topic Re: Just got abused for using rego post ! in Selling

Just got abused for using rego post !

outback_blends — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 07:56:06 GMT

Not on this account but a buyer bought a $30 item off me on Friday. They had 51 feedback (And yes I am one of those folks who checks a buyers feedback) and there were a couple of red dots left for sellers and some positive feed backs but with comments like - seller helped work through a problem. These always ring alarm bells for me so I thought - what the hey ...I will send it rego post.

So put a rego post label on and then entered tracking details to ebay and sent the buyer a message to say thanks for the purchase and the item would be in the post first up Tuesday and tracking number was bla bla bla. That was yesterday.

Just got a message from them asking why was I using tracking ...they didnt pay for it so why would I send with tracking? I said I have registered post cost built into the price and I send all items over $20 with rego post. I get an email back saying please remove tracking and refund them for the tracking as they dont want it. I replied - Sorry the item is already in the red post box.

Just waiting for the reply hehehe ! Should be good.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

Anonymous — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 08:08:21 GMT

Sounds to me like they were planning on saying something untrue and are miffed

(I know, I know........I am suppose to think buyers are all honest and would'nt do such things. So I have been told)

Better safe than sorry,I say

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

padi*0409 — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 08:08:58 GMT

Shame you didn't know a large bearded bike-riding chappie in the same suburb and had it hand delivered.

Beaut day hey?

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

kopenhagen5 — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 08:28:08 GMT

I would have initially replied with, don't worry you are not paying for the rego post, you have only paid for regular post.

Maybe they are peeved as they now can't do an INR scam.

(I also check feedback of buyers, it's a good habit)

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

melbourneclearance — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 08:32:58 GMT

Good call!!

It's Easter, I always find Easter is the time the crazies and the fraudsters are out in force. I have one case right now where the member sent me a message asking for a discount for 3 items, I checked her FB Left for Others and blocked her on the spot (my block setting allows them to still communicate). She sent me several subsequent messages, increasingly agitated that I did not reply, culminating in calling me some bad names and my shop the hole where people do their natural business.

Yesterday, some one with the same first name bought 3 of the exact same item (the first account always signed her messages with that first name). Same state, neighbouring suburbs, same bloodbath FB Left for Others. I rang ebay right away and ebay told me to either send the items or cancel them. I told ebay that there are only 3 options to cancel a transaction, none of which is remotely close to the issue I had, and I asked ebay which one should I lie and pick. Then ebay said they will send the buyer's 2 accounts to their Safety department and I should just send the items.

I will take the red and fight to the end on this one. Maybe ebay can remove the almost certain neg when it comes since I already told them about it beforehand.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

lyndal1838 — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 08:44:00 GMT

I am a buyer only so I am working on the assumption that some of us are honest.....................

If I bought from a seller who was supposed to be using ordinary untracked postage I would be furious to suddeny be told I would have to be available to sign for my parcel. It is the same with sellers who change from using Australia Post to using a courier where I have to be available to sign.

This may sound strange to you but I have mobility problems and there are days when I just cannot get to the door at all, let alone get there to sign for a parcel before the postman/courier gives up and leaves.

Getting to the post office to collect a package is not a real problem as our local PO is open on Saturday morning....but it is a nuisance as I cannot go myself and have to ask a family member to do it for me.

But arranging a redelivery from a courier is much more problematic. Some companies will accept an Authority to Leave for a second delivery which is fine by me but otherwise it is a real PITA.

To overcome these problems I usually buy from sellers who only use Australia Post....untracked for preference, especially on cheaper items but tracking/signature for more expensive items. Most importantly I like the seller to stick to the postage methods advertised and not throw me a curve ball and change their postage service.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

clubesquire — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 09:19:21 GMT

I take Lyndal's point. It's valid. But, I wouldn't have thought of it before her post.

OP's situation would have unsettled me too - very much so.

if I'm feeling a bit exposed I just unsure items without the buyers knowledge. Sure, it's a few dollars off our margin, but it gives me peace of mind.

Melina.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

kopenhagen5 — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 09:26:34 GMT

No, I'm sorry but tracked post is to protect me. The buyer doesn't make that call.

And no one can tell me that most buyers will look to make sure it's not with tracking or sig.

I think in OP's case the buyer is only peeved about cost, nothing to do with having to sign or not.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

digital*ghost — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 09:31:43 GMT

Some of the things you've pointed out are why I now mostly use parcel services to send when I want tracking for an item but don't necessarily think SOD is needed - it is more expensive for under 125g, relatively comparable for 125-250g, and cheaper for 250-500g (after the discount I receive, anyway) but means the buyer doesn't have unexpected hassles, plus reg letter post is often quite slow, even with a priority sticker. Not that I ever had a single buyer complain about reg post being used when it wasn't listed or selected, and I used it for years.

