Overcharge on postage

[gilld12]

Greetings, I recently posted wanting advice on correct procedure for posting, but my post disappeared completely, so I am putting it up again. I recently bought an item with postage of $12.50. I was happy with the postage as I expected a bit of care to be taken with the item. When it arrived, it was in an envelope (not a box, or some more substantial packaging), and the postage charge on the envelope was $1.20. I was extremely surprised that it had arrived undamaged, as Aust Post is notorious for the damage it causes.

I normally do not question a discrepancy in postage, as a dollar or two is expected for good packaging, but to see my purchase arrive in an envelope, with such a big discrepancy makes me wonder if I would be entitled to a partial refund of postage? I emailed the seller suggesting that perhaps someone else posted it and used cheaper postage to help her out, and I requested a $10.00 refund which gives her a margin for packaging costs. She did not respond. I messaged again, no response again.

I have read other posts where the general opinion of (what I consider) fraudulent postage, and the poster was somewhat torn apart by some responders for not accepting that ripping off buyers is normal practise. I never rip off my buyers, and take into account packaging costs in my selling price, or I just absorb the cost myself. Perhaps someone could advise me of acceptable practise?

My options if the seller continues to not respond are to leave a negative comment about her packaging (I don't think that 'OK' or 'parcel arrived' is a strong enough warning to others; or I can contact Ebay about this seller. I am reluctant to do this, however what is the point of Ebay requesting feedback if it is not genuine? I have had issues with sellers (one forgot to post a parcel) and have always been able to resolve the issue by speaking with the seller, however, this seller won't respond. Can someone respond honestly (and politely with no aggression) with some good advice? Many thanks!

[dylan11235813]

From the policy:

Handling cost: This must be limited to the reasonable costs for selecting and preparing the item for shipping and must not be excessive or unnecessary.

If it takes 10 minutes to select and prepare an order and I hire someone for $60 / hour, then a IMO a $10 handling fee is quite reasonable.

[thecatspjs]

Can I have job with you Dylan - packing six items in envelopes in an hour for $60 hourly rate ....... 

[*crikey*mate*]

me too, but I want a 10 minute coffee break every two hours as well - fully paid, of course.

(but you can't include the cost of coffee in your P&H charges)

[dylan11235813]

It's a really big warehouse..... I really should get one of those segway things to make it a bit quicker to get the items. Just an example of how silly the policy is. I pay in Zimbabwean dollars also.

[phorum_junkie*]

me too, but I want a 10 minute coffee break every two hours as well - fully paid, of course.

Well I want a smoking break for 5 minutes on the alternate hours.

If it bothers you enough leave a neg, if it annoys you a little leave a neut, if it is just a bit of a minor niggle leave them a pos and trash their postage star.

[*crikey*mate*]

does sucking on a smoke impact your straw sucking abilities - you know the ones you're going to be using for packing and handling at $60 p/h?

LOLOL

BTW, that bridge and tower that you sold me - excellent packaging and handling! happy to provide a reference for you if you like!

EDIT: I did think the postage charge on them was a little excessive though - I think you should definitely check out the Postage Policy up there.

[johnnie987]

I just took your advice & reported overcharging postage to PayPal & here is their reply

We Have Registered Your Dispute

Thank you for registering your complaint about this transaction. Unfortunately, this type of transaction is not eligible for PayPal dispute resolution. We encourage you to continue to work directly with your seller, as we have found that many misunderstandings reach amicable solutions through communication.

[8528kenneth]

60 bucks an hour, can I come and work for you?

[zenremix777]

Gill, in the future, if you're concerned about a fragile item getting damaged in the post, you can just ask the seller to use a safer packaging method for the item. I do that sometimes and it works well. I neglected to do it recently though and an item was squished because it wasn't boxed.

$10 is a reasonable refund and you should have probably opened a PayPal dispute. $1.20 for stamps, $1.30 for envelope & other cost.

[polocross58]

OP -- the Paypal dispute suggestion is a good one and if I were you, I'd pursue it

Further, I'd leave Neg Feedback.  Something simple, along the lines of, ' Seller charged X in postage but sent in $1.20 