[78-L] International transactions

[Cary Ginell]

Just a word of warning to those who sell 78s abroad. My recent issue with a Chinese buyer did not end well. Possibly due to language problems on the other end, the buyer never understood that he was to be reimbursed for the damage the USPS caused to the records I sent him by the Postal Service. All he needed to do was bring the original packaging and broken 78s to his post office to verify the damage and they would process the claim. Instead, he tossed the box, wrapped everything up in bubble wrap and shipped it back to me. He had claimed 2 of the 3 78s in the set were broken, but by the time they got back to me, all three were broken. PayPal reimbursed him without any proof for the full amount he paid, putting my PayPal balance under water. When I called USPS, they, in essence, said "Sorry, pal." Since they never verified the damage, the insurance I paid for is voided. So I am out the money as well as the records. Fortunately, I was able to file an internet fraud case with the U.S. Government for the third disc, which was broken in transit between China and here and at least I will get 1/3 of what I lost back.

So how does one deal with buyers who speak little English? Do I restrict sales to English-speaking countries from now on? Do I say "no returns" accepted? The post office was completely at fault for this, but found a way not to live up to their own insurance policy. Do I not use USPS for international transactions anymore? As horrific as they have been in this situation, they are still cheaper than other services - or are they?

Cary Ginell