Should sellers be responsible for FedEx delays?

[DeepWaterAddict]

This might get heated up but let's talk about shipment delays due to weather/fedex/ups, etc. A lot of sellers have similar sentences as part of their shipping policy:

"We cannot be held responsible for FedEx delays or similar delays by the act of God."
"In the case of DOA, a clear picture must be submitted within ONE hour with the specimen in the original bag."

From a customer's perspective, I don't agree with the first statement and I think the second statement is quite intimidating.

When you purchase something from an online store, either it's a piece of furniture, a fresh basket of meat, or something else, you can confidently expect the seller to assume the responsibility of delivering their product to your home safely. If the package is lost, broken, or delayed so that the meat goes bad, they will ship you a new package. However in this hobby, the majority of sellers state very clearly that they will not cover the loss if your package is delayed by carrier. Since when have we tolerated these policies and how long will we continue to tolerate them? For me, they are unreasonable. I try not to buy from sellers with such statement. A seller should be responsible for getting their corals safely to the buyer's house and live arrival should always be guaranteed. Why should the buyer bear the loss? How can we change this trend?

For the second statement, I understand it. But I see a deep distrust from the seller's side...

Whatever your opinions are, please state them. This is an open conversation and I would love to hear from both sides.

 

[Tahoe61]

It's on FedEx. In a perfect world all livestock would arrive on time and in good health but that is not the reality.

Been buying stuff on line for over a decade, unfortunately this is the reality. Tell you what FedEx is worlds better than UPS. Buy local is really your only good option.

A good vendor should offer credits or replacements and most do, but I hate the loss of life aspect.

 

[BoomCorals]

I cover fedex delays. It happens, and in my opinion until I get the coral in your hand it’s my responsibility. My guarantee is also a full two weeks, not 1 hour of arrival. I know of at least one or two other vendors who have a similar policy. To me, this is how it should be. But vendors have their own reasons for various policies.

 

[titlowda]

If you are buying from a a private seller that is charging a low cost then no. Can’t expect to buy cheap and have 100% guarantee against act of god.

UPS does not allow for insurance against perishable items....

A vendor that is in it for a business should as there is some expectations that it is built into the price.

 

[DeepWaterAddict]

If you are buying from a a private seller that is charging a low cost then no. Can’t expect to buy cheap and have 100% guarantee against act of god.

UPS does not allow for insurance against perishable items....

A vendor that is in it for a business should as there is some expectations that it is built into the price.

The problem becomes more severe when you buy, lets say, a homewrecker or gem tang and the delay caused the frag to DOA. A lot of us spend several hundred bucks for a small pack or a few individual corals. It's still a lot of money and FedEx does nothing on live shipments. I don't think the seller should throw the buyer under the bus and still gets to keep the money s/he made from the sale.

 

[DeepWaterAddict]

It's on FedEx. In a perfect world all livestock would arrive on time and in good health but that is not the reality.

Been buying stuff on line for over a decade, unfortunately this is the reality. Tell you what FedEx is worlds better than UPS. Buy local is really your only good option.

A good vendor should offer credits or replacements and most do, but I hate the loss of life aspect.

We all agree that FedEx would be at fault or weather would be. But in such case where FedEx doesn't cover the loss, either the seller or the buyer has to take the loss.

Another thing is that when a seller sells a coral for a certain amount of money, the seller makes profit from that sale. In the case of FedEx delay and followup DOA, the buyer loses everything, while the seller keeps the profit if he or she has a policy voiding responsibilities on delays. Putting all things aside, this is the part I disagree the most.

 

[miPapareef]

I always look for terms and conditions when buying and I choose sellers who line up with my expectations. I also don’t bash sellers who like to offer different terms, and I don’t force them to accept my terms. I just don’t do business with them. Thankfully, the world is full of many choices.

I think this approach makes for a happier life for everyone involved.

If you want my personal expectation it is to receive the item in the condition stated in the sale and to have a warranty to that effect, including shipping.

