Is "Route Package Protection" a scam?

Save Medicare on 13/04/2022 - 12:59

I'm looking at purchasing some clothes online, and the store has automatically added an item called "Route Package Protection 1-Click Protect" to the cart, which charges an additional fee to "instantly resolve shipping issues".

The websites says "We offer Route Package Protection during checkout to protect your order from any lost/damaged in transit and theft. The fee is paid by the customer and is a non refundable insurance protection." "*By deselecting package protection, Airmed Scrubs is not liable for lost, damaged, or stolen items."

The seller is using Australia Post to deliver domestically. My understanding was that regardless of if I pay an additional fee or not the seller is responsible for liaising with the postal service to make sure I either get my package or I am made whole if it is lost?

General Discussion

Comments

  • Xistn on 13/04/2022 - 13:00
    -3

    Avatar checks out….

  • [Deactivated] on 13/04/2022 - 13:06
    +6

    Airmed Scrubs is not liable for lost, damaged, or stolen items

    yeah i'm not entirely sure that's how it works. they are responsible for the product (including when shipping) until it actually reaches you, if it never reaches you because of australia post issues, then it's their responsibility.

    it should be illegal to lie like that when it comes to selling a product, you can't just handwave your responsibility away

  • Hybroid on 13/04/2022 - 13:12
    +1

    Limited Run Games has started doing this as well. The idea being that if there are shipping issues or gets lost, you get compensated quicker but it's absolutely not required. It's just an added insurance which you do not need. I always remove it from basket before checking out.

    Here's what it covers: https://help.route.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041131194-Route-…

  • AndyC1 on 13/04/2022 - 13:44

    It sound like delivery insurance. Oz post only pays up to $100 for a lost parcel and it may take ages to claim and you cannot claim, so it the company you buy the goods from does not chase or put in a claim against OZ post you are up the creek…

    You need to read the sales conditions you are agreeing to when you buy from the company as most do NOT cover loss of goods once OZ post picks them up, unless you take out insurance. There is no OZ law that protects you for a case of OZ post loosing the goods as you have a contract with the selling company that you agreed to when you buy the goods and the company has the contract with OZ post.

    In summary: if you want to ensure the goods are covered while in the hands of Oz post you need to take out the insurance.

    • Presence on 13/04/2022 - 15:45

      I respectfully disagree. This is just a scam and free profit for them. They engage the delivery company so it's their problem to ensure the item is delivered.

      There is some grey zone with parcels stolen once dropped off, but not if the delivery company just loses it. That is entirely the sellers issue.

      • AndyC1 on 13/04/2022 - 16:38

        You need to read the sales conditions you are agreeing to when you buy from the company as most do NOT cover loss of goods once OZ post picks them up

        • djsweet on 13/04/2022 - 16:47
          +1

          Doubt it really matters what the sales conditions say. The transaction is not complete until the item has been delivered to you. The insurance is for the seller, not you. Why should you pay for insurance for someone else?

        • Presence on 13/04/2022 - 17:24

          Anyone can write whatever conditions they want, doesn't make them legal or enforceable!!

    • netjock on 13/04/2022 - 16:19
      +1

      Oz post only pays up to $100 for a lost parcel and it may take ages to claim and you cannot claim, so it the company you buy the goods from does not chase or put in a claim against OZ post you are up the creek…

      So the seller can choose Aramex and pretend it isn't their problem when they made crap choices. Might as well write "Gold Bars" on the side because if it gets stolen it is the customer's problem.

      • AndyC1 on 13/04/2022 - 16:39

        You need to read the sales conditions you are agreeing to when you buy from the company as most do NOT cover loss of goods once the courier company picks them up.

        • netjock on 13/04/2022 - 16:45
          +2

          A lot of business use cookie cutter T&Cs that is illegal in Australia.

          If you are selling a good which includes delivery as a service. If you don't deliver (even if the business outsourced it) then it isn't delivered.

          You pay a delivery fee on a car. You don't see the car company washing their hands once the car rolls onto the transport ship.

          • AndyC1 on 13/04/2022 - 16:47

            @netjock: Consult a lawyer about this and you will get the right answer and no hear say.

            You are correct if you bought the car from the manufacturer overseas and FOB.

            • netjock on 13/04/2022 - 20:46

              @AndyC1: You lack general common sense.

              You are correct if you bought the car from the manufacturer overseas and FOB.

              I am obviously talking about at a local dealership. You think 0.1% of people who buy their cars overseas and have it shipped is the norm.

              Check the below website which is cascaded from ACCC guidance:

              Note: if the seller claims to have posted the product, they are responsible for resolving any issues with Australia Post or the courier company used to deliver the product.

              Consumer affairs Victoria

  • Quantumcat on 13/04/2022 - 14:24
    +2

    Postage insurance only covers the seller, if you don't get it you can always make a PayPal claim. If they want to protect themselves they can pay for their own postage insurance.

  • Ocker on 13/04/2022 - 15:44
    +1

    "By deselecting package protection, Airmed Scrubs is not liable for lost, damaged, or stolen items."

    Sound like not so subtle blackmail to me

  • garetz on 13/04/2022 - 17:18
    +1

    Definitely a scam, if you pay for a product or service it is the responsibility of the business to make sure you get the product or service that you paid for.

  • Crow K on 13/04/2022 - 17:41
    +1

    It was the same deal as when Kogan/Dick Smith and the rest would say "Would you like to buy a 3 year warranty with that?" while not mentioning the fact the item was already covered by a (free) warranty for its useful life under the consumer protection rules etc.

  • Save Medicare on 15/04/2022 - 08:21

    Thanks for the input everyone. So it's looking very suspicious overall.

  • capslock janitor on 26/08/2024 - 15:13

    we are buying a Computer and came across the same type "shipping protection" option ..

    https://pasteboard.co/PgE3wEZiuxQ8.png

    i reckon these companies should have business insurances already in place for their goods and services ?

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