Ring stolen out of FedEx box!

[Diamond*Dana]

That is just awful! What a shame that you will not be able to enjoy your gorgeous ring on your trip. I am sure that the new one will be just as gorgeous!

 

[sera]

WOW... that is terrible! How disappointing! Regardless of whether it''s USPS, UPS or FedEx, a LOT of people come into contact with any given package, and people who suck work at all those places. sucky person + opportunity = stolen property. How sad. I hope you can get another one soon enough.

 

[ladyciel]

A lesson that value of the item does not necessarily matter when it comes to thieves in the delivery systems: When I was a kid my great grandmother (she lived in Nova Scotia, us in PA) always sent us $2(USD) in a card for our birthdays. Not much by some standards, but she had a ton of grand kids and couldn't afford much. We appreciated it, regardless. One year my card showed up with the envelope cut open and the $2 missing. Pretty sad when jerks start stealing kids' birthday money out of the mail.

Considering their character, they probably cursed when all they found was a lousy 2 bucks.

I'm so sorry to hear about your ring!! I'm glad they can make you a new one, though.

 

[marcy]

Wow, that is really awful. I hope you get your replacement soon.

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 7/2/2007 5:28:44 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 7/2/2007 5:22:58 PM
Author: DBM
while i never actually went through the claims process after sending something via USPS Registered and it being taken I would think though that the advantage of being able to insure for up to $25k for a relatively small fee makes it well worth it even if a person's package DOES get taken. It's always good to overinsure by a few thousand just to cover oneself. you figure if it gets taken you've now just got a windfall of a couple more thousand dollars to spend, no?

Nope. You have to prove the value of the item. They don't just write you a check. This would probably be fraud.

I don't believe so.

I just sent a package, and I paid for $2500 worth of insurance. If lost, my claim is for $2500. They accepted the shipment at that declared value, and there was no requirement to declare what the contents were.

Since they don't inspect the contents of the box at the time of shipment, there is no way after the fact to "prove" what was in the box. What you can prove it is that it was insured for $2500. That's the reimbursed amount in the event of loss.

 

[junior35]

Date: 7/2/2007 3:39:51 PM
Author: Paul-Antwerp
It seems to be quite common that FedEx-boxes are slit open, and that the contents are taken out, especially with high value-shipments. For that reason, our insurer for instance demands the following safety-procedures:

- double-boxing, so that when the outer box is slit open, they first find the next box,
- filling up the box, so that the contents do not rattle,
- absolutely no indication of ''diamonds'' or ''jewels'' in any of the company names, nor of the sender nor of the receiver,
- putting a specific code on the AWB, which technically means ''diamonds'', but which does not read as ''diamonds''
- no value declaration on the AWB.

I recommend these procedures to all jewellers in the business. After all, it is better to be safe (slightly safer) than sorry.

Live long,

Hi Paul,
Is it posssible to ship without a declared value?
Also by ''code'' do you mean 7102.10.00 or similar?

Thanks

 

[Tacori E-ring]

How disappointing! I hope you get your replacement ASAP.

 

[iheartscience]

Man, that''s crappy. It seems like it''s going to be taken care of quickly, though, which is nice. I hope you have a fun trip and that your new ring is even better than the first!

 

[UCLABelle]

I am SO SO SO Sorry! That is awful, I would cry too....but, hey...you are going to France....That HAS to ease the pain, just a little.

 

[junior35]

Date: 7/2/2007 3:39:51 PM
Author: Paul-Antwerp
It seems to be quite common that FedEx-boxes are slit open, and that the contents are taken out, especially with high value-shipments. For that reason, our insurer for instance demands the following safety-procedures:

- double-boxing, so that when the outer box is slit open, they first find the next box,
- filling up the box, so that the contents do not rattle,
- absolutely no indication of ''diamonds'' or ''jewels'' in any of the company names, nor of the sender nor of the receiver,
- putting a specific code on the AWB, which technically means ''diamonds'', but which does not read as ''diamonds''
- no value declaration on the AWB.

I recommend these procedures to all jewellers in the business. After all, it is better to be safe (slightly safer) than sorry.

Live long,

Hi Paul
Is it possible to ship without declared value?
Also when you say ''specific code'' do you mean tarrif code e.g.7102.10.00?
thanks

 

[BigDiamonds]

I''m so sorry! That''s just awful. Shame on them.

Thank goodness for insurance (and an observant delivery man.)

 

[Finding_Neverland]

I am sooooooo sorry for you Hanione!!

To the thieves, it was just a piece of jewelry. For you, it was soooo much more. A momento of 5 wonderful years of marriage and commemorative of your anticipated trip.

Hopefully, the situation will be quickly resolved. You''ll have your new ring. And, Oh My!! What a story to tell in the future!!

