Lost registered mail item

[fenian]

Sent an oversize registered lettermail packet to the UK in April, which did not arrive. Swapped a couple emails with the buyer (a reasonable chap), then initiated tracking with a case number through Canada Post. Today, I received a form letter advising "Unfortunately, we have been unable to locate this item....", and the letter goes on to state they will be refunding me $49.80 plus postage (in this case they calculated $1.05). They go on to state "The amount payable for a lost International Registered item is a fixed rate...established by the Universal Postal Union"...and... "it is not insurance but a penalty paid by the postal administration at fault. Unfortunately, the fee for the registered mail option is not refundable". Although the value of the contents (postcards) exceeded $200, I was advised (as always) by the local PO folks that maximum available "insurance" was $60, and that was the amount they wrote on the receipt. The amount of $60 is also listed in the Canada Post postal guide available at all PO counters. Now, I have a couple of questions. If CP says in their literature that they provide $60 insurance, why am I receiving a "fixed rate" of $49.80 ? If I paid $3.49 oversize international letter rate for basic mailing, why is CP refunding only $1.05 ? If I paid a further $11.95 for "registered mail", why is this fee "not refundable" - as obviously they service I paid for was not provided ?? Thoughts ?? I'm thinking running this one past Goldhawk and my MP. >>>>> Michael

[fenian]

Further to my last note - is it possible that an insurance claim (for $60) could be raised independently, as CP claims the amount they intend to send is "not insurance but a penalty" .....? >>>> Michael

[duujogl]

Michael, if anyone knows how to explore that possibility, you do! Please keep us posted on the results ...

Glenda

[recped]

Before Goldhawk & your MP try this....

http://www.ombudsman.postescanadapost.ca/

I have no idea of the actual policies in this situation but not getting your Registration fee returned seems like a real burn to me.

One thing you might investigate for the future is third-party insurance, DSI.com is one of several companies that offer insurance including types of items that the Post Office will not insure, they are also cheaper and apparently much easier to deal with if it comes to a claim.

I'm afraid my experiences with Registered mail (incoming to Canada) have not been good either. I've received many cash payments in the mail, the ONLY ones that have ever gone missing were sent registered.
"What else could I do? I had no trade so I became a peddler" - Lazarus Greenberg 1915
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[fenian]

Thanks for the comments. I've been unsuccessful in attempting to reach either the person noted on the bottom of the form letter I received, or in reaching anyone else at CP as I get only prerecorded messages advising no one is available. I've FAXed in a complaint form with details to the CP Ombudsman (I appreciate the link !) saying I should receive at least the $49.80 (the penalty for CP failing to provide the service for which I paid) plus $3.49 actual basic postage plus the $60 (insurance) coverage which is supposed to apply to international registered items. Will advise further when and if I get yet another form letter. I'll also contact DSI insurance to get an idea of their rates. >>>>>>> Michael

[fenian]

Further to my last.....had a phone conversation with "Dave" of the Ombudsman Office, who seems to think I might have an argument for $60 "supposed insurance" plus all the postal costs outlaid - i.e. a total of $75.44. I'm holding out for the $49.80 plus postal costs plus the "supposed coverage" of $60. Even if they paid all of this, I'm still out over half the value of the package contents. I may have to consider Xpresspost International or some other means of shipping more valuable items overseas. I'm sure in some countries, the items are being stolen as fast as they can be unloaded from the planes, whether they're "registered" or not. >>>> Michael