topic Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes in Selling

Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

jfmgray — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 07:23:15 GMT

Hi. I have never looked into purchasing eBay postage labels as 90% of my items are sent as large letters. But after reading that it only costs $7.15 to send up to 1kg in a B1 box, I am after some advice about this option, or are there any reasons why not to use the option for a parcel above 500 grams (but under 1 kg) which I would normally send in a 3kg bag for about $12.80.

The situatioon I have at the moment is also a bit different to the norm, where one buyer has purchased 4 items separately but I would like to send all in a B1 box using eBay postage label. I assume I print the label for one of the 4 items, but can I copy the tracking number for the other 3?

Also can you use your own packaging rather than purchase a B1 box, providing the dimentions are the same or smaller?

Any tricks or pitfalls when printing the label?

Your pearls of wisdom would be appreciated.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

digital*ghost — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 07:55:13 GMT

I use the BX1 boxes on the odd occasion, it's pretty good value and basically the only eBay label I ever purchase (BX box prices are a lot more expensive via C&S - I think the 1kg one is only just under the 3kg satchel price with them , but I get discounts on other postage services if I buy from AP directly).

When someone makes separate payments but I combine, I refund excess postage from the lowest-priced item so that I can remain fully covered for seller protection on the highest possible amount, so would do similar for multiple items (if postage was charged).

You are supposed to only use AP's boxes, I think it's part of the deal for getting the discounted postage rate because their boxes aren't too cheap unless you buy a couple of hundred at once (they also tend to be a few grams heavier than others of the same size). I know other sellers have used generic boxes without issue, but I just buy the AP ones.

Sometimes eBay will let you add the same number to multiple items, sometimes they won't, I usually do it via Selling Manager Pro and just use the 'Add tracking number' link from there (I personally find it's more hit and miss if you use the link from the normal selling view, strangely).

eBay labels can only print one to a page, even though they only take up a quarter of a page. You can switch the orientation to landscape to print two if you ever need to do more than one - I use clear document pouches to protect them when I attach them to the boxes, as printed labels are very susceptible to damage (water, etc) - there's some small ones you can get that only just fit a label inside, which are worth looking at if you'll use a lot, but taping down should work well enough too.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

dylan11235813 — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 08:00:43 GMT

The boxes cost about $1.40 each for a pack of 20 and about half that for a pack of 200. I think they are supposed to be used to get the flat rate.

Items purchased seperately are supposed to be sent seperately and if cases are opened against you for each seperate order you will only be able to provide proof to ebay for one transaction. The same tracking number can usually be uploaded to different orders, but may not be possible in an open case.

The lables print out easy enough, I find it a pain to do when there are only one or two. I use the 500g and 3Kg satchels as well, there is also a 1KG express satchel availbale now. I buy all my satchels on ebay (form 3rd parties) which usually saves about 20%, coupled with all the vouchers ebay hands out it becomes quite a bit cheaper.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

davewil1964 — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 08:11:17 GMT

I send about 20 B1 boxes a year.

They are the only REAL value with eBay labelling. I have never been bitten by sending multiple items by the least cost option (I refund the excess), and heartily recommend B1 boxes.

Especially when I got a $20 discount and my last lot of 20 cost $11.60. 58c each. Real bonus!

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

jfmgray — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 09:40:14 GMT

Many thanks for all this helpful information. I will give it a go.

However I am keen to understand the issue with refunds for excessive postage and the impact on seller protection. As mentioned. the buyer has paid for 4 items individually and I would normally refund based on my quoted combined post costs for 4 items less the 30 cents charged by paypal for individual payments . So if I refund 3 of the 4 items, how is my seller protection affected? If it is paypal seller protection, I have never had a seller go down a paypal resolution - they all go the eBay resolution and I find it impossible to fight these unless tracking shows the item was delivered. I am more concerned in my example about late deliverys and being able to use the tracking number to priove lodgement for all 4 items. If I send them individually, they would be at letter rates anyway so no tracking.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

digital*ghost — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 09:58:05 GMT

Basically, 4 separate orders will (officially) require 4 different tracking numbers / documentation acting as proof of post (or delivery, in the case of eBay). Recently, there was a situation noted in the forum where a seller had sold 95 separate items to a buyer in another country, and the buyer made (from memory) 3 separate payments for all of them. The buyer opened ebay cases on each item, and as the seller only had one tracking number, the cases were resolved differently (yet, sadly, all resulted in becoming 'case closed without seller resolution' defects).