I''m glad Paul explained about the shipping. That certainly explains about White Flash''s procedures.

My earrings were wrapped in a bubble wrap pouch, inside a smaller FedEx box, that was inside a larger, FedEx outer box. If someone did open the outer box, all they would see is another box inside.

I wondered why all the packaging. Now I know!!

Again, Hanione,......... I hope you have a wonderful trip to celebrate your anniversary. And that Signed Pieces has a beautiful new ring made for you in a flash!!

 

[Paul-Antwerp]

Date: 7/2/2007 9:44:54 PM
Author: junior35

Date: 7/2/2007 3:39:51 PM
Author: Paul-Antwerp
It seems to be quite common that FedEx-boxes are slit open, and that the contents are taken out, especially with high value-shipments. For that reason, our insurer for instance demands the following safety-procedures:

- double-boxing, so that when the outer box is slit open, they first find the next box,
- filling up the box, so that the contents do not rattle,
- absolutely no indication of ''diamonds'' or ''jewels'' in any of the company names, nor of the sender nor of the receiver,
- putting a specific code on the AWB, which technically means ''diamonds'', but which does not read as ''diamonds''
- no value declaration on the AWB.

I recommend these procedures to all jewellers in the business. After all, it is better to be safe (slightly safer) than sorry.

Live long,

Hi Paul,
Is it posssible to ship without a declared value?
Also by ''code'' do you mean 7102.10.00 or similar?

Thanks

That code is possible, but one can also use something in the lines of ''crystallized carbon'' (I do not remember the exact term, but do ask your insurer).
On the AWB, one can put NVD (which stands for No Value Declared), while you have an invoice inside with the true value. As the AWB is visible from the outside, one should avoid putting a value there.

Live long,

 

[Maisie]

I just sent a parcel via Fedex today. When I was filling out the AWB I noticed that it instructs the courier that it has to be folded so you can''t see the description of contents or the value. I made sure it was folded when the driver took it away. I really hope it arrives back safely with Whiteflash. I double boxed it too at the request of WF. They also instructed me how to fill out the address of recipent so it doesn''t say Whiteflash.

 

[allycat0303]

How terrible! I remember that John from Whiteflash told me that fed ex boxes do get stolen, and that's why the fed ex boxes for WFwere huge (to disguise the fact that they are jewelery boxes). I always thought Fed ex was 99% safe, until I heard that story. I hope your claim works out well! Lately a lot of things that I thought were really safe turned out not to be.

 

[hanione]

Date: 7/2/2007 10:58:56 PM
Author: UCLABelle
I am SO SO SO Sorry! That is awful, I would cry too....but, hey...you are going to France....That HAS to ease the pain, just a little.

Haha! Yes, yes, it does ease the pain. And thanks to everyone for the support and commiseration! The good thing is that half the time I''ll be waiting for ring #2 will be spent in Paris, so I think the distraction will help time pass quickly! I will keep everyone updated as the FedEx saga continues.

Au revoir,

Hanione

 

[perry]

I am surprised that Signed Pieces had their name on the box. A dead giveaway.

They should be using a rather inocent return address name.

I also have no confidence in USPS.... They have lost about 1/2 of all packages sent to me.

UPS is a lot more reliable for packages - never lost a one.


Perry

 

[rangerman40]

Date: 7/2/2007 5:26:57 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 7/2/2007 5:19:29 PM
Author: luckystar112
My boyfriend briefly worked at UPS back when he was in highschool, and he said you can''t trust those guys. They could care less if your package is insured or if they break anything while handling it. They are more focused on making sure their employees work fast than on whether or not they are breaking anything. So packages get thrown, dropped, tossed...and everything else. If something gets broken, it''s ''oh well.'' It''s the company''s problem, not theres. It''s like sitting on a plane and watching the baggage handlers toss your suitcase underneath...but worse.

Wow...sorry for the vent everyone. haha

That IS part of the problem, for sure.

As a manager at FedEx I will say that working fast may be part of the problem, but improper packing is a HUGE part of the problem. You wouldn''t believe some of the crap that people send things in and actually expect them to get to their destination in one piece. The shear amount of volume that delivery companies process wether it be FedEx, UPS, or USPS requires us to move fast. I have had the opportunity of working in both a large hub as well as a smaller delivery terminal. In the large hub it is a 20 hour a day operation running anywhere from 20,000-30,000 packages per hour. At the smaller terminal we only run about 4,000 an hour. These speeds are necessary to get things done at the speed the customers want their stuff, as well as keep costs in check for the company.

I will say that security is a top priority, and this is most definitely being looked into. Even the small building that I work in now has 42 full color cameras with 360 degree turning capabilities, zoom, all backed up by 3 huge hard drives that save every hour of every day.

