That sucks, but you shouldn't worry about it. File a claim through eBay and if the seller won't take it back, you will be covered under the eBay protection policy.

Just a further note. Although most people don't realize it, the burden of damaged goods in shipping is always the sellers responsibility. There is a common belief that insurance protects the buyer, but in actuality it protects the sellers interest. If you do a little digging you will note there is only one exception, for FOB freight. As this is not part of an eBay transaction, it does not apply. eBay changed their policy a couple of years ago to better align there interests with those of the buyer. When you collect under their buyer protection policy, they turn around and charge the seller.

My COBRA application and check is "lost in the mail" . I'm dying. Replacment will be sent via "Next Day Air" or by some certifiable means.

We eventually receive some pieces of mail with an indication "no such address" . We have been here 30 years just south of main street in bellevue. We think it gets thrown in with the carrier who goes north of main street and then just gets returned to sender as undeliverable. Funny to get a call from someone who has sent you hundreds of pieces of mail going WTF? They Care!

never had a problem with usps ... ups is a different story. Like I mentioned though if ya used paypal ... your covered.

If not ... most likely kiss it goodbye

Like mentioned, Paypal.
Also if you use your Credit card , they should cover the damage.

My AE and BOA Visa have covered my shipping loss previously.

Here's my story...........I shipped a pair of Simms Pro dry's back to be exchanged..........Never got there but I insured them for 1000.00 Bucks !
So USPS tries to track to no avail, (a mailman somewhere is wearing pro dry's while doing his route) so I say .........Ok mother.[Bleeeeep!] write me the check for the cool grand I insured them for..........they say its going to be a while, I say not BITCHE"S in my Superfly kind of way..........so it goes up the chain and they agree to write me a check..........Then some [Bleeeeep!] smart [Bleeeeep!] calls me and says pro dry's are not that much money...... we will send you the amount for the retail Value..........I say fu..ck you, put your boss on the horn.
Long story short.........I got the originals for guide price......insured for way more and made about 400.00 bucks off of those bastards we call the USPS !
So learn from that and take them to school next time.......I did and it felt great !!!!!

Peace
Fly

AP-

If that was a Revo STX, see if you can just get your money back.
Cabelas has them in the Bargain cave for $159. Combine it with a $20/off$150 coupon (easily google-able) and now you get a $200 Revo for $139

ALL IS NOT LOST...
I've been an eBay seller for the last nine years and I'm here to tell you that you should go to the eBay Resolution Center and file a case. The seller is responsible to get you the item that you paid for in the condition that was stated in the add/auction no if's, and's or butt’s about it. Postal insurance only covers the seller and it's his/her issue if they didn't pay for it.

Here's a link to the eBay Resolution Center: http://pages.ebay.com/coverage/BuyerProtectionForBuyers.html

You should file a case as soon as possible because the clock is ticking on how long returns will be accepted by your seller. You will have to return the reel at your cost but you should receive a full refund. Anything less than a full refund and the seller is just jerking you around. Make sure that you have delivery conformation with the tracking number because eBay will require it later should the case go that far.

The Info below is from the eBay Resolution Center:

How does eBay Buyer Protection work?
If you don't receive an item you purchased, or if it's not as described, you can use the Resolution Center to resolve your problem. In most of these cases, we cover the purchase price plus original shipping.

When should I open a case?
If you have a problem with a purchase, your first step is to contact the seller to resolve the problem. Most issues get resolved with direct contact between buyer and seller. If the seller doesn't respond, or if you can't come to an agreement, open a case in the Resolution Center within 45 days of making payment. See more information about timelines.

What do you mean by "work things out"?
By working things out, we mean communicating with the seller to find a solution that you agree to. For example, the seller may offer you a refund in exchange for the item, send you a replacement item, or provide a tracking number for your item.

I opened a case. What happens now?
Once you open a case, we'll ask the seller to respond to you within 7 days. If the seller doesn't respond within that time, go to the Resolution Center to escalate the case to Customer Support.

How will I get my refund?
When Customer Support decides a case in your favor, we'll send your refund to the PayPal email address you used to purchase the item. This may take a few days. Learn more about the refund process.

Do I need to send the item back to the seller?
Yes, if you opened an item not as described case for a purchase covered by eBay Buyer Protection. You'll also need to provide us with the shipping tracking number (with Signature Confirmation for items worth more than $250) to receive your refund through PayPal.

Update:
Turns out it WAS insured. Seller has been totally good about everything. It seems there are actually a few options for resolution, which I'm doing now. It should work out OK.

The reel is a Revo Toro Winch.

-AP

Nice reel

Fish on...

Todd

Big drag/big fish

Hi Aaron
That is not happy hour. The Winch is one of my favorite reels. You will like it when your sorted out!

Kevin