Shipping an item is an act of trust, but at LitBuy, we believe in pairing trust with tangible proof. While carriers handle millions of parcels seamlessly, transit damage or loss, though rare, can happen. Proactive documentation is your strongest shield in such cases. Here’s how to build an undeniable record to ensure swift resolution and protect your interests.
The LitBuy Documentation Triad: Your Proof-of-Condition Kit
Before handing over your package, compile this triad of evidence. It creates a clear, chronological story of your item's condition and packaging integrity at the point of dispatch.
1. Pre-Shipment Photographs: The Visual Timeline
Capture high-resolution, well-lit photographs from multiple angles.
- The Item Itself:
- Packaging Materials:
- Packing Process:
- Sealed Final Package:
- Packaging Materials:
2. Weight Logs: The Consistent Data Point
The recorded weight of your package is a crucial, verifiable fact.
- Weigh the packaged item on a calibrated scale after sealing.
- Log the exact weight
- This log provides a concrete data point that can be cross-referenced with the carrier's pickup scan weight. A significant discrepancy can indicate repackaging or content alteration during transit.
3. Repack Documentation: The Professional Standard
If you are a business or a high-volume seller, formal repack documentation elevates your claim.
- Create a simple checklist or packing slip that details:
- List of contents.
- Packing materials used (e.g., "200 lb-test box, 1/2" foam sheets").
- Name of the employee who packed the box.
- Quality control verification signature/initials.
- Place a copy inside
Why This Triad Works in Dispute Resolution
When filing a claim for damage or loss, the burden of proof often lies with the shipper. Presenting this consolidated evidence demonstrates:
- Due Diligence:
- Pre-Existing Condition:
- Fact-Based Narrative:
- Pre-Existing Condition:
This evidence is invaluable not only with carriers but also in platform disputes (like on LitBuy's marketplace) or with insurance providers.
Best Practices for Safekeeping Your Evidence
- Digital Storage:
- Retention Policy:90 days
- Immediate Action:before opening, and then document the internal contents and damage sequentially. Compare with your pre-shipment photos.
- Retention Policy:90 days
Ship with Confidence
At LitBuy Shipping, we empower you to take control of the shipping process. The few minutes spent capturing pre-shipment photos, logging the exact weight, and maintaining repack documentation
LitBuy Shipping – Delivering Trust, Backed by Proof.