topic Re: Express Post in Buying

Express Post

magpie_lark — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 03:18:59 GMT

Hi, I buy a lot of items that need to be sent by express post because I live in a regional part of Australia - otherwise the item can take weeks. More often that not, when I find an item I want, I look at the postage details section to see if they offer express post - probably 1% offer this information. Therefore I have to write to the seller to ask the cost - this can take two days before receiving a reply. I think it would be a good idea for sellers to offer the other postage rates to avoid this. Conversely, I have written to some who say that they ONLY use couriers and not Australia Post and therefore they cannot ever offer express post. Wouldn't it be nice if such sellers could clearly state this somewhere in their listings, you know ... just to be a little helpful!? It would save a lot of time for the buyers and sellers. I would welcome others thoughts on this.

Re: Express Post

arnl7178 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 03:22:33 GMT

I think if express postage isn't offered in the postage section of a sellers listing, then it's safe to assume they don't offer express postage (usually).

Whether it's listed there, or in the body of their listing, it's still listed.

In saying that, I understand your frustration and do see your point, but I think a lot of sellers don't like using express post because it offers no seller protection.

Re: Express Post

cuddles_01au — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 03:24:36 GMT

in all fairness express post is NOT considered a safe way to post

registered or click n send are the safest methods

Re: Express Post

motherbear2003 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 03:50:45 GMT

There is no seller protection for items sent Express Post; that's why most use Click and Send. I do offer it in my TOS, however I prefer not to use it. I think the larger sellers use Couriers as it's the quickest and easiest way for them:-)

Re: Express Post

dylan11235813 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:06:43 GMT

To add a lot of people think express post is overnight to all of Australia. I will use it but only if someone asks. They really should have express on the click and send site.

The 5KG express satchel has seller protection for what paypal want. Actually if you dont use the satchel and get the sticker from the post office you get the required proof for any size...

Re: Express Post

***super_nova*** — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:54:03 GMT

Sorry, but why should sellers be saying what they do not offer? I select what I want to offer, and Express is not it. Unless it would be express platinum. While I understand your frustration with getting your parcels slowly, I cannot see how express would make so much difference; if you live in remote area, isn't it also out of the express zone? I believe it still cuts bit of time off, but would not have thought it would be weeks.

Re: Express Post

thecatspjs — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 06:58:57 GMT

Thank you for posting Maggie 🙂 I always like to hear directly what buyers are looking for.

I like to get purchases promptly too. I understand that even if you are outside of the express post zones, that it is still a speedier service than regular post.

I do offer express post on request, but I think I will now add this post service as an option on my listings.

For other posters - to meet paypal requirements express post parcels can be lodged over the counter and on request post office can stamp completed AP lodgement slip as proof of address and post.

Re: Express Post

zenremix777 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:27:34 GMT

It's a good idea from a business perspective to list the available shipping methods in the postage section. For people like the OP, it might mean the difference between a sale or not.

Re: Express Post

digital*ghost — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:56:39 GMT

Express Post does qualify for seller protection, it's only the pre-paid 500gm and 3kg satchels that don't. All other express services give you documentation that meets PayPal's requirements for selller protection.

A <500gm parcel costs the same as a 500gm regular satchel, so while I don't offer express as standard, I use my own packaging (costing around 40c), then pay for express at the counter to get the lodgement form filled out and stamped.

C&S will hopefully be adding the promised express service soon, then I (and perhaps many other sellers) will be including as an option on all my listings.

Re: Express Post

punch*drunk — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:17:37 GMT

I will send express if buyers request it, and I have a note on my listings to message me for a price before hand.

Due to the size of what I sell, and the fact that I include regular post in the cost of the item, its not that easy to just add and an extra service. If someone wants express, I need to work out the difference between regular and express and then add the difference to the invoice.

The other thing is that communicating with the buyer makes you conscious of the fact they want it quickly and you can prioritise their order.

Just as an example, it only costs a few dollars extra to express something locally, but up to $30 more to express something to the west from here.

Re: Express Post

silversterio2 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:30:08 GMT

I can't speak for the OP but mail in and out of (most parts of ) WA is much quicker by Express Post.

Even if not in an Express zone, Express mail generally takes 2-3 working days by air as opposed to a possible 7-10 working days by road.

It's often a much preferred option which buyers are happy to pay extra for.

Re: Express Post

i-once-was-bump — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:57:56 GMT

I don't offer express post because I think that a seller should post the next working day if they offer it.

I have a handling time of 2 or 3 days (can't remember exactly) because sometimes I can't get to the PO the day after receiving payment so it is a sure fire way for me to get low dsr and possible neut or neg feedback.

Re: Express Post

jensmanchester-australia — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:02:01 GMT

I can't speak for the OP but mail in and out of (most parts of ) WA is much quicker by Express Post.

Even if not in an Express zone, Express mail generally takes 2-3 working days by air as opposed to a possible 7-10 working days by road.

It's often a much preferred option which buyers are happy to pay extra for.

As a WA based seller I offer express post on the majority of my listings as the service is much quicker to most parts of Australia from WA than regular post.

As far as worrying about being covered under Paypal Seller Protection that is the least of my concerns. I prefer to offer the customers a fast efficient service than worry about the the possibility of a chargeback which only happens very rarely.

Re: Express Post

dylan11235813 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:56:31 GMT

As a WA based seller I offer express post on the majority of my listings as the service is much quicker to most parts of Australia from WA than regular post.

As far as worrying about being covered under Paypal Seller Protection that is the least of my concerns. I prefer to offer the customers a fast efficient service than worry about the the possibility of a chargeback which only happens very rarely.

It would hurt a lot of smaller sellers though.

Re: Express Post

124danie — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:35:35 GMT

I only offer two types of postage - large letters (CD Mailer boxes) for small orders and everything else goes Express. I buy them in lots of 100 and pass on the savings. The buyer gets everything very quickly.

Re: Express Post

davewil1964 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:26:51 GMT

If you're talking 500g or 3kg Express satchels, as mentioned above several times, you have no Paypal seller protection.

I use C&S - cheaper for the customer and I'm protected.

Re: Express Post

dylan11235813 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:05:40 GMT

express post is only a bit more which is why it would be good on clunk and send

Re: Express Post

thecatspjs — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:06:13 GMT

As I, and others, have pointed out in this, and numerous other threads, Davewil, you do have protection with express if you either to lodge it over the counter and get an AP lodgement receipt stamped.

Or as DG outlined, you can parcel yourself (avoiding pre-paid satchels) and purchase express post over the counter which provides required documentation.

Or there is also platinum express satchels as a further option.

Three ways of to get paypal coverage and keep a few buyers happy too :-x:-x

Re: Express Post

purple.cow — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:34:54 GMT

Well Maggie, it looks like only the really thoughtful sellers here are willing to take such things onboard, so now you'll know which ones to buy from, and which to give a wide birth to lol

Re: Express Post

dylan11235813 — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 02:10:01 GMT

As I, and others, have pointed out in this, and numerous other threads, Davewil, you do have protection with express if you either to lodge it over the counter and get an AP lodgement receipt stamped.

Or as DG outlined, you can parcel yourself (avoiding pre-paid satchels) and purchase express post over the counter which provides required documentation.

Or there is also platinum express satchels as a further option.

Three ways of to get paypal coverage and keep a few buyers happy too :-x:-x

If you pay for the sticker (no satchel) then yes. I actually said this before DG. thanks fat cat in pjs

as if anyone would pay for platinum express, i did once.