Need Advice - Package Came Severely Damaged

Edit: Added Pictures.

Hi Guys,

I need some advice. Recently on an impulse I bought a second hand laser off of a member here in the B/S/T section.

I PMed him, we settled on a price, payment was sent via paypal, and he promptly shipped it out.

Today I received the package. It is a small USPS Priority box, sealed in a clear plastic bag.

Inside the bag there there is the box and a notice like this one:


The box itself looks to have gone through hell.

It looks like it might have gotten wet, but it was definitely crushed.

I'll take some pictures and video in a bit.

So the question is this, what do I do now?

• Should I open the package myself and just document what I find inside?

• Should I take it to the post office and open it in front of them?

• Should I take it to the post office and tell them to return to sender?

Who is responsible if the laser inside is damaged and/or doa?

Has anyone run into this situation?

Can USPS be held responsible if the laser is DOA?

Thanks in advance for any advice and suggestions.

Here are some pictures... I took identifiable information, even though quite a few of you know address already






Note the laser picture... it looks like some stepped on the box.

These situations are so unfortunate... especially when they are among "friends".

I would contact the seller immediately, and see if the package was insured. Hopefully, it was. Otherwise... the two of you are stuck trying to figure out a compromise.

Good luck!

Hopefully it was insured....if not perhaps you and the seller can work something out.

I got one of those bags once, fortunately it was just a letter.

What I did receive was Only the face of the envelope inside one of those bags....nothing else. I thought it was pretty funny just getting that in a bag, but I figured that at least it was an honest shipment....

I would guess that because it was put in the bag, somehow the package was dropped or destroyed by accident....then put whats left in the bag by a USPS employee. I think this is the sign of an actually USPS shipping error. You may be able to get them to do something about it, but without insurance they may not play ball

My 2 cents...

^^^The package was not insured. It was sent in a small flat rate priority box, with delivery confirmation.

I'm hoping I'm jumping the gun in assuming that the laser inside is dead... but for the moment I'm too paranoid to open it up.

The host itself is pretty sturdy. The charger... well to be honest I don't really care about it. The batteries... whatever.

What worries me more than anything else is if the diode itself is history.

I always took the position that it's the job of the seller to get the item to the buyer working.

If this was a purchase from a large company, I would file a dispute in a heartbeat and not worry about it.

Unfortunately it is from a nice guy, so I'm left with a $225 dilemma.

Ideally I would prefer if USPS picked up the tab, but since it wasn't insured I don't think that's a possibility.

Looking through PM's I never asked how the laser would be shipped, but the seller did say it would be priority with tracking.

Personally to date, whenever I sold anything over $200 I sent it out with insurance.

Just take as many photos and videos as you can as you open up the box. That way, if the laser does end up being damaged, you can show USPS the video as proof.

Probably wouldn't say it was a laser though, just call it a flashlight/torch.

Things said:

Just take as many photos and videos as you can as you open up the box. That way, if the laser does end up being damaged, you can show USPS the video as proof.

Probably wouldn't say it was a laser though, just call it a flashlight/torch.

Click to expand...

I was thinking of documenting the way the package looks right now with pictures and video.

Tomorrow I have to go to post office to send out a letter, and to pick up a package... so would waiting less then a day to open it in front of them be advisable, or just a waste of time?

Edit: If they wonder what it is... industrial laser level.

Document and open the package before jumping to conclusions.

You already have pics of the package with the Post office damage notice on it so there is your proof it came messed up. You won't be going to Peoples Court over this so no need for a P.O. employee to witness. It's most likely fine, if not, then deal with insurance or seller. As of now, its yours, its paid for, early gift, open that thing and post a pic.

I see another back and forth and the side effect of buying and selling through a forum. Try to get the USPS to pick up the tab or perhaps a good amount of it, if not perhaps the seller will take what is left returned and repair it.....it may not be as bad as you think.

