Written by Charles Passey
Ahead of peak holiday shipping season, MarketWatch got advice from retailers on how to recover from package theft.
If you’re expecting a package this holiday season, there’s a good chance at least one will end up in the hands of a thief. Pouch piracy, or poaching of packages left on people’s doorsteps, is a major problem in the United States, costing $8 billion a year, according to Security.org, a website that reviews safety products. It is said that it is bringing
It’s no wonder we have November 29th marked on our calendars as National Luggage Protection Day. In fact, there are many things you can do to prevent porch piracy, from purchasing high-tech security equipment to having your package delivered to a safe location outside your home. , such as FedEx and his UPS locations.
Still, if you find yourself a victim of porch piracy, there’s no need to despair. According to merchants, credit card companies, and others, there are remedies that can help you avoid being exposed to losses. Therefore, keep the following steps in mind:
file a police report
Although not required as evidence of loss in all cases, it is a good way to document the crime and provide such evidence if needed. SafeWise.com, another site that reviews safety products, warns that while police may not be able to do much without witnesses to a crime, “they will keep an eye on the incident.” Still, this report can be important, especially if you’re filing a claim with your credit card issuer or homeowner’s insurance company (more on that below).
Let’s start with the merchant
This should be your next step. Many major retailers have policies in place to combat package theft and help shoppers avoid it.
Amazon (AMZN) says customers can track orders using the company’s map tracking feature, and Prime members can choose a specific day for their packages to be delivered each week. A customer can also send packages to his Amazon locker location. However, an Amazon spokesperson told MarketWatch that if a package is stolen, “we work directly with the customer to resolve the issue,” without providing details about refunds.
Walmart (WMT) says, “If a customer faces the unfortunate situation of having a package stolen, in most cases we will provide a free refund or replacement, where applicable.” The company also said it typically “does not require police reports or other evidence that would burden the customer.” Walmart notes that shippers may mark packages as delivered before they actually arrive, and advises them to wait two business days before reporting a problem (Target (TGT) has a similar recommendation). providing).
But what about small shops and independent sellers like Etsy (ETSY) creators? Etsy’s Package Protection Program offers customers a full refund on eligible orders if their package doesn’t arrive. I claim that. Etsy says you’ll need to contact the individual seller who shipped your item to initiate a support request. If the issue is not resolved within 48 hours, you can ask Etsy to intervene and help issue a refund.
You can also contact your credit card company
Many credit card companies have policies in place to protect against theft and purchases. If you are not satisfied with the seller, that is also an option.
Visa (V) describes its policy as follows: “For 90 days after purchase, Visa provides purchase protection insurance in case your transaction goes wrong, including if something is lost or stolen, doesn’t work as promised, or if something goes wrong. This includes cases where the item does not work or is defective.” Visa added that a police report may be required for more expensive items.
According to MasterCard (MA), some cards come with a purchase guarantee that “will cover most eligible MasterCard purchases if they are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase.” It comes with special benefits. However, Mastercard also emphasized that it first needs to see if it can resolve the situation with the merchant.
American Express (AXP) also has a similar purchase protection policy that covers accidentally damaged, lost, or stolen items for up to 90 days from the date of purchase on an eligible card. Individual policies for each American Express card can be found here. American Express says a police report must be filed to substantiate the claim.
What about shippers?
Whether it’s FedEx (FDX), UPS (UPS), or the U.S. Postal Service, shippers typically find that packages they were expecting were stolen, said Nick DiNatale, founder and CEO of ShipPlug. Explain that sometimes they are not important parties to contact. , a shipping solutions company. This is because the contract is between the seller and the shipper, so it is the seller’s responsibility to figure out the details of the issue and seek redress on their part.
A UPS spokesperson told MarketWatch that customers who are victims of porch piracy are encouraged to “call local authorities, file a police report, and contact the retailer for a refund or reshipment.” I recommend it.” But the spokesperson added, “Customers can also contact UPS and we will work with the retailer.”
Still, the delivery company suggests ways customers can work around the problem. FedEx points to the fact that customers can certainly have their packages sent to a location where a FedEx staff member is present, noting that 93% of the population lives within eight miles of such a location.
The U.S. Postal Service notes that customers can customize their deliveries through the website, including allowing the carrier to place the package at a designated location. However, the service also offers the following basic advice: “Just as you shouldn’t leave your purse or purse in the front seat of an unlocked car overnight, you shouldn’t leave mail or packages unclaimed in your mailbox or on your front porch for long periods of time.” ”
Finally, there’s homeowner or renter insurance
If all else fails, you can contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company to file a claim for stolen property coverage. Most insurance policies allow this, says Samantha Bauer, Pennsylvania-based agency owner of Goosehead Insurance, which works with multiple insurance companies. But Bauer cautions that insurance policies typically have deductibles of $500 or $1,000, so the stolen items must have enough value to warrant a claim. Still, if you file a claim, you run the risk of your premium going up, Bauer added.
Nicole Lyn Pesce contributed to this article.
-Charles Passey
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12-02-23 1515ET
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