Parcel2go and Hermes problem. Cheap for a reason!

I sent a small TV monitor to a buyer, using Parcel2go with the Hermes service, that you drop off to the nearest shop. It is a very cheap service, but there is a good reason for that.

My buyer contacted me to say that the item was smashed beyond repair and a different item also delivered at the same time by the same Hermes driver was also badly damaged. The damage could well have been deliberate, as the item was very well packed. I contacted Parcel2go using their online chat service, but they said there was nothing they could do, as the item was on their list of items excluded from compensation claims.

I contacted their claims department to complain and at least get back my courier fee, but they flatly refused, pointing to their terms and conditions. They obviously don't bother about their "duty of care" either!

Fortunately the item was relatively low value and my very understanding buyer agreed to a partial refund.

I strongly advise anyone thinking of using Parcel2go to carefully inspect their list of excluded items, as it includes a lot of things commonly sold on eBay, thus enabling them to walk away from any claim for damage.