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What to Do If a Customer Reports a Missing or Damaged Item
3 min read
- Step 1: Identify the Issue Type (Don’t Mix These Up)
- Step 2: Confirm the Fulfillment Method (Critical)
- If the Order Was Dispatched by Kingston Express
- If the Order Was Seller-Managed
- What Evidence Helps Resolve These Reports
- How Replacements vs Refunds Are Decided
- International Orders (Extra Caution)
- How to Respond to the Customer (Safe Example)
- Common Seller Mistakes to Avoid
- How This Affects Seller Performance
- When to Contact Support
- Final Rule (Memorize This)
(Orders, Returns & Exchanges – Seller Guide)
Missing or damaged item reports are stressful — but they’re fixable when handled correctly.
The key is responding based on how the order was fulfilled, especially if it was Dispatched by Kingston Express.
This guide explains:
- What counts as missing vs damaged
- What sellers should do immediately
- How dispatchment changes responsibility
- What NOT to do (to avoid losses and disputes)
Step 1: Identify the Issue Type (Don’t Mix These Up) #

📦 Missing Item #
- Item not in the package
- Partial order received
💥 Damaged Item #
- Item arrived broken, cracked, or unusable
📌 Each issue follows a different review path.
Step 2: Confirm the Fulfillment Method (Critical) #
Before responding, check how the order was handled:
🟦 Dispatched by Kingston Express #
- Packing, shipping, and handling were done by Kingston Express
🚚 Seller-Managed Order #
- Seller packed and shipped the item
📦 This determines responsibility and next steps.
If the Order Was Dispatched by Kingston Express #


What Sellers Should Do Immediately #
✔ Acknowledge the customer calmly
✔ Ask the customer to submit the issue through the order system
✔ Wait for inspection and review
What Sellers Should NOT Do #
❌ Do not refund immediately
❌ Do not ship replacements yourself
❌ Do not admit fault
❌ Do not ask customers to return items to you
📦 Dispatchment orders are reviewed centrally using packing records and inspections.
How Dispatchment Reviews These Issues #
- Packing logs are checked
- Weight and SKU records are verified
- Damage is assessed during return inspection
- Resolution is applied per policy
📌 This protects sellers from false or unclear claims.
If the Order Was Seller-Managed #


Seller Responsibilities #
✔ Ask for clear photos (item + packaging)
✔ Confirm what was missing or damaged
✔ Verify against your packing process
✔ Approve return, replacement, or refund after review
📌 Documentation protects you.
What Evidence Helps Resolve These Reports #

Encourage customers to provide:
- Photos of the package
- Photos of the item (if damaged)
- Photos of packing materials
- Order number
📎 Evidence speeds resolution.
How Replacements vs Refunds Are Decided #


Replacement is common when: #
✔ Item is damaged
✔ Wrong item was sent
✔ Inventory is available
Refund is more likely when: #
✔ Item is out of stock
✔ Damage is severe
✔ Return is not feasible
📌 The decision depends on policy and inspection.
International Orders (Extra Caution) #


For international orders:
- Claims may take longer
- Customs handling may affect outcomes
- Some items may not be returned
📦 Never promise instant resolution for international cases.
How to Respond to the Customer (Safe Example) #
Dispatchment Order #
“Thanks for letting us know. Please submit the issue through your order so it can be reviewed. Once the inspection is complete, the next steps will be confirmed.”
Seller-Managed Order #
“Thanks for the update. Please share photos of the item and packaging so we can review and resolve this for you.”
📌 Polite, neutral, and process-focused.
Common Seller Mistakes to Avoid #
❌ Refunding before review
❌ Shipping replacements immediately
❌ Asking dispatchment customers to return items to you
❌ Accusing customers
❌ Ignoring timelines
⚠️ These mistakes lead to losses.
How This Affects Seller Performance #


Handled correctly:
✔ Minimal rating impact
✔ Disputes resolved faster
✔ Seller protected
Handled poorly:
❌ Refund losses
❌ Disputes
❌ Rating damage
📊 Process matters more than outcome.
When to Contact Support #
Contact **Kingston Express Support if:
- A dispatchment inspection result is unclear
- A claim appears incorrect
- A customer is escalating aggressively
📧 Include order ID and issue type.
Final Rule (Memorize This) #
👉 No inspection, no refund. No review, no replacement.
Sellers who follow the process — and trust Dispatched by Kingston Express — resolve missing and damaged item claims fairly, safely, and without hurting their business 📦🛠️💼