If the kid gets caught that stole your ring the FBI will be involved as this was an interstate shipment..... Jail time, fines, felony record.... you get the picture.

Sorry to hear that your ring got stolen though.

 

[poshpepper]

What a nightmare!!!! Im so sorry this happened. Enjoy your trip to France and post some pics when you get the replacement

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/3/2007 11:56:03 AM
Author: rangerman40

Date: 7/2/2007 5:26:57 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 7/2/2007 5:19:29 PM
Author: luckystar112
My boyfriend briefly worked at UPS back when he was in highschool, and he said you can''t trust those guys. They could care less if your package is insured or if they break anything while handling it. They are more focused on making sure their employees work fast than on whether or not they are breaking anything. So packages get thrown, dropped, tossed...and everything else. If something gets broken, it''s ''oh well.'' It''s the company''s problem, not theres. It''s like sitting on a plane and watching the baggage handlers toss your suitcase underneath...but worse.

Wow...sorry for the vent everyone. haha

That IS part of the problem, for sure.

As a manager at FedEx I will say that working fast may be part of the problem, but improper packing is a HUGE part of the problem. You wouldn''t believe some of the crap that people send things in and actually expect them to get to their destination in one piece. The shear amount of volume that delivery companies process wether it be FedEx, UPS, or USPS requires us to move fast. I have had the opportunity of working in both a large hub as well as a smaller delivery terminal. In the large hub it is a 20 hour a day operation running anywhere from 20,000-30,000 packages per hour. At the smaller terminal we only run about 4,000 an hour. These speeds are necessary to get things done at the speed the customers want their stuff, as well as keep costs in check for the company.

I will say that security is a top priority, and this is most definitely being looked into. Even the small building that I work in now has 42 full color cameras with 360 degree turning capabilities, zoom, all backed up by 3 huge hard drives that save every hour of every day.

If the kid gets caught that stole your ring the FBI will be involved as this was an interstate shipment..... Jail time, fines, felony record.... you get the picture.

Sorry to hear that your ring got stolen though.

As the wife of a mail carrier, I''d say we''re both right.

However, I''m getting the impression a lot of the thefts are coming from a jewelry business, and I doubt that improper packaging is the problem there.

And in the last 26 years (that my husband has carried) I''ve seen first hand how the PO has changed their priorities.... And they''re not alone.

 

[rainydaze]

first i just want to say i am SO sorry this happened. what an unfortunate and sad incident. part of what hurts is the violoation that comes with theft. just awful! i wish you a fun-filled happy trip to paris with your sweet guy as well as some short-term memory loss so that this incident will not interfere with your good time!

second let me say ACK!!! i am strongly considering going with pearlman''s for some pieces including a reset and now i''m scared silly that my precious is going to be stolen!!!! it has sentimental value that of course cannot be replaced. ACK, ACK!!!! well, if i go that route hopefully what i''ve learned here and pearlman''s experience can help make it a little safer.

third just wanted to say i sent an computer i recieved for free from my company to a friend, one coast to the other. i sent it UPS, and though i got it free, insured it for $300 figuring that is what it was worth to replace used. sure enough, it never got to her. i had no problems with UPS making the claim, never had to prove anything, i just put in the claim and they issued me a check for $300. at least, that is how i recall it going down.

again, my heart goes out to you and i hope when you do get your ring it is everything and them some!

 

[Steel]

Hanione, I am sorry this happened. Shame on the thief, shame...

---------------------------------------------
(Edited for spelling)

Regarding accepting a damaged box - If a parcel arrives and it looks tampered / damaged, am I entitled to refuse to accept it? What if the item turns out to have been perfect, am I liable for re-shipping etc. I would assume that the shipper would have to pay as they delivered (or tried to) a damaged box. Why did the driver deliver an empty box! Surely he should not have done this?

Oh, even thinking about this makes me stressed

. Why can't people do their job to the best of their ability and why do shameless people expect that they can steal anything, ever...

 

[FireGoddess]

Date: 7/2/2007 9:40:57 PM
Author: aljdewey

Date: 7/2/2007 5:28:44 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 7/2/2007 5:22:58 PM
Author: DBM
while i never actually went through the claims process after sending something via USPS Registered and it being taken I would think though that the advantage of being able to insure for up to $25k for a relatively small fee makes it well worth it even if a person''s package DOES get taken. It''s always good to overinsure by a few thousand just to cover oneself. you figure if it gets taken you''ve now just got a windfall of a couple more thousand dollars to spend, no?

Nope. You have to prove the value of the item. They don''t just write you a check. This would probably be fraud.

I don''t believe so.

I just sent a package, and I paid for $2500 worth of insurance. If lost, my claim is for $2500. They accepted the shipment at that declared value, and there was no requirement to declare what the contents were.

