Looks like this one was beat to death and with testomonials that are rather lenghty. I see things pretty simple. I am responsible and work very closely with logistics for a major Fortune 500 company.
Terms of sale should always describe the point where ownership changes hands.
Terms like FOB, ExWorks, etc are common methods for describing this ownership transfer.
Carriers only allow the shipper to file a claim as they are the customer contracting the shipment transaction unless you use the buyers account number to ship something.
Most shippers offer a minimum amount of financial responsibility after which insurance covers the balance.
Buyers can arrange for shipment and pick up at your door in many cases. This means that as soon as the item is picked up the buyer owns it. Your responsibility is to have it packed and ready for pick up. I have done this many times and it is the best method in my book if both parties agree up front.
Damage falls under the claim filing process as I described above.
Different Carriers, States and Countries have different rules so you have to do some research to be sure what rules apply to the shipper & receiver. That is the shippers responsibility always and the shipper is the one who contracts with the carrier not the one who pays the bill.
If you charge someone for shipping on an ebay transaction and your package is lost or delayed. The carrier will only refund the shipping charge to the one who contracted with the carrier. If you paid the carrier they will only send the refund to you and you then should send that on to the buyer.
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