topic Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items? in Selling

How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

accessoryoutlet — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:34:19 GMT

Hi everyone,

I run a small side hustle where I buy products wholesale and resell them on eBay. I typically mark them up by around $10 to make a bit of profit. But I’ve run into a problem—Australia Post wants to charge me $12+ for postage, even on lightweight items.

I’m really confused how other sellers are offering products for $4–$5 with free shipping and still using AusPost. It doesn’t seem to add up—are they getting bulk postage discounts, using a different type of account, or something else I’m missing?

I’d really appreciate any advice or insights from sellers who’ve figured this out.

Thanks!

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

davewil1964 — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:48:53 GMT

They are using either couriers or non-parcel postage.

Or they are from China where the Chinese Government subsidises postage for exports.

Or they are loss-leading.

Choose one or all.

I am unable to understand why postage for lightweight items would be $12+

A standard Small satchel is $10.95

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

love_of_cars — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 04:58:25 GMT

Are you able to provide some examples of other sellers' listings which are doing this? Just so we can try and work it out.

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

accessoryoutlet — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:15:27 GMT

Sure, here's one example:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/175391555627

I actually purchased this item myself, and it was sent using an Australia Post label. Out of curiosity, I asked AusPost how much it would cost to post something like that myself, and they quoted me $10.

I'm genuinely trying to understand how sellers can afford to sell items for under $5, include tracked postage, and still make it work. Hoping someone can shed some light on how this is done — maybe there's something I'm missing.

Thanks in advance!

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

accessoryoutlet — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:17:11 GMT

Thanks — I’ve definitely considered the China angle and loss-leaders. But in this case, the seller is based in Australia, and I’m almost certain the package came with a domestic AusPost label (I’ve got a photo of it somewhere).

My confusion is that even using a Small Parcel Post satchel at $10.95, there's barely any margin left if the item sells for $4–$6 with free shipping.

Are there discounted AusPost rates that apply once you hit certain volumes? Or are some sellers somehow managing to send large envelope-size parcels as letters under 5 cm? Just trying to wrap my head around the actual logistics.

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

davewil1964 — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:47:43 GMT

large envelope-size parcels as letters under 5 cm?

No envelopes can contain items that are 5cm thick.

Standard DL envelopes are 5mm.

Larger envelopes are 20mm (2cm). I send a lot of books this way.

In the end all you can do is research postage rates and use the ones best suited to you.

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

accessoryoutlet — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:59:38 GMT

Hi there! Thanks for the info. Just wondering—where do you usually source your envelopes from? I've been struggling to find good-quality ones that seal properly and hold up during postage. Appreciate any tips 😊

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

*casey* — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:14:49 GMT

"Sure, here's one example:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/175391555627

I actually purchased this item myself"

That listing shows 'Australia Post Domestic Regular Letter Untracked"

Shonky sellers like that with appalling feedback are either 1) dropshipping and/ or importing stock from Shein, Temu, China in general, for next to nothing.

Hard to believe you bought and supported a seller with such poor feedback !

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

davewil1964 — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:35:28 GMT

Australia Post prepaid.

With edges reinforced with sticky tape.

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

twyngwyn — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:36:26 GMT

That’s how I send mine…

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

accessoryoutlet — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:46:07 GMT

Thanks again for your reply! Just checking—when you say you use Australia Post prepaid envelopes, are you referring to the ones that cost around $50 for a pack of 10? I came across those online and they seem quite expensive, so I wanted to make sure we’re talking about the same thing. Cheers 😊

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

accessoryoutlet — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:48:02 GMT

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

springyzone — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:10:47 GMT

Your link took me to an item listed as $5.15 and sent untracked letter.

I suspect they are buying those sorts of items in bulk from China. Even so, there would not be a lot of profit in it if they are using Aus post. Maybe they rely on volume.

But on the whole, I am amazed at the prices some sellers can sell at too.

I cna understand buyers being tempted to buy when they see the spiel about the seller being 'A professional ebay auction team' and recommended as 'one of ebay's most reputable sellers'.

What got me-really, really got to me-is the list of terms and conditions and even postage etc

Just so much wrong with it, there really is.

Oh boy, I would not buy from this seller or if I did, I would certainly not communicate with them if I had a problem, I'd go straight into an ebay dispute. How dare they say if an item arrives damaged or is incorrect, the buyer pays return postage. And no liability if an item is not received.

They do say not to buy unless you accept their conditions but that hasn't a leg to stand on if you open an ebay claim.

This:

. All goods posted out from us will be seriously packed either under postal ordinary, expressed or insurance. However, we assumed no liability for the postal late delivery or goods damaged or missing during the transportation.
7. Leaving a negative feedback before either contacting us or allowing us to fix a possible error, we will take that as a conclusion of our business and ending of all obligations.

We use Australia Post and only post within Australia. Unfortunately we cannot be held responsible for items lost in the post.

