I sadly think it sort of comes down to the person that gets involved on UPS side of things
some folks are lust more understanding than others
if you follow, some will work better with you,. some will fight you.
and also keep in mind, what your willing to accept as an offer from them too, and I would recommend knowing this before you talk to them !
NEXT will be what insurance did the original shipper have on the box/shipment,a s this will play a BIG part in things!
did they insure it for MORE than its worth(cost you) or less, or worse NO insurance ?
I would also try talking to the seller on this too, as if any payment is to be had, I am gathering it will be made to THEM and NOT you.
so, say the shipper gets full value for the shipped item, what kind of discount from them with you want BACK to accept things AS IS!
as that is maybe how its going to play out!
when I was a UPS shipping center back in the early 90's, that's how it sort of came to be, always paid the shipper, not those receiving the packaged that was damaged or NEVER got there in the first place!