Item arrived in post today smashed, what do I do next?

[Norfolkbumpkin]

Things are already a bit tense between the seller and myself as the there was a delay in sending the item. The seller stated that their computer went down the night of the auction ending so were unable to get my details to send the item until 5 days later. I questioned this as another item sold the same night arrived with the buyer within 3 days. I received a terse reply. The teapot arrived this morning looking really well packaged. I lifted the lid on the outer box and I could see the smashed teapot through the bubblewrap. Do I contact the seller and return or do I claim through Royal Mail? Dreading contacting the seller.......

contact the seller. It is up to the seller to refund you and then claim from RM. Don't let her try and get you to put in a claim.
If she gets awkward simply open a dispute.
Good luck!

It's the seller I'm afraid ...if they give you lots of hassle about a refund or replacement and you paid through paypal you can get a refund through them.

You have to have contacted the seller first though.

Great, thanks for the advice. I did pay through Paypal so if things do get a bit sticky at least I have some protection.

Definately contact the seller hun - have you left it wrapped in the bubblewrap??

I would get some photos with the date on if possible.

It is the sellers responsability to claim through RM so she should refund you.

Good luck hun!