 

[DeepWaterAddict]

I cover fedex delays. It happens, and in my opinion until I get the coral in your hand it’s my responsibility. My guarantee is also a full two weeks, not 1 hour of arrival. I know of at least one or two other vendors who have a similar policy. To me, this is how it should be. But vendors have their own reasons for various policies.

You are a great business!

 

[rygh]

The seller is choosing the shipping company, and deciding when to ship. With that responsibility comes liability.

Plus, a lot of these frags have very high profit margin. I see no reason seller should keep that profit when buyer gets nothing.

 

[Shameless_Dood]

I think whatever the policy is, its gotta be reasonable. I agree with the OP, the 1 hour thing is intimidating.

There was a LFS here that had a sign that basically said once you bought it, it's on you, we won't cover a loss under any circumstances. On one hand I get it, it's a business, the goal is to make money. But ya gotta be customer friendly and work with them!

 

[DeepWaterAddict]

I do refrain myself from buying expensive things from vendors that clearly state that they don't cover delays. To be honest, a lot of big name vendors on here offer great policies on delays. Some of them do a replacement. I think it's great. But at least the seller could provide some coverage when it comes to this situation. Because if you provide zero coverage the customer pays for the delay and the seller gets to keep the profit. For example if you sell a RR Jaw Dropper that's a lot of profit to be kept under such policy and a big loss for the buyer.

And I totally agree that it needs to be reasonable.

 

[Flexin]

Know their return and refund policy first, then decide if you want to do business with them. I think there is responsibility on the buyer to educate themselves and make a decision. Now, if the vendor does not honor their terms, that's different. If you purchased something from someone and they only give you an hour or no return policy, well... Don't complain after the fact when something happens. (not directed at anyone, just a general observation )

 

[DeepWaterAddict]

Know their return and refund policy first, then decide if you want to do business with them. I think there is responsibility on the buyer to educate themselves and make a decision. Now, if the vendor does not honor their terms, that's different. If you purchased something from someone and they only give you an hour or no return policy, well... Don't complain after the fact when something happens. (not directed at anyone, just a general observation )

True but the post isn't about discussing not knowing the policy and whether the seller should take responsibility when the customer didn't read it. It's about the reasoning behinds such policies and whether they are reasonable and fair.

 

[Flexin]

True but the post isn't about discussing not knowing the policy and whether the seller should take responsibility when the customer didn't read it. It's about the reasoning behinds such policies and whether they are reasonable and fair.

I respectfully disagree. You have the ability to choose not to deal with someone. So I think my statement is an additional factor, that you may not have considered, but is indeed part of this process and should be considered. Sometimes you can choose the risk you take by being informed, and this is an example of that. Some people just go for the lowest cost, and if nothing happens they are fine with the policy. It's only when something happens will those people have a problem.

 

[Flexin]

You asked for an open discussion, allow it to be open

 

[Jeepguy242]

I think it would be up to the seller and buyer to get together and decide on a shipping date with weather in consideration


I have had @AquaSD hold orders for me because of weather

If fedex loses it that should be on fedex

 

[rygh]

Note that Paypal has (or at least had) special rules where the buyer protection does not apply to live animals.
So don't assume you will win if you use paypal and then dispute it.

 

[Lonely reefer's]

Ignore the policy pay via paypal as good and service,if anything happen paypal can decided
Some corals take longer then 1 hrs to recover

Note that Paypal has (or at least had) special rules where the buyer protection does not apply to live animals.
So don't assume you will win if you use paypal and then dispute it.

I disagree been there and done it

 

[DeepWaterAddict]

Ignore the policy pay via paypal as good and service,if anything happen paypal can decided
Some corals take longer then 1 hrs to recover

I disagree been there and done it

Can you elaborate a bit about the process if Paypal got your money back?

 

[PDR]

Can coral be insured through Fedex? If so, then the answer is definitely yes. If not, I think they should at least offer partial store credit.