Since they don''t inspect the contents of the box at the time of shipment, there is no way after the fact to ''prove'' what was in the box. What you can prove it is that it was insured for $2500. That''s the reimbursed amount in the event of loss.

I have always wondered about this and would love to get an answer straight from the horse''s mouth. I was under the impression you don''t have to prove the value of the item but a friend who had their package stolen had a very difficult time actually getting the insured value from the USPS. That made me quite upset considering they are more than interested to take your money to insure it for whatever value you declare.

Do you have to show some sort of receipt or appraisal of the piece? What if you don''t have one? Heck, they have no proof that the item was ever in that box! So why then is there such a fuss when a package goes missing and it becomes a hassle to actually get the $ in return, I wonder.

 

[chrono]

When my box went missing via USPS Registered Insured, the cutter had no problems getting his money back from the post office. He did not have to prove anything, he only needed the paperwork proving how much the item was insured for and that the item indeed has been stolen/never received after 2 weeks.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 7/2/2007 9:40:57 PM
Author: aljdewey

Date: 7/2/2007 5:28:44 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 7/2/2007 5:22:58 PM
Author: DBM
while i never actually went through the claims process after sending something via USPS Registered and it being taken I would think though that the advantage of being able to insure for up to $25k for a relatively small fee makes it well worth it even if a person''s package DOES get taken. It''s always good to overinsure by a few thousand just to cover oneself. you figure if it gets taken you''ve now just got a windfall of a couple more thousand dollars to spend, no?

Nope. You have to prove the value of the item. They don''t just write you a check. This would probably be fraud.

I don''t believe so.

I just sent a package, and I paid for $2500 worth of insurance. If lost, my claim is for $2500. They accepted the shipment at that declared value, and there was no requirement to declare what the contents were.

Since they don''t inspect the contents of the box at the time of shipment, there is no way after the fact to ''prove'' what was in the box. What you can prove it is that it was insured for $2500. That''s the reimbursed amount in the event of loss.

Well, I ordered something breakable off of ebay that was insured, and it came to me damaged. They (the PO) required that I provide proof of the value as in a purchase receipt. I was reimbursed the exact amount I paid, not the amount that was insured.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 7/3/2007 4:39:53 PM
Author: Chrono
When my box went missing via USPS Registered Insured, the cutter had no problems getting his money back from the post office. He did not have to prove anything, he only needed the paperwork proving how much the item was insured for and that the item indeed has been stolen/never received after 2 weeks.

Exactly, he had to prove how much the item was worth. If he had insured it for $5000 (when mailing) and he had paperwork saying that it was only worth $3000, he would have been reimbursed $3000, not $5000. That''s what I was trying to tell the first poster that suggested making a profit off of a loss.

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 7/3/2007 10:34:56 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 7/2/2007 9:40:57 PM
Author: aljdewey

Date: 7/2/2007 5:28:44 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 7/2/2007 5:22:58 PM
Author: DBM
while i never actually went through the claims process after sending something via USPS Registered and it being taken I would think though that the advantage of being able to insure for up to $25k for a relatively small fee makes it well worth it even if a person''s package DOES get taken. It''s always good to overinsure by a few thousand just to cover oneself. you figure if it gets taken you''ve now just got a windfall of a couple more thousand dollars to spend, no?

Nope. You have to prove the value of the item. They don''t just write you a check. This would probably be fraud.

I don''t believe so.

I just sent a package, and I paid for $2500 worth of insurance. If lost, my claim is for $2500. They accepted the shipment at that declared value, and there was no requirement to declare what the contents were.

Since they don''t inspect the contents of the box at the time of shipment, there is no way after the fact to ''prove'' what was in the box. What you can prove it is that it was insured for $2500. That''s the reimbursed amount in the event of loss.

Well, I ordered something breakable off of ebay that was insured, and it came to me damaged. They (the PO) required that I provide proof of the value as in a purchase receipt. I was reimbursed the exact amount I paid, not the amount that was insured.

DS, in that case, you did get the item.....it was simply damaged. Since there is a physical item, it can be proven how much it is worth.

However, if I send a box insured for $2500 and it''s lost, and I say "hey, that box contained a $2500 diamond", how the heck would one ''prove that'' or not?

 

[WorkingHardforSmallRewards]

I was thinking, when I send my diamond back it will be loose and in a separate zippered package with the AGS Report, and I will leave the ring box in their as a diversion. I suppose if we wanted we could probably request it sent to us the same way right?

I can imagine the guy pocketing my ring box and leaving everything else. then he gets home and what does he find! a stone holder! hahaha...bastards, got to really dislike people that would do that for anything other than feeding their family or saving a sick wife...