Canada post screw up and need for help

[Eaglelord17]

Hi all,

Just wanted start with as I am writing this I am furious. I recently sold my M91 Infantry Rifle made in 1926 at Tula on a 1898 Tula receiver for the sum of 350$.

I shipped the rifle off by Canada Post with a significant amount of protection (wrapped in bubble wrap, well taped etc.) and they managed to destroy the stock along the way.

Below is the photos the buyer sent me of the damage, as you can see by the photos the rifle was well protected, and whoever broke it really managed to do a number to it (only pure incompetency could cause that).

Now I am going to be putting in a claim with Canada Post over it, but in the mean while what are some possible solutions to the problem? The rest of the gun appears to be fine (they haven't told me of any other issues) so it should only be a matter of replacing the stock, except for the fact that M91 Infantry rifle stocks aren't available.

How would you all handle this? This is the first time I have ever run into this situation, and I am at a loss as what to do. The funds involved are fairly small (350$ shipped, which worked out to about 300$ for the rifle after shipping costs were out), and from what I can tell most of the rifle is intact. Do I refund approximately what it would cost to buy a new stock if one came up for sale? Overall this has me pretty rattled, as I did all I could (except buy extra insurance) and they still screwed it up.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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[CINDERS]

I don't even think our stock gurus here could save that one, it sounds a bit off but did you take pictures of it when as you packed it (I learnt this like you did with an item not a rifle).
There is never a small amount of money no matter where you come from the damn stuff is bl**dy hard enough to earn without drain piping it.
You do not have to refund anything whatsoever because you took what you thought was adequate packing and protection, paid the amount due and posted it therefore your care and responsibility ceased there and then it is then Canada posts problem to ensure the goods arrive in a timely manner and intact which obviously the latter did not happen.

What to do the ball is in Canada posts corner was it a tracked package (Registered post) as that will help finding out who took what and where may even be able to tie it down to an individual driver as they have a bar code that needs to be scanned and you sign for it.
Is the new owner desperate to shoot it as they may have to buy another stock for it and further more also claim for the work a gunsmith is going to have to do to fit the stock it may just take time but I would not forge ahead yet untill you see what the postal insurance is going to do.
If you forge ahead and he buys a new stock and gets it fitted they may say oh well its fixed its not so desperate now we will drag on and they will lose interest, make as much noise about it as possible (but do not inflame the situation making valueless statements) get in touch with the NRA or your congressmen carry on about how this has affected the other person and yourself yadda yadda.
But keep your cool keep all e mails and correspondence if they ring you tell them your going to record the conversation, above all do not let them bully you I know what that is like being bullied by lawyers in my compensation payout they made me feel less than human I can tell you after 14 months injured classed as 13% TPI and out of a job it was not a happy time in my life....

Postscript ~ can the new owner see any impact damage on the exterior box or in the ends it may have been dropped see if they can see anything take pics.

[Daan Kemp]

An opinion. That kind of damage isn't an accident. An expert opinion as to the force required to cause such damage could help your claim.

[Peter Laidler]

Looks like it's gone onto a conveyor belt as it's gone through a 90 degree turn. The conveyor ain't going to stop so it just chews up whatever is on there. Happened to sons snow board which was a similar length and doubly well packed/wrapped.

[Lee Enfield]

tradeexcanada

tradeex may have a stock for you. they're definitely worth a phone call

[WarPig1976]

Total loss. It's not just cracked, the thing exploded. All the King's men can't put Humpty Dumpty together again.
#1 it should have been insured.
#2 Sorry, that is not well protected. Protected from scratches yes, but not blunt force trauma. For that attach a rifle/stock to a length of 2 by 4.
Might cost more, but hey......

[Eaglelord17]

Mail shouldn't have to be protected to that extent. Blunt force trauma shouldn't be happening especially to the extent that would have been required to break the rifle stock (and that was one thick rifle stock). Having seen pictures of the box, it was literally broken open then taped up by Canada Post.

There is insurance in the amount of 100$ for every parcel from Canada Post. I will fight for the full amount of the rifle for the simple reason I paid them to provide a service, which they failed to provide. It is not my responsibility to ensure they take care of the goods they ship, it is theirs.

Thanks for the Tradeex link, I will be doing some calling around to see what is out there. I will be sure to keep you all updated as this progresses.

[Eaglelord17]

Well the options I have so far is to try and replace the stock (very difficult as M91 Infantry rifle stock seem to be the only one not available). To refund the purchaser the approximate amount to buy a new stock (150$ or so). Or to have them return it to me on there own dime, and I will refund them the amount of the rifle.

Any other alternatives would be nice to hear. I am trying to do right for both parties, the reality is it is just a crappy situation.

Edited to add: the result is that the rifle will be returned for a refund once Canada Post is done its claim.

[WarPig1976]

No, it shouldn't have to be but must be because this happens all the time, that is the reality. What keeps me busy are whrist cracks, shipping damage, duffle cuts in that order. They hire drunken monkeys and I'm convinced to pass the time they stomp on packages between smoke breaks.

[Aragorn243]

I don't know what I'd say. It's Canada Posts damage so I would go after them for sure. I think it is also a learning experience to insure things of this nature. It is a shame that it's an M91. I just can't imagine a shipper doing this kind of damage and not being held responsible for it. "Just tape it up Joe, no one will notice."