PostOffice lost my iPod - how much to claim?

[crossy]

I had a 1st Gen iPod Nano (white, 4GB) and decided in November to send this away for the free battery replacement programme. Unfortunately, it appears the Post Office have managed to lose my iPod, so I'm going to have to use their claims process.

My problem is that I've got to provide evidence of value, so I figure I either:

1. Send them a printout showing the price of a second hand version of that model;
2. Send them a printout of the one page on Amazon that shows the price for a new unit of that model;
3. Give them a print out of the price of the lowest cost iPod Nano available at the moment

I figure #1 is probably the most "honest", and I like the idea of #3 - since it's effectively an "as like" new-for-old. Has anyone else been through this claims process and got any advice?

As an aside, #2 would be great too, but I figure I can't be that lucky, since the quoted price on AmazonUS for a new 1st Gen Nano is US$499!!

[shaithis]

I'd give them printouts from apple store, amazon and one other large retailer and let them decide.

[Biscuit]

How did you send it? Im pretty sure you are limited to a certain value for different kinds of postage.

[crossy]

How did you send it? Im pretty sure you are limited to a certain value for different kinds of postage.

Argh - I just spotted the small print - "This compensation is subject to the maximum payable being the lower of the market value of the time and statutory maximum of 100x1st Class stamps at the first weight step". In other words, the maximum I can get is £46.

Apple sent me a pre-paid envelope and I didn't think at the time (and wasn't asked) whether I wanted the "enhanced compensation" surcharge applied.


Dammit, dammit, dammit ... that's not even half what it'll cost to replace it.

[blueball]

Argh - I just spotted the small print - "This compensation is subject to the maximum payable being the lower of the market value of the time and statutory maximum of 100x1st Class stamps at the first weight step". In other words, the maximum I can get is £46.

Apple sent me a pre-paid envelope and I didn't think at the time (and wasn't asked) whether I wanted the "enhanced compensation" surcharge applied.


Dammit, dammit, dammit ... that's not even half what it'll cost to replace it.

Blame Apple then for not sending you the right postage. See if they will cough up? You never know until you ask. Ask nicely see what happens.

[Berties123]

I had a 1st Gen iPod Nano (white, 4GB) and decided in November to send this away for the free battery replacement programme. Unfortunately, it appears the Post Office have managed to lose my iPod, so I'm going to have to use their claims process.

My problem is that I've got to provide evidence of value, so I figure I either:

1. Send them a printout showing the price of a second hand version of that model;
2. Send them a printout of the one page on Amazon that shows the price for a new unit of that model;
3. Give them a print out of the price of the lowest cost iPod Nano available at the moment

I figure #1 is probably the most "honest", and I like the idea of #3 - since it's effectively an "as like" new-for-old. Has anyone else been through this claims process and got any advice?

As an aside, #2 would be great too, but I figure I can't be that lucky, since the quoted price on AmazonUS for a new 1st Gen Nano is US$499!!

When did it get lost? From you to Apple or from Apple to you? Did you use tracking/insurance?

[mycarsavw]

When did it get lost? From you to Apple or from Apple to you? Did you use tracking/insurance?

Argh - I just spotted the small print - "This compensation is subject to the maximum payable being the lower of the market value of the time and statutory maximum of 100x1st Class stamps at the first weight step". In other words, the maximum I can get is £46.

Apple sent me a pre-paid envelope and I didn't think at the time (and wasn't asked) whether I wanted the "enhanced compensation" surcharge applied.


Dammit, dammit, dammit ... that's not even half what it'll cost to replace it.

....

[jim]

That's why it's worth using Special Delivery sometimes. Most firms aren't interested in insuring customers' postage, not worth it to them.

[crossy]

I sent my Nano 2nd gen away before Xmas, but Apple provided a free UPS envelope which was prepaid, and collected. Surprised you had to send via Royal Mail

Apple sent me a pre-addressed Jiffy bag, so it was merely a case of putting the iPod into the bag and handing it into the local post office.

[petercook7]

did you get proof of posting?

[HalloweenJack]

^^ without even proof of posting you can claim nothing.

[crossy]

did you get proof of posting?

Yes, Apple's instructions insisted on it - so like an idiot I just "followed process".

I ... should ... have ... paid ... extra ... for ... insurance.

[Behemoth]

Same thing happened to me years ago with an iPod Mini, never made the same mistake again, but did get the company that were supposed to be repairing it to give me a 20 gig iPod as a replacement.

[crossy]

Blame Apple then for not sending you the right postage. See if they will cough up? You never know until you ask. Ask nicely see what happens.

What's the best way to approach Apple about that? I figure that they'll just tell me to go bug Royal Mail, but if there's a chance of, for example, being able to get a new Nano between Apple and RM, then it's definitely worth a go.

I'm really quite annoyed about this - especially as I thought about extra insurance at the time - plus I'd really looked after my wee Nano.

[jim]

What's the best way to approach Apple about that? I figure that they'll just tell me to go bug Royal Mail, but if there's a chance of, for example, being able to get a new Nano between Apple and RM, then it's definitely worth a go.

I'm really quite annoyed about this - especially as I thought about extra insurance at the time - plus I'd really looked after my wee Nano.

Usually I find the best approach to be finding the official complaints address, whether that's email or post. You could try ringing up first if you want to, but I probably wouldn't bother.

Whatever firm it is, and however useless their employees are, the complaints staff are usually on the ball and will actually reply by letter to explain what they understand to be the problem and how they're going to resolve it.

I've probably got about £140-ish from complaints in the past, obviously all of which were legitimate. And I've had £20 of charges refunded on an account as well. As long as you're calm and very clear about what the problem is, I've always found them to be very accommodating and helpful. Probably because it's their job to try and placate people, but as long as you feel placated then what does it matter!

[watercooled]

Same thing happened to me years ago with an iPod Mini, never made the same mistake again, but did get the company that were supposed to be repairing it to give me a 20 gig iPod as a replacement.

Do they use an obvious address implying it's an Apple product inside the bag? If that's the case I'd strongly suspect someone has nicked it...

Edit: I agree with snootyjim, it probably isn't worth ringing to make a complaint. If you write/email then it's available to read/resend or whatever, if you get a dope on the phone they could just talk a load of rubbish to you and hope you go away.