As you said you are hesitant to open it....another suggestion would be to send the package, in the USPS bag, unopened back to the seller and let him deal with it in the best way he see's fit.

It is a hard point for both of you and I agree that it is the sellers responsiblity to get the product to the buyer....even if that means purchasing insurance for the shipment on their own dime.

Good luck with your quest....i think that some of your questions will be answered with more back and forth with the seller and how it should all be handled.

Gas Can said:

Document and open the package before jumping to conclusions.

Click to expand...

Of course.

My biggest question is whether to open the package now, or if I should wait until tomorrow and do it a post office?

There is what looks suspiciously like shoe sole imprint on the box

I got a letter like that with an uninsured package sent from a (now banned) member, but I thought mine was a scam, rather than legit, as I had a hole in the box and nothing inside. (Thread)

I suggest that you take video while opening and inspecting/testing it. I'm not sure that it will help you get anything from the USPS, but at least you can document the opening.
Hopefully the laser didn't suffer too much damage. :undecided:

532 with Envy said:

I see another back and forth and the side effect of buying and selling through a forum. Try to get the USPS to pick up the tab or perhaps a good amount of it, if not perhaps the seller will take what is left returned and repair it.....it may not be as bad as you think.

As you said you are hesitant to open it....another suggestion would be to send the package, in the USPS bag, unopened back to the seller and let him deal with it in the best way he see's fit.

It is a hard point for both of you and I agree that it is the sellers responsiblity to get the product to the buyer....even if that means purchasing insurance for the shipment on their own dime.

Good luck with your quest....i think that some of your questions will be answered with more back and forth with the seller and how it should all be handled.

Click to expand...

Thats a good point. But if he is a respected memeber on the forum i think it might be better to work something out.?

What kind of laser it is.? If its a sturdy host most likely it is fine. If Anything the diode would be what i would guess would break first. I highly dough anything got Crush in the laser.

But it could have got bumped pretty hard.

Is it a custom laser or a store bought laser.?


IE Chat me.

Uhh I refuse to buy or sell anything in this matter without insurance for just these reasons! I've also had similar problems before with USPS f'ing it up like this. Thankfully other resolutions between myself & sellers were peacefully found, but sometimes at both our expenses.

I agree with everyone recommending to document opening this package, however I dont recommend doing so yet until doing more research aside asking on LPF what you should do.

If you haven't been told or considered this already, call your postmaster (every US PO has one) tomorrow and make friendly with him or her while explaining this to them. Ask what they recommend or suggest for you under your circumstances. Just because it wasn't insured doesn't mean you nor the seller should have to pay for a 3rd parties mistake, especially with a note like that describing the PO knows your package is damaged. Their note works against them unfortunately & this kind of thing happens a lot.

Just my 2 cents, I am sorry to hear about this IE

Pictures added to the OP.

Ash said:

I got a letter like that with an uninsured package sent from a (now banned) member, but I thought mine was a scam, rather than legit, as I had a hole in the box and nothing inside. (Thread)

I suggest that you take video while opening and inspecting/testing it. I'm not sure that it will help you get anything from the USPS, but at least you can document the opening.
Hopefully the laser didn't suffer too much damage. :undecided:

Click to expand...

I think that's what I'll do, but since I'm going to post office tomorrow anyway, I'll do it right in front of them, and tape it.

lazeerer said:

Thats a good point.


What kind of laser it is.? If its a sturdy host most likely it is fine. If Anything the diode would be what i would guess would break first. I highly dough anything got Crush in the laser.

But it could have got bumped pretty hard.

Is it a custom laser or a store bought laser.?

Click to expand...

It's actually a lazerer Rifle host. Internally it was custom made with a better diode, g2 lens, and a jib set at 1.8A. The diode is supposedly very efficient.

Considering you already built my ultimate laser... this was a stupid/impulse buy, but for the price it was hard to resist.

