Inbox

To the editor:

After 35 years in business we have experienced a loss due to not "reading the fine print," and wanted other gift retailers to beware.

We sold a fine collectable — a crystal Swarovski limited edition bull — for several thousand dollars. It was a great sale — until it was shipped.

The bull was packaged with extreme care in its own suitcase packaging with layers of bubble wrap surrounding it. We pack so well, we actually have never before had a claim due to breakage.

The package reached our customer with its horn broken in two pieces. We filed a claim with FedEx, only to find out that when you ship crystal, fine art or jewelry (essentially anything of value) "Ground," the claim will only be settled for $100 regardless of what you insure it for. If it is shipped "Express," the maximum value a claim will be settled for is $500.

I inquired about how manufacturers are able to ship UPS and FedEx with insurance. They claim manufacturers carry their own insurance policies on shipping.

We feel "had." FedEx never picked this package up from the customer, never investigated how it could have gotten broken — they could not have cared less.

Can any other retailers share how they are able to ship valuables insured?

Thanks,

LeeAnn Hoffman, The Gift Horse, DeWitt, NY