Express Post

[magpie_lark]

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.

[arnl7178]

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.

[cuddles_01au]

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

registered or click n send are the safest methods

[motherbear2003]

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:-)

[dylan11235813]

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...

[***super_nova***]

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. 

[thecatspjs]

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.

[zenremix777]

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.

[digital*ghost]

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. 

[punch*drunk]

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.