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N.J. Antique Shop At Odds With Post Office After Package Delivered Damaged

NEPTUNE CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – For more than two decades, an elderly couple in New Jersey has relied on the U.S. Postal Service for their business. But now, their relationship with the post office is broken after an expensive package was crushed, CBS2's Meg Baker reported.

James and Susan Harran shipped more than 7,000 packages through the mail and the couple has run a reputable antique dealership for 25 years.

"We deal exclusively with the United States Post Office, so that's why we are a little hurt by this whole thing," James Harran said.

James has written a book on how to property package antiques and is now horrified to find out a 19th Century antique fruit cooler he meticulously wrapped arrived shattered.

"I am very proud of the way I pack. I double box everything, I use bubble wrap, everything is double boxed and with plenty of peanuts, tons of peanuts," he said.

Like any smart dealer, Harran insured the item, which was priced at $1,500. Harran sent in a claim form and was first denied by the postal service, receiving nothing for the damages.

"We didn't know what do to and I said 'Let's just forget it.' And Jim said 'No, I can't.' We just didn't want any more stress," his wife said.

Not taking no for an answer, Harran appealed again. This time, the postal service only gave him a check for $526.05 with no explanation.

"We've always had a good relationships with the post office and I just can't understand why they treated us so unfairly," Susan Harran said.

In response to CBS2's request for a comment, the U.S. Postal Service said the Harrans can file yet another appeal and hope they get the full insurance claim amount.

During the holidays, the U.S. Postal Service processes an average of 550 million cards, letters and packages a day.

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