Shipping Risks: How Buyers Can Avoid Problems with Auctions and Postal Services - AUCBURG | AUCBURG
Shipping Risks: How Buyers Can Avoid Problems with Auctions and Postal Services
Recently, the performance of postal services has been drawing more and more complaints. There has been an increase in cases where purchased goods arrive damaged, and sometimes packages disappear without a trace, never reaching the recipient.
Recently, the performance of postal services has been drawing more and more complaints. There has been an increase in cases where purchased goods arrive damaged, and sometimes packages disappear without a trace, never reaching the recipient.
There are several main problems that buyers face with delivery:
The item arrives broken or damaged.
Packages are completely lost during transit.
There are suspicions of attempts to open packages and steal contents by postal workers.
These difficulties force buyers to look for ways to secure their purchases, but in addition to the existing risks associated with postal services, a new problem has emerged, originating from the auction houses themselves.
Auction Houses' Changing Approach to Shipping
In addition to problems with postal services, buyers have encountered a new complication in their dealings with traditional auction houses. Whereas winning a lot used to be almost the final stage of the transaction, it is now just the beginning of a long and not always predictable journey for the item to its new owner.
Previously, the process was simple: after winning at auction and making the payment, the buyer could be sure they would soon receive their acquisition. Today, the situation has changed dramatically, and the mere fact of winning no longer guarantees quick and trouble-free receipt of the item.
Auction Houses' Changing Approach to Shipping
The Belgian Auction Story: A Two-Month Wait
A case from a Belgian auction serves as a telling example. On July 4th, almost two months ago, several lots were won. Payment was made within a few days, but the package was never shipped.
Attempts to contact the auction were complicated by a language barrier, as communication was in French. After contacting them using a translator, it turned out that the auction house no longer handles shipping. This service is provided by a third-party company that picks up the item, packs it, and sends it to the final consumer.
The Belgian Auction Story: A Two-Month Wait
Shifting Responsibility to Third-Party Companies
The practice of auctions outsourcing shipping to third-party firms is becoming more and more common. This way, they relieve themselves of the burden and responsibility for shipping. The terms and conditions for participating in auctions (Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen) often explicitly state that the auction house is not liable for damage to the item in transit.
In the case of the Belgian auction, the first transport company did not respond to inquiries. The auction house advised contacting a second shipping company, but this also yielded no results. The problem was exacerbated by the summer holiday season. After more than a month, the item had still not been shipped.
Shifting Responsibility to Third-Party Companies
An Unexpected Solution to the Problem
A stroke of luck helped resolve the prolonged situation. It was necessary to turn to a subscriber who lived in Belgium, not far from the city where the auction was located. He personally went there, picked up the won lots, packed them himself, and sent them by mail.
In the end, the item was received only two months after the auction, and only thanks to the help of a third party. This case demonstrates how vulnerable the buyer has become in the new system, where the auction house and the delivery service are separate, and not always effectively cooperating, entities.
An Unexpected Solution to the Problem
Deterioration in Packaging and Delivery Quality
The quality of postal services has noticeably declined in recent years, while the cost of services has increased. The companies to which auctions outsource packaging and shipping often perform their duties negligently. Items are frequently poorly packaged, leading to damage.
Buyers are increasingly receiving packages where items are simply rattling around inside the box, which almost inevitably leads to damage, especially for fragile items. This applies not only to international shipments but also to domestic deliveries.
Deterioration in Packaging and Delivery Quality
How to Secure Your Purchases: Practical Tips
Given the current situation, buyers should be extremely careful. To minimize risks, you can follow a few simple rules, especially when dealing with unfamiliar auctions.
Study the shipping terms. Before placing a bid, carefully read the auction's rules. Make sure you know who handles the shipping—the auction house itself or a third-party company.
Look for reviews. Search the internet and forums for reviews of the specific auction house and the shipping company, if mentioned. Pay attention to complaints related to delivery.
Use local contacts. If you have acquaintances living near the auction house, ask them to pick up the lot in person. This is the most reliable method.
Pack carefully. When shipping fragile items like porcelain or glass yourself, use the 'box-in-a-box' method, disassemble items if possible, and avoid making the package too heavy—it's better to split it into several shipments.