I'll have a look for the thread and link to it in a post, as it's worth knowing what's possible in such circumstances.

I just do the above (re: refunding from the lowest value item), so that if it ever comes down to it, I can willingly take a hit on the lowest cost item and protect myself on the highest cost item (more difficult when there's more than one item to be combined, though). I actually tend to only add the tracking number to the highest value item as well, but advise the buyer all items were sent together when I issue the refund for excess postage (late shipments aren't so much of a concern for me personally, and likewise most of my stuff goes as large letters).

It would take a fairly special kind of person to see that all items were sent together and then try to get refunds via INR disputes once received (some may not even be aware it's a possibility), especially because even though eBay or PayPal may rule against the seller, it doesn't mean the buyer can't be reported to higher authorities.

ETA: Link to the thread I mentioned above: http://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Selling/How-to-lose-your-eBay-account-over-ONE-dishonest-buyer/m-p/1979836#M139384

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

phorum_junkie* — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 11:04:51 GMT

I don't mess about. I state very clearly in my listings that combined postage discounts are only available on items paid for together on a single invoice and that if items are paid for individually they will be treated as single orders and will be posted separately and that is exactly what I do.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

digital*ghost — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 11:36:19 GMT

@phorum_junkie* wrote:
I don't mess about. I state very clearly in my listings that combined postage discounts are only available on items paid for together on a single invoice and that if items are paid for individually they will be treated as single orders and will be posted separately and that is exactly what I do.

If items are going as parcels (and therefore parcel rates charged / paid for on each item), the risk is increased if you combine, but at unregistered letter rates, you either risk all at full amount paid, or combine and reduce risk.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

jfmgray — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 14:00:24 GMT

Thanks for the clarification. That situation with the 95 overseas transactions was awful and its so hard to understand why eBay would not accept her position.

I will refund against only one of the 4 items purchased, but will add the tracking number to all 4 items if eBay will let me. I have never had a problem using the same tracking number against multiple and separate purchases that were combined when shipped so hopefully it will all work out.

Many thjanks to others also for their advice

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

dylan11235813 — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 21:27:42 GMT

Package everyting together, it saves on everything. I don't bother refunding because I have to make up stories about paypal taking $0.30 for each lot and then the rest, by the time thats over it has cost more. I usually upgrade the postage if someone feels the need to make a million orders.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

curraone — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 22:31:36 GMT

@jfmgray wrote:
Hi. I have never looked into purchasing eBay postage labels as 90% of my items are sent as large letters. But after reading that it only costs $7.15 to send up to 1kg in a B1 box, I am after some advice about this option, or are there any reasons why not to use the option for a parcel above 500 grams (but under 1 kg) which I would normally send in a 3kg bag for about $12.80.

The situatioon I have at the moment is also a bit different to the norm, where one buyer has purchased 4 items separately but I would like to send all in a B1 box using eBay postage label. I assume I print the label for one of the 4 items, but can I copy the tracking number for the other 3?

Also can you use your own packaging rather than purchase a B1 box, providing the dimentions are the same or smaller?

Any tricks or pitfalls when printing the label?

Your pearls of wisdom would be appreciated.

I think the Bx1 boxes are great value. Specially if you buy from Aust Post in bulk, they deliver for free!

As said ^^, it takes a special kind of person to claim that there items are not sent when they only have one tracking number. I would definitely combine and save your buyer some postage, I'm sure they will appreciate it. You have taken the chance previously by sending non-tracking envelopes, so not much difference.

The tracking number can be copied on to each purchase, I have done this with no problem.

The flat rate postage offered by ebay and Aust Post definitely specifies that you use a Bx1 box from Australia Post - not to use your own similar box.

Refunding too much against one purchase - more than the postage - does seem to trigger a defect sometimes, what I normally do would be to refund a small amount against each extra item.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

curraone — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 22:34:58 GMT

@dylan11235813 wrote:
Package everyting together, it saves on everything. I don't bother refunding because I have to make up stories about paypal taking $0.30 for each lot and then the rest, by the time thats over it has cost more. I usually upgrade the postage if someone feels the need to make a million orders.