I do agree, that if anything it would be the diode and maybe/possibly the driver that would be damaged.

I guess we'll know tomorrow

danefex said:

Uhh I refuse to buy or sell anything in this matter without insurance for just these reasons! I've also had similar problems before with USPS f'ing it up like this. Thankfully other resolutions between myself & sellers were peacefully found, but sometimes at both our expenses.

I agree with everyone recommending to document opening this package, however I dont recommend doing so yet until doing more research aside asking on LPF what you should do.

If you haven't been told or considered this already, call your postmaster (every US PO has one) tomorrow and make friendly with him or her while explaining this to them. Ask what they recommend or suggest for you under your circumstances. Just because it wasn't insured doesn't mean you nor the seller should have to pay for a 3rd parties mistake, especially with a note like that describing the PO knows your package is damaged. Their note works against them unfortunately & this kind of thing happens a lot.

Just my 2 cents, I am sorry to hear about this IE

Click to expand...

I appreciate the suggestion... actually that's part of the reason I want to open it at post office. Also so that I can find out more info.

Based on what I found so far, pp would probably side with me in a dispute, but I really don't feel right doing that since this is clearly not the seller's fault.

Hopefully when I open it tomorrow, the laser will be working, and it will be the end of the story.

If not, chances are everything but the diode and maybe charger is salvageable.

Naa. It should be fine.

Driver will not be damaged.

The Only thing that i would say got damage is the diode.

But That host is Like a Brick. Depend on the setup inside etc.

Wheres there any bubble wrap left in the package when you got it in.?

Just wait if thats what makes you feel comfortable. Its not to long away. 12pm now.

However. How are you going to turn it on in the post office.:eg:

Everyone in the post office please put your hands over your eyes for 5 seconds. I have to test my laser now.

On the back of a Delivery Confirmation form it says:
" No insurance coverage is provided "

Unless there is insurance the Post Office does not have any liability even if package is lost and gone forever.

I think it is between you and the seller---is the sellers falut for not buying insurance---when you buy something that needs shipping it is the sellers responsibility to get it to you in good order/undamaged.

You can take it to the Post Office unopened and ask for it to be returned as "refused" I would imagine, if that helps. You still have to get together with the sellers of replacement or refund---maybe speak with the seller first.

lazeerer said:

Naa. It should be fine.

Driver will not be damaged.

The Only thing that i would say got damage is the diode.

But That host is Like a Brick. Depend on the setup inside etc.

Wheres there any bubble wrap left in the package when you got it in.?

Just wait if thats what makes you feel comfortable. Its not to long away. 12pm now.

However. How are you going to turn it on in the post office.:eg:

Everyone in the post office please put your hands over your eyes for 5 seconds. I have to test my laser now.

Click to expand...

Hands over your eyes NOW!:gun:

Defocused, pointed at the high ceiling it shouldn't be a problem though. I mean it will be bright, but not to the point of danger. Just have to be careful not to laser those incompetent morons.:scowl:

I'll bring fresh batteries just in case to make sure that's not an issue.

Actually to be honest, I have no idea what the setup is inside, in terms of the heatsink. It was originally made by a very reputable builder though.

Encap said:

On the back of a Delivery Confirmation form it says:
" No insurance coverage is provided "

Unless there is insurance the Post Office does not have any liability even if package is lost and gone forever.

I think it is between you and the seller---is the sellers falut for not buying insurance---when you buy something that needs shipping it is the sellers responsibility to get it to you in good order/undamaged.

You can take it to the Post Office unopened and ask for it to be returned as "refused" I would imagine, if that helps. You still have to get together with the sellers of replacement or refund---maybe speak with the seller first.

Click to expand...

I PMed the seller. Going to post office tomorrow at 9am.

Unfortunately I think he went to bed. I forget not everyone is an insomniac.

Pissed off with USPS... hopefully google indexes this soon: http://photobucket.com/uspsfucksup