But, it's not really that simple from a seller's perspective - I'm happy to send one, or even a few items, untracked, therefore I don't charge registered or parcel prices by default on the majority of items, but I definitely won't do so once an order meets the criteria where I'm not risking it, or if the combined weight is over 500g, as then I have no choice regardless of what the customer wants or prefers.

A seller can put in their policies that they will use registered post at their discretion when they may generally use untracked methods, which is what many sellers in my position (selling mostly latter sized items) will do whether they advertise it or not, which obviously leaves buyers in the position of only knowing it's a possibility (I won't reveal all of the circumstances under which I opt for tracking, as I am not interested in letting people know how to avoid it on purpose). I also don't advertise a specific postage method - I select 'standard postage' as the default on listings because it ensures I can charge appropriate postage costs for any given item, but my auto-postage discounts will apply in the cart to all items (selecting different and specific services means that's not possible).

'Standard postage' as a phrase means virtually nothing in terms of indicating a specific postage service or method, and TBH if someone messages me to ask whether or not I use tracked postage methods, though I know rationally that there may be a good reason for the question, my natural instinct is basically "I will for you".

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

clubesquire — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 09:39:19 GMT

@ Kopes

All our items are tracked, mainly because of value, and I agree, that is the Sellers prerogative.

I might have thought registered was too, but now in consideration if I was sending registered, I'd make it very clear to the buyer.

So many seemingly 'little' things with eBay, ecommerce really, that you can get into a bit of bother with.

Melina.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

davewil1964 — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 09:47:10 GMT

I generally send any 'free' postage items worth over $25 registered. Or as a parcel. It depends on my mood and how close to the 20mm limit it is.

If I end up sending registered, I don't usually put it in the listing. Generally, I will send as a parcel as it only costs about $1 extra and I can package a bit better.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

*tippy*toes* — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 10:12:49 GMT

Yeah, that!

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

digital*ghost — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 10:15:29 GMT

@clubesquirewrote:

All our items are tracked, mainly because of value, and I agree, that is the Sellers prerogative.

I might have thought registered was too, but now in consideration if I was sending registered, I'd make it very clear to the buyer.

It kind of is, as least the SOGA (sale of goods act) indicates as much, which states that the seller is responsible for selecting the most appropriate postage method , unless the buyer provides instructions. It doesn't get any more specific than that, either, which also indicates "appropriate" is entirely circumstantial. Of course, that was written long before the implications of ebay / PayPal seller protection were ever a thing, nor was there even widespread advertising with specific postage methods pre-selected, but it still exists in that form today.

The way I look at it is this...

I want to get the purchase to the buyer safely, and part of that task is to make a judgement call on the most effective way to do that. In some cases, I decide safety trumps convenience. Tracking that shows delivery, or proof of post (for PayPal) will protect me in most cases but doesn't help the buyer if they genuinely don't have the package, so when I add signature on delivery to a parcel, it's because I don't want either myself or the buyer to risk loss such as post-delivery theft, because nothing covers that (unless the buyer has contents insurance that will cover it, I guess). As I'm not in direct communication with about 95% of my buyers, nor do I have any knowledge of their personal circumstances, I have to make that judgement call on other factors.

If you don't always send registered or with signature on delivery, then the best you can do is have it in your policies that shipments may be upgraded to registered at your discretion (I do have this myself in one of my policies, and also add that it's at no additional cost to the buyer).

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

melbourneclearance — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 10:39:21 GMT

"...unless the buyer provides instructions..."

The buyer is not the best judge as to how best an item should be packaged and posted. If they really must, then they can pay for the most expensive method, or get a courier of their own to pick up the item.

I want to expand on dave's point, getting a large letter registered is the ONLY way to get a tracking number and cover the seller's behind. I wouldn't pay for over $1 extra each time just to put the item in a parcel if I know it is safe in a padded envelope.. Besides, just last week I had a buyer complain that I put her item in a box way too big for it (even with paper paddings) and that I should have put the item in a padded envelope instead.

The bottom line is, if a buyer wants to complain, they will complain no matter what you do.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

lyndal1838 — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 10:47:39 GMT

@digital*ghostwrote:

'Standard postage' as a phrase means virtually nothing in terms of indicating a specific postage service or method, and TBH if someone messages me to ask whether or not I use tracked postage methods, though I know rationally that there may be a good reason for the question, my natural instinct is basically "I will for you".

