Blue Nile Return Experience

[surfsupp]

Hi all-

Just went through the return process with Blue Nile. On the positive side, I found their 30-day return and interactive search tool very very easy to use. On the negative side, the return process made me somewhat nervous.

Just wanted everyone to know that if you do purchase from them and decide to return it that it''s done through the USPS (not UPS, FEDEX, etc) because they offer insurance which is fine. Except for the fact that the insurance cap is $5000. If you had purchased something for more than that, I believe it''s your loss. That''s a scary few days between when you send something and when it arrives at BN.

My package ultimately arrived at Blue Nile. Just something I thought y''all might be interested to know.

 

[LesleyH]

Hi Surfsupp:

I am not sure who told you that the insurance cap at the USPS is $5,000? This $5,000 is for Express Mail. You can insure packages through the USPS for much higher values than that if you use registered, insured regular mail...not sure what the exact cap is but I think it is more like $25,000. It takes a few extra days to get to its destination but it is well worth it.

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[surfsupp]

thanks for the update! that's what i heard from the usps. (figures nobody mentioned the higher insurance option). sounds like if you're doing a return, go regular mail instead.

 

[DiamondNewbie1]

Not sure who gave you your information at USPS, but you can insure high-value items using registered mail with USPS (up to $25,000). Registered mail can be combined with First Class Mail, or Priority (2-3 day) mail services. First Class is limited to 13 ounces, so I would always use Priority.

The cost to insure is nominal....I wouldn't send anything but registered mail if using USPS as they actually lock these packages away....so you are insured and also more likely to get your package where you want it to go.

http://www.usps.com/shipping/prioritymail.htm

 

[elmo]

I am concerned if they wouldn't tell you very explicitly how to return something. Registered mail and insurance limits are not something that the general public knows a whole lot about. So I'm surprised if they wouldn't tell you about this when you notified them about the return.

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 1/14/2004 12:09:43 PM elmo wrote:

I am concerned if they wouldn't tell you very explicitly how to return something. Registered mail and insurance limits are not something that the general public knows a whole lot about. So I'm surprised if they wouldn't tell you about this when you notified them about the return.----------------

That struck a cord with me as well.

Anyway, the insurance limit is closer to 25k. And, USPS Registered Mail is the safest way to ship unless you have your own shipper's insurance.

 

[pqcollectibles]

The USPS will insure Registered Mail packages up to $25,000. Don't bother adding Priority charges on top of the Registered Insured charges. It's a waste of money. Priority won't get the package there any faster.

USPS Registered Insured Mail travels via "armored car" with no rhyme or reason to the route. All packages going in a general direction travel together from place to place until your package reaches it's destination. Each time a Postal Employee handles your package, the employee must sign off on an internal records sheet. When packages are not on an "armored car" type truck, the USPS stores Registered Insured Mail packages in a safe. Depending on the drop site and destination, it can take anywhere from 7 to 10 days, and maybe as much as 2 weeks before your package is delivered.

When you take a package to the Post Office for shipment via USPS Registered Mail, try and have as few exposed box edges as possible at corners and seams. The Postal Clerk has to tape all exposed edges with USPS tape to prevent/as evidence of tampering.