D.O.A. Inquiry

[valleysnakeguy]

I'm new here.

I'm a small time breeder/hobbyist.

I just sold a snake and shipped him out immediately upon receipt of buyer's payment via PayPal. I used an overnight carrier, with the proper styrofoam-lined box, punched airholes and since it was being shipped in the same state, it arrived within about 14 hours to its destination.

I just received an email from the customer who claims it to have arrived DOA. I have requested photos and the shipment of such animal back to me to confirm the claim, I was curious to find out if anyone out there has shipped an animal at such close proximity and have it arrive D.O.A.?

Also, the customer is new in another forum as well with only ONE post in their status record. From what I gather, I feel a bit suspicious about the claim.

Thanks.

[2kdime]

Nothing is out of the realm of POSSIBILITIES

I however wouldnt do a thing without PROOF of the DOA

That kind of goes without asking

[RichsBallPythons]

Require photos or video of the DOA. If not able to then require the snake to be shipped back.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Can it happen, abolutely in those hot months a snake can overheat very easily during transport.

Now the real question is did it happen? Well the only way to find out is to receive a proof that it did and if it really happened the customer should have no issue providing this proof to you.

Personally I would not do anything until I received such a proof.

[AussieSnakes48]

If I ordered a snake online and received a DOA I would immediately take a picture and contact you. We live in a day and age where even if you dont own a camera phone, either a family member or friend does. They sell cheap digital cameras at ANY drug store these days. Also, where I live right now the heat is brutal, I wouldnt ship anything or order anything this week. Like Deborah says, I wouldnt do anything until I received proof.

[stratus_020202]

I would rather get a video. It's had to tell if a snake is alive from a picture. Good luck! I'm with everyone else. Get proof. Should be in your TOA, if not I would definately add it for future purchases.

[Elise.m]

I would rather get a video. It's had to tell if a snake is alive from a picture.

One could ask the customer to put the snake on it's side or even back... Typically they won't lay in a straight line long enough to take a picture.

I hope it all works out!

[stratus_020202]

One could ask the customer to put the snake on it's side or even back... Typically they won't lay in a straight line long enough to take a picture.

I hope it all works out!

Yeah, that's a good idea. I hate trying to get belly shots.

[valleysnakeguy]

Ok, it's been 24 hours since the animal's departure from my location.

I have been provided with photos that cannot determine the validity of a DOA, so a video was also e-mailed and I was willing to completely make this right and refund everything including shipping. I have requested the reptile be frozen, and sent back to me immediately but the customer decided to send him back by USPS 2 day service - from what I gather, this is not legal?

Also, upon verification of other venues I also have noticed that the package was never signed for, and according to the courier there was no one available to sign and therefore left at the front door.

I believe it is common sense to have someone be present for the signing of such delivery, is it fair to say I am no longer liable for this loss?

[Elise.m]

I believe it is common sense to have someone be present for the signing of such delivery, is it fair to say I am no longer liable for this loss?

IMO, it is common sense. But to someone who is new in the hobby, it may not be. They shouldn't be jumping in so quickly, but that's just what people do.

If it was left on the doorstep for multiple hours during the heat, I would say that's the buyers fault. You did everything right on your part.