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What to Do If a Customer Reports a Missing or Damaged Item

3 min read

(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) #

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📦 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 #

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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 #

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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 #

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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 #

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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) #

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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 #

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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 📦🛠️💼

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