How to assign a value to a box damaged in transit

[andropogan]

On a recent visit to NC I purchased several model railroad items and packaged them in a cardboard box for the return flight home to WI.  As I unpacked, I discovered that the RDU airport security staff had deemed it necessary to unpack the box to inspect the contents.  In doing so, rather than opening the box of the new Lionel Pacific steamer inside, they sliced it on both sides, from one end nearly to the other, I suppose because the styrofoam packaging wouldn't slide out easily.  I plan to file a claim for the damage but don't know how to assign a value since replacement boxes aren't available from Lionel.  I try to keep all the original packaging materials in case I ever need to re-sell my purchases.  I know that the resale value of many items, especially toys, is decreased if the original packaging is either missing or damaged.  How do I determine a value for the box and factor the future decrease in resale value into a damage claim? 

[Brutus]

RT - you are correct, of course.  If you go on ebay, you will see boxes and even shipping cartons sometimes sell for serious money.  People want the whole package.  Just look at the recent replacement of boxes by Lionel this past few months.

[traindaddy1]

to the Forum. 

If it were me, I'd try to claim the entire purchase price.  They may grant your request but, if they do, they may ask you to surrender the steamer.  They may counter with an offer of their own or they may just cite some regulation and deny your claim.

Bottom line: I guess you would have to decide whether you purchased the train as an investment or as a toy to enjoy running or display.  Since I buy trains to "play with" a box is nice to have but it is not a determining factor.   Good luck and keep us posted as to the result of your claim.

[Anonymous]

I've been in a similar damage situation myself last fall when I found a package jammed into my mailbox.  The item inside was damaged as a result.  When I took it up with the postmaster, I was given two options:

1. Surrender the item and get reimbursed for the purchase price.

2.  Keep the item and deal with the damage on my own.

I kept the item and fixed the damage.  It is a tough decision, but if I was in your situation, I'd keep it and enjoy it and not be too concerned with the box. Just my opinion on the situation.

[Seayakbill]

 TSA claims process, Good Luck

 

The Standard Claims Process

• Once a claim has been received by the Claims Management Branch, it is entered into a Claims Management System.
• If the claim is NOT sufficient, the claimant will be sent an insufficient letter requesting additional information. If it is sufficient, the claimant will be sent an acknowledgement letter with a control number.
• The claim will then be assigned to a TSA Claims Investigator.
• The investigator will fully examine the claim. This could include:
  • Checking receipts, appraisals, flight information, etc.
  • Contacting the claimant
  • Contacting origin-of-receipt stores, airport personnel, air carriers, etc.
• The investigator will then make a 'recommendation' on the claim. The recommendation will be to either approve the claim in full, offer a settlement, or deny the claim entirely.
• Once done, the claim will be forwarded to a TSA 'Delegated Authority Official' (DAO). This person has been granted the right to disperse taxpayer funds on behalf of the Federal Government to pay tort claims. They have the responsibility to confirm or deny the recommendation of the investigator.
• If the DAO rejects the investigator's recommendation, the claim will be sent back to the investigator for further review.
• If the DAO accepts the recommendation of the investigator, a letter will be sent to the claimant with the final decision.
• If the decision is to approve the claim in full or to offer a settlement, the letter will include a form to complete regarding settlement agreement and/or payment methods.
• Once the form is returned to the Claims Management Branch, the claim payment will be processed through the Coast Guard Finance Center (the Coast Guard Finance Center processes all payments for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS))
• The Coast Guard Finance Center will then process the payment through the U.S. Treasury.

[rtraincollector]

I would add one more thing. When sending in your claim send in pictures if you can. It can help in the decision making

 

[Phoebe Vet]

Why would you place anything valuable in the hands of the airport Gestapo?  You know they take everything apart.  You know they will cut the lock off your suitcase if you lock it.

You should have shipped it via USPS, or UPS, or FedEx.

As long as Americans tolerate the illusion of security play being performed at the airport it will continue and will evolve to ever more intrusive.  And it won't make you even a little bit safer.

[richhotrain]

I, too, save all of the packaging, including the original box, whenever I purchase something on the HO side of the hobby.  Call me anal, but it helps to have the original pacakging if you want to sell an item, or store it, or return it for repair.

Now that I have re-entered the "toy train" side of the hobby, having recently resurrected my old American Flyer trains, I see the value of original packaging all the time on eBay, especially for collectors.

My wife and I have also accumulated some Department 56 ceramic buildings, not as collectors, but for display around the holidays.  While the value of a lot of D56 stuff has diminished over the past few years, the original cardboard box and styrofoam insert often goes for more than the ceramic building.

I winced when I first read this post and saw where airport security damaged the box. I have no advice on how to value the damage claim, buy you might check eBay from time to time to see if the original box is offered for sale.

Good luck and I feel your pain.

Rich

[DMUinCT]

Are you an operator or a collector?

If you are selling an item rated "Mint" produced between 1970 and the present, the box adds 10% to the asking price.   

If that "Mint" item was produced before 1969, the box can represent  from 30%  to 35% of the selling price.   Yes, the high price boxes on E-Bay are adding 1/3 to the price of the train item.

Next time UPS like the dealers do.

[Bob Keller]

I deleted quite a few posts to this thread. Do you think it might be possible to try and help someone rather than insult them for asking the question?

[RockIsland52]

Bob......nothing gets past you!  The Buffalo Sabres could have used you in goal last night against the Boston Bruins in an elimination game. 

Jack.

[Bob Keller]

I was a little late on this - being working on three features for the September issue, I should have caught it sooner..

[PhilaKnight]

I had the same dilemma when my basement flooded and some items got damaged. I got lucky and the engines did not get damaged just the boxes got water stained and the glue let go. I was a pain trying to figure out how much the boxes were worth. I just put a claim in for the whole item. They cut me a check and I still have the trains. Good luck with it.