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

Incorrect. In the State of TN, a recorded conversation IS admissible so long as ONE party to the conversation is aware that it is being recorded. I was a party to the conversation and I was aware that it was recorded.

I didn't see the state you are in. But that is not the case in a lot of states.


I hope you get the guy for sure.

 

[Staccato]

Glad she's back, don't let go of that bass!

UPS Corporate got into the store owners stuff-knowing that makes me grin...

 

[zachbass02]

Guy, if at all possible, I'd really like to know which UPS store it was. If you wouldn't mind PMing me. I'm fixing to ship some stuff and I don't want to use that douche bag's store by mistake.

 

[Ziltoid]

Any update?

 

[BassGirl1122]

all he could say is "uh oh" ? I'd be saying "oh ______(bleeped out)"!
anyways sorry to hear about that..Hope all goes well in the end!
I'd hate to be the new owner too....
ok seeing the other threads, I see you got it back...that's great news!

 

[BassGirl1122]

Good news!

I got the bass back and its in perfect condition!!!

Here's what happened:

Friday, I finally got the insurance information from the owner, and contacted them to file a claim. The insurance agent was pretty helpful, but did mention that this claim was "below the deductible amount." Despite that, they would process the claim and recoup the money from the owner. They asked me to wait a week or so for the check.

I got a call from the store owner on Saturday (they're closed on Saturday.) When he called, he didn't identify himself or even say he was from the store. He said "I told you we'd find your bass. Come get it right now, we want to be done with you." I thanked him and asked him where it was found, but he said "just come get your **** bass. I don't have time to talk about it. I'm at the store now."

The store is just a few minutes from my home, so I jumped in my car and raced to get it. When I got there, the bass was in the case and leaning up against the wall. The owner of the store was standing about 10 feet away. When I got there, I said thanks for finding it and asked him where it was. He just shook his head and said "I don't owe you any answers. I told you not to call the cops. Now UPS corporate is pissed at me!"

I opened the case and there it was, in perfect condition. All of my internal packing was still in place. The owner started to leave, and I asked him where my refund was. He says "it's in the envelope, stupid" and then said "you're banned from my store for life!!!!" I must admit that at this point I lost my cool and invited him come say that in my face, but he got in his car and left. Probably a good thing, because I was way too mad to be rational.

I got the bass home and checked it out. Two things of interest: the whole bass was tuned down exactly one step and there was a pick in the case. I have no reason to tune down a 5 string bass and I never play with a pick. In addition, the allen wrench in the case was missing. My guess is that someone in the store took the bass and was using it. I've used this store alot in the past, and I know that many of the owner's family members work there, so I'm guessing he's covering for one of them.

I called the police and told them I recovered it. They were thrilled and said that they were closing their case.

The bass works perfectly, and there are no nicks or dings. I still can't believe I got it back!!

Did you report him to the corp. office? That was uncalled for the way he spoke to you. He should have his job taken from him. He should of been apologetic to you, not biting your head off and being ugly. That is not professional at all. It wasn't yo that "lost" it, it was them. You're not at fault. That man sounded like a jerk!

 

[guy n. cognito]

Did you report him to the corp. office? That was uncalled for the way he spoke to you. He should have his job taken from him. He should of been apologetic to you, not biting your head off and being ugly. That is not professional at all. It wasn't yo that "lost" it, it was them. You're not at fault. That man sounded like a jerk!

No offense, but did you read the entire thread?

I've been talking to UPS this week. So far, they have offered me a significant amount of free shipping, and I've gotten a written apology from the store owner. I think that's about all the satisfaction I'll be getting from UPS, which is OK by me.

 

[MoBeach]

Sorry I just back. I left my browser open.

When I told him he'd have to replace the bass, he started questioning the value, and even inferred that the case was empty. He started this " I have no liability, talk to ups" bs.

I've given him until 10:00 to produce my bass or claim it stolen to the police. At 10:15 my wife, an attorney, will begin the process to sue his ass. She's drawing up the papers tonight. In the interim, I'm calling everyone in UPS I can reach.

He's grasping for straws. Press charges.

Edit: Glad you got it back! I use UPS hubs only, luckily one is close to me.

 

[Marley's Ghost]

No offense, but did you read the entire thread?

I've been talking to UPS this week. So far, they have offered me a significant amount of free shipping, and I've gotten a written apology from the store owner. I think that's about all the satisfaction I'll be getting from UPS, which is OK by me.

Very cool. Always nice to get closure on these things. Although I think the store owner could do more...maybe

Do your laundry for a month
Change cat litter or walk the dog
Wax your cars

You get the idea