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Handling Shipping Disputes

3 min read

(Shipping & Delivery for Sellers)

A shipping dispute happens when a customer formally challenges a delivery outcome — such as non-delivery, damage, or incorrect shipment.
Knowing how to respond correctly is critical to protecting your earnings, reputation, and delivery privileges — especially for orders Dispatched by Kingston Express.

This guide explains:

  • What counts as a shipping dispute
  • How disputes are handled by shipping method
  • What sellers should do (and avoid)
  • How to resolve disputes efficiently

What Is a Shipping Dispute? #

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A shipping dispute is raised when a customer claims:

  • “My order never arrived”
  • “It says delivered but I didn’t get it”
  • “The item arrived damaged”
  • “I received the wrong item”

📌 Disputes are formal — not just complaints.


Step 1: Identify the Shipping Method (Always First) #

Your responsibility depends on how the order was shipped:

🟦 Dispatched by Kingston Express #

  • Kingston Express manages delivery, tracking, and investigation

🚚 Seller-Managed Delivery or Courier #

  • Seller is responsible for evidence, follow-up, and resolution

📌 Never respond before confirming this.


If the Order Is Dispatched by Kingston Express #

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What Happens Automatically #

  • Delivery records are reviewed
  • Tracking scans are verified
  • Proof of delivery is checked
  • Internal handling logs are examined

What Sellers SHOULD Do #

✔ Stay calm and factual
✔ Review order details
✔ Wait for investigation outcome
✔ Respond if additional info is requested

What Sellers Should NOT Do #

❌ Admit fault
❌ Refund before review
❌ Contact couriers directly
❌ Resend items prematurely

📦 Dispatchment disputes are handled centrally to protect sellers.


If the Order Is Seller-Managed #

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Seller Responsibilities #

✔ Contact courier or driver
✔ Request delivery confirmation
✔ Collect proof (photos, signatures, logs)
✔ Communicate clearly with the customer

📞 Your response speed matters here.


Common Types of Shipping Disputes (And How They’re Reviewed) #


📦 “Delivered but Not Received” #

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Reviewed using:

  • Delivery confirmation
  • GPS or scan data
  • Customer address verification

📌 Most cases involve address or access issues.


💥 Damaged Item Disputes #

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Reviewed using:

  • Packaging condition
  • Inspection reports
  • Handling records

📦 Damage during dispatchment is reviewed objectively.


🔁 Wrong Item Disputes #

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Reviewed using:

  • Picking and packing records
  • SKU verification
  • Return inspection

Evidence That Helps Resolve Disputes #

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Useful evidence includes:

  • Tracking history
  • Delivery timestamps
  • Address details
  • Photos (if applicable)

📌 Evidence — not emotion — resolves disputes.


What Sellers Should NEVER Do in a Dispute #

❌ Argue emotionally
❌ Accuse the customer
❌ Ignore dispute notices
❌ Issue refunds before investigation
❌ Edit delivery statuses retroactively

⚠️ These actions often make disputes worse.


How Dispute Outcomes Are Decided #

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Outcomes depend on:

  • Shipping method
  • Evidence reviewed
  • Policy eligibility

Possible outcomes:

  • Dispute resolved in seller’s favor
  • Refund issued
  • Replacement authorized
  • Inventory adjusted

📊 All outcomes are documented.


How Disputes Affect Sellers #

  • Repeated disputes may impact:
    • Delivery performance metrics
    • Shipping privileges
    • Dispatchment eligibility

📌 One dispute won’t hurt — patterns do.


How Sellers Can Prevent Shipping Disputes #

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✔ Use Dispatched by Kingston Express
✔ Ensure accurate addresses & phone numbers
✔ Encourage clear delivery instructions
✔ Package products securely
✔ Communicate professionally


When to Contact Support #

Contact **Kingston Express Support if:

  • A dispute is escalated
  • Evidence appears incorrect
  • You need clarification on a decision

📧 Always include the order ID and dispute reference.


Final Tip #

Shipping disputes are about process, not blame.
Sellers who stay calm, rely on evidence, and trust Dispatched by Kingston Express resolve disputes faster and protect their business 📦🚚

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