Yes; I would have advised Canada Post if there was an overage on their part. I ALWAYS factor into every transaction whatever the exchange rate is. And; I keep my buyer copied and informed of all emails re this investigation, so there is nothing to hide here.
What I didn't state in my post and what really irks me,is that from the time Canada Post started the investigation until I received and cashed the cheque, the exchange rate just kept going up and up and was approaching a 10% rise from initiation time until cheque time!!!
I guess the next time, on a valuable item, I should overinsure the item. But are you allowed to hedge your bets on exchange rate increases in case the parcel is lost???
If so, I would have had to overstate the value of the parcel by approaching $300. Then when Canada Post asks for ALL info (ebay & paypal) they will see you sold (for example) a $500 item and then insured it for $800. What would Canada Post say? I'm sure it would like a scam to them. And this could cause a customs/duty issues for the buyer!!! Looks like a no win all around.
I'm sure they would pay you the ebay closing price. In fact, I KNOW they would. I insured the parcel for $600 CAN (insurance is in $100 increments), but they paid out in CAN dollars...which included both the ebay closing price and the postage paid. Everything is in CAN dollars. So; if you sell a $100 US item...and the exchange rate is at 25%, and the parcel is lost/claimed, they'll pay you $100 CAN (not the $125 CAN/$100 US the item sold for). Just thought, I am ALSO OUT MY PAYPAL FEES TOO!!
I really don't know what to do for future sales. It is something that I think should worry all sellers on any expensive international transaction.
Any thoughts by anyone on how to hedge your bets/protect yourself against something like this in the future?? BECAUSE, THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU TOO!!