We offer a full refund of the purchase price if the goods are incorrect. If for any reason your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days.To be eligible for a refund the goods must be unopened or unused in any way at all. We must be able to resell the goods for full value once returned to us. If returns arrive in poor or unsalable condition the refund will not be available. You are responsible for ensuring the goods are returned to us.Your shipping costs will not be refunded for any reason.

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

sandypebbles — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 22:52:29 GMT

The big question is why anyone would want to buy from a beyond dodgy seller like that one

Quite possible that given their 'blurb' in descriptions (totally outside eBay policy) they make money by 'tricking' unwitting or uncaring buyers into paying return postage to their PayPal or bank, and then pocketing it, never sending any replacements or refunding etc

By which time, it will be too late to open a dispute and the scammer seller is left in profit

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

*casey* — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:21:41 GMT

"The big question is why anyone would want to buy from a beyond dodgy seller like that one"

Yes indeed.

Sellers who are are either dropshipping and/ or importing stock from Shein, Temu, Aliexpress, for next to nothing. ....

Along with images all taken from those sites... are best avoided IMO.

They seem to becoming more and more common !

Tip for buyers - Why pay $12 or more for something you can get for $1 buying directly from those sites !

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

twyngwyn — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:47:08 GMT

@accessoryoutlet wrote:
Thanks again for your reply! Just checking—when you say you use Australia Post prepaid envelopes, are you referring to the ones that cost around $50 for a pack of 10? I came across those online and they seem quite expensive, so I wanted to make sure we’re talking about the same thing. Cheers 😊

https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=Australia%20post%20prepaid%20envelopes%20sizes&udm=28&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

pnc75 — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 01:27:11 GMT

And some aren't so upfront as to include it in their listing. I received this email AFTER a recent purchase. Had they been upfront there's no way they have got my business.

Hi Mate,

(AUTOMATED MESSAGE REGARDING ALL ORDERS (RESPONSES ARE NOT READ OR CHECKED)

Thank you so much for placing an order and supporting my small Australian business, and thank you again if you are a repeat customer. Thank you so much for placing an order and supporting my small Australian business, and thank you again if you are a repeat customer.

1. FAIRNESS - Please contact me FIRST if in the scenario there is an issue with your order or if it was undelivered. Please do not open a dispute or return with eBay if there is an issue regarding your order as all sellers who ignore this rule will be blocked from future purchased. Disputes where the seller is not given the opportunity to resolve the issue independently negatively can affect their seller performance and can restrict seller accounts.

2. KINDNESS - I will cancel unshipped orders and ban buyers who are rude and disrespectful. No one likes a KAREN!

3. HONESTY - The packaging process of my orders are filmed by a birds-eye camera so do not bother stating I sent you something different than what you ordered as it is recorded and PLEASE do not be dishonest by lying in an attempt to get your order for free by saying you didn't receive it because you're attempting to hurt a small Australian business and pushing the price up for everyone else.

4. PATIENCE - Domestic order delivery times. The majority or orders are small and can be sent in a envelope via letter post. Australia Post now only delivers letters every two days to the majority of Australia, does not deliver on the weekends and public holidays. The average arrival time for domestic items being sent via letter post is up to 8/9 business days, excluding handling times.5. COURTESY - DO NOT message outside of business hours nor on the weekend. I have a life too and I have sick family I tend to every weekend and outside of general 8 - 5PM business hours on weekdays. Messages sent during these times will never be responded to or read. You will need to resend that message during business hours to get a response. They are completely ignored.

5. COURTESY - DO NOT message outside of business hours nor on the weekend. I have a life too and I have sick family I tend to every weekend and outside of general 8 - 5PM business hours on weekdays. Messages sent during these times will never be responded to or read. You will need to resend that message during business hours to get a response. They are completely ignored.

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

pnc75 — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 01:29:29 GMT

And then it was followed up by this:

Thank you for shopping I just wanted to let you know that your order of 40 Pack | Piksters Interdental Brushes Sizes From 000 to 6 | 4 * 10 Packs has been successfully shipped and is on its way. Please allow appropriate time for delivery as your order has most likely been sent via letter post. Australia Post now only delivers letters in the majority of the country every second day which can cause delays. Please take that into account before opening a dispute as issues can be successfully privately resolved with be without involving eBay which will trigger an automatic ban from purchasing from my store ever again. I recommend one always try to resolve issues with the seller first! If you have any further questions don't hesitate to contact me. Also, be sure to check out some of our other items by clicking on my store.

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

pnc75 — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:51:06 GMT

I reported to ebay, but of course no action was taken. At least the items did arrive safely, and in good time, but no, I'll never buy from them again.

Re: How Are Sellers Using Australia Post for Low-Cost Items?

*casey* — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:15:31 GMT

Another pet hate of mine is sellers who "pretend" to post an item when out of stock.

Buyer reports "item not received" to seller.

Seller apologises, tells the buyer it must be lost in transit and refunds the buyer.

Buyer thinks "what a great seller" and leaves positive feedback.