This is exactly the reason why I would never question a seller's postage method. I have to rely on the seller not changing their mind.....if they list as a basic AP service I would expect that my AP contractor or postman would be able to safe drop my parcel in the container that I have used for many years with no problems.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

melbourneclearance — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 10:52:29 GMT

Lyndal, but AP and StarTrack are interchangeable. Sometimes one delivers the other's items. I'm not sure if StarTrack would just dump AP's items at the front door if a signature is required.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

zanadoo_56 — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 11:00:18 GMT

@kopenhagen5wrote:
No, I'm sorry but tracked post is to protect me. The buyer doesn't make that call.
And no one can tell me that most buyers will look to make sure it's not with tracking or sig.

I think in OP's case the buyer is only peeved about cost, nothing to do with having to sign or not.

I agree with Lyndal as I have the same issues. I ALWAYS look to make sure there's no sig required. I have to as generally posties and couriers don't wait long enough for me to get to the door to sign for the item. I miss the parcel....and I can't collect it. It's that simple.

It may be the seller's call to decide on registered post but it is extremely frustrating if the seller doesn't say they will only use registered post or a courier service or whatever in the listing.

Sellers - if you are not going to use plain old no frills Aust Post service but insist on registered post or signed delivery by courier, for God's sake SAY SO IN THE LISTING. So many don't, alas.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

lyndal1838 — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 11:02:01 GMT

StarTrack is owned by Australia Post so yes, they are the same company at the end of the day.

It is only quite recently that the powers that be have decided that they are going to be interchangeable in the delivery of parcels. StarTrack uses the same delivery criteria as AP.....safe drop if no signature is required.....take it to the local PO if there is no-one there to sign.

The usual reason that StarTrack will be given an AP parcel is if there is no dedicated AP parcel contractor in the area.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

melbourneclearance — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 11:35:22 GMT

Having to pick up a parcel at the post office is an issue, not just for people with mobility problems, but also people who work far from home and many others, with or without the half Saturday AP's trading hours.

Speaking for myself, the only times I would pay for registered are when:

- I deem a buyer is of high risk

- An unknown buyer who has not bought before buys multiple items which would normally not be registered and sent in a large letter, but the total amount adds up to an amount that I feel is too big to risk. This amount depends on my mood.

- High value items I do not want to be left at the front door. Also depends on my mood, but usually over $300.

It is a difficult issue. On one hand, the seller will want to cover their own behind at the cheapest possible cost. My second point above can easily be solved by putting everything in a box and send it as a parcel for over $1 more out of my own pocket, yes. But that's my own money everytime I do it. Points 1 & 3 above will never change as I DO want the items delivered personally into the hands of someone at home. The signature may not be necessary to win an ebay/PayPal case, but it can save me from some very unpleasant situations.

To solve points 1 & 3 above, Australia Post will need to come up with another alternative to their current method.

Re: Just got abused for using rego post !

digital*ghost — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 11:57:43 GMT

@zanadoo_56wrote:

Sellers - if you are not going to use plain old no frills Aust Post service but insist on registered post or signed delivery by courier, for God's sake SAY SO IN THE LISTING. So many don't, alas.

For many sellers, this has to be decided upon on a case by case basis, though, so they can't indicate specifics for 100% of the orders that they get. This is the point I was trying to make earlier - I actually charge for untracked letter postage on individual items, and for most people the low charge will indicate that for a single item, but the final decision on the postage service I use is decided upon after an order is received and I'm able to see total value, weight and destination (amongst other things), so it's really not possible for me to indicate ahead of time, and a list of circumstances in which I will send either tracked, or tracked with sig, is not a good idea in the grand scheme of things.

'Standard postage' is ambiguous enough for that, though - Via Aus Post, standard delivery generally doesn't mean SOD because it's an added cost with most services, but if I was using a courier, it generally does because it's usually included in the rates. 'Standard postage' doesn't specify a carrier, so for the most part, what is or isn't included can only be assumed unless confirmed up front.

If an Aus Post parcel has tracking and the seller has included your email address on the label, you can always request safe drop if the parcel actually has SOD required, you just have to accept liability if anything happens to the parcel after it's delivered.

@melbourneclearance - with the buyers specific instructions, in the context of the SOGA, this releases the seller of liability if something goes wrong (i.e. the seller is responsible for choosing an appropriate postage method, and if they fail to do so, the buyer can hold them liable if something goes wrong. If the buyer assumes that responsibility, they also assume liability....though outside of that, even if a buyer sends a seller a message via eBay and demands something be sent untracked etc, I doubt it would help that seller in an INR request).