IMO this is not good advice. Most buyers - including me - get pretty narky if they have paid for several postage costs and then get the their items all in one parcel with no refund.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

dylan11235813 — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 22:52:04 GMT

I would happily refund but like I said it is made up of heaps of fees. I would rather not bother a customer about taking this and that and then this. It doesn;t seem to happen very often for me, usually actually from buyers that have a huge feedback rating and continually buy from me, funny really. As you say though it is and I think also taking money, Like I said I usually upgrade the postage.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

dylan11235813 — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 22:57:56 GMT

@curraone wrote:
@dylan11235813 wrote:
Package everyting together, it saves on everything. I don't bother refunding because I have to make up stories about paypal taking $0.30 for each lot and then the rest, by the time thats over it has cost more. I usually upgrade the postage if someone feels the need to make a million orders.
IMO this is not good advice. Most buyers - including me - get pretty narky if they have paid for several postage costs and then get the their items all in one parcel with no refund.

meow

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

vproshop — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 12:11:39 GMT

I use Ebay postage for 95% of my transactions.

BX1 up to 1kg is very good value, It is $7.15 as a pose to C&S at about $11 odd.

I use my own satchels for these...

Who cares whether you use boxes or satchels, you paid for the postage. it prints 1kg on the label.

Thats what you have, a 1kg parcel, whose going to stop you from using satchels or boxes.

I lodge my parcels at Privately owned franchised Aus Post outlet.

They dont care what they receive, as long as you are pretty close to what you have paid

for, it doesnt matter if you use boxes or satchels.

ie, if you have 3kg product, dont blatantly use 1kg, they won't like this,

but if 1.1kg and you chose BX1, its pretty much ok.

I use Zebra printer for my labels, so i dont waste time and paper on A4 sheets.

I get multiple purchases by customers all the time, I usually fit them all into 1 satchel and add the one tracking number against

all the orders, its easily done.

I have been doing this for many years and i have had no problems.

Let me know if you want help setting up your zebra printer settings, it can be a little tricky and is different from

C&S and Ebay Labels.

Hope this info helps.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

curraone — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 03:08:00 GMT

@vproshop wrote:
I use Ebay postage for 95% of my transactions.
BX1 up to 1kg is very good value, It is $7.15 as a pose to C&S at about $11 odd.
I use my own satchels for these...
Who cares whether you use boxes or satchels, you paid for the postage. it prints 1kg on the label.
Thats what you have, a 1kg parcel, whose going to stop you from using satchels or boxes.

I lodge my parcels at Privately owned franchised Aus Post outlet.
They dont care what they receive, as long as you are pretty close to what you have paid
for, it doesnt matter if you use boxes or satchels.
ie, if you have 3kg product, dont blatantly use 1kg, they won't like this,
but if 1.1kg and you chose BX1, its pretty much ok.

I use Zebra printer for my labels, so i dont waste time and paper on A4 sheets.

I get multiple purchases by customers all the time, I usually fit them all into 1 satchel and add the one tracking number against
all the orders, its easily done.

I have been doing this for many years and i have had no problems.

Let me know if you want help setting up your zebra printer settings, it can be a little tricky and is different from
C&S and Ebay Labels.
Hope this info helps.

Every couple of months, some seller gives this advice about using your own packaging and getting the flat rate postage, and it is simply wrong. Just because you get away with it, doesn't make it right.

(from Australia Post site): eBay packaging and flat rate postage pricing

The following prices apply only when you use the specific eBay packaging, as listed below:

but if 1.1kg and you chose BX1, its pretty much ok.

and my PO weighs the Bx1 box every time, and if it is over 1kg then they reject it.

Re: Advice Please - eBay postage labels and B1 Boxes

digital*ghost — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 08:46:36 GMT

@dylan11235813 wrote:
I would happily refund but like I said it is made up of heaps of fees. I would rather not bother a customer about taking this and that and then this. It doesn;t seem to happen very often for me, usually actually from buyers that have a huge feedback rating and continually buy from me, funny really. As you say though it is and I think also taking money, Like I said I usually upgrade the postage.

I refund as for me, most of the time the extra P&H doesn't quite cover an upgrade, but I just issue it via PayPal with a short note, and don't even explain why it's not the full P&H amount that was charged on that order, if I'm refunding less (I retain an average of 50c per additional postage amount for covering the extra costs incurred - my terms state that my flat rate postage is only applied when a single payment is made for all items - i.e. the special discount is conditional and they haven't met the conditions, so I feel further explanation isn't necessary).

Funnily enough, the only time someone ever contacts me about the refund is when they haven't looked at the email notification properly and assumed I've just refunded their payment and won't send their items for some reason, even though I only process refunds once per day at most, several hours after everything's been posted (so they would have received notification of postage for all items first - occurs about 1% of the time).