The only time I will let a customer open a pkg is if there are signs of damage to the exterior of the box. I will offer to help them in cases such as this.
I always open the pkg for the customer, in these cases. They tend to do more damage to the box trying to get into it.
Most cases, I do not deliver a suspect damaged pkg., per ODS instruction just last month. I was told to sheet it as refused and send back to the center for damage assessment.
I had a customer last week who received a small package and insisted that I stand there while he opened. I explained to him that there was no sign of damage to the package but he insisted so I wished him a good day and went on my way.
I explain to the customer that ICC regulations will not allow me to return an opened pkg.
This is not a lie on my part.
I was trained in 1986, by UPS, that it was federal law.
At best, it is a good excuse and most customers respect it.
It may not be an ICC regulation, but it is a good policy.
Scenario;
Customer opens pkg, then refuses it. Driver re-tapes and sends it back. Original shipper claims items are missing
-(rightly or wrongly)-
and can show that the pkg had been opened, while in UPS possession.
Bingo,
claims will probably be paid.