on 26-05-2016 08:59 AM - last edited on 30-05-2016 09:33 AM by luna-2304
I have a large quantity of small cheap items to list. I'm aware that there's an increasing level of fraud happening (it never arrived I want a refund) and want to avoid this but also need to keep costs down for buyers. So how can one do this as a seller?
As I see it I can either:
Post cheap and hope that 99% of buyers are honest which I'm sure they are.
Put stuff in lots to make up a 500g parcel and charge for signature or insurance.
Charge the extra $4 for registered post (many are small so would go as letters) and it's not as cheap for the buyer so maybe less sales.
Is the tracking number provided free on a standard parcel enough for PayPal and eBay in the event a buyer says it didn't arrive? Do I just need to prove lodgement these days or is it still up to me to prove the parcel arrived to the addressee? It's hard to get a straight answer from eBay or PayPal. Anyone got actual insight from either point of view?
on 26-05-2016 09:34 AM
Your thread title should be seller protection not buyer protection.
Ebay protects a buyer no matter what as a buyer is an angel and can in no way lie about not receiving an item.
Clarry would give the best advice on this topic so hopefully he will come along soon and provide it.
All the best and have a nice day.
on 26-05-2016 11:33 AM
Good point. That's probably what I meant.
Yes sadly the buyer is never wrong on eBay and the seller wears it.
I basically want to know if the tracking number itself covers me or must I prove its been received by the buyer? Since the postie can put it on top of a letterbox or even in the wrong letterbox and according to Australia post it's been "delivered" the system has plenty of holes.
on 26-05-2016 12:22 PM
You just need to be able to show proof of postage and that you posted it within your time frame.
Yes the whole system has flaws and you need to be extra careful these days.
I learned my lesson and I would never post without any tracking or signature required.
But as you sell low priced items then you just need to be prepared if a case gets opened for item not received by a buyer
that you are willing to refund the buyer and whatever else ebays wants you to do so as you don't receive a defect.
26-05-2016 12:22 PM - edited 26-05-2016 12:25 PM
My understanding is that if you can prove lodgement of a parcel (either in a satchel or your own parcel) - by going into the PO and lodging over the counter and receiving a printed receipt - then you are covered. Doesn't apply to letters of course unless you purchase extra cover (SOD) which then makes it nearly as expensive to post as a parcel.
on 26-05-2016 12:32 PM
You are 100% correct but posting at a large letter rate is a gamble that you need to be willing to take.
on 26-05-2016 12:36 PM
My business model is premised on posting cheap items via large letter (average $8 per item + $3 approx postage). No tracking as buyers will not pay for registered or express letters. I just accept that I will refund any claim that is made, but these are very rare. Works great for me.
on 26-05-2016 07:56 PM
I don't send a great deal of items as large letters but if I do I use reg post for anything over $25. For under that I 'self insure', that means that a few cents are added to every item to cover the cost of any refunds either for non delivery or not as described. I look at it a bit like a store having to add a cost to every item to cover shoplifting, staff pilfering and damage done to stock.
on 26-05-2016 08:14 PM
@letscleanupmycupboards wrote:
Is the tracking number provided free on a standard parcel enough for PayPal and eBay in the event a buyer says it didn't arrive? Do I just need to prove lodgement these days or is it still up to me to prove the parcel arrived to the addressee? It's hard to get a straight answer from eBay or PayPal. Anyone got actual insight from either point of view?
To absolutely guarantee seller protection via eBay, you need proof of delivery, so there's only so much you can do while the rest is in the hands of AP and the reliability of their service, as well as their online tracking.
For PayPal, proof of postage is required, and for that the lodgement scan or receipt will suffice, but in either case a tracking number alone isn't supposed to substantiate either lodgement or delivery, and the evidence really should show the delivery name and address (essential for something like a CC chargeback, not always in other cases).
on 26-05-2016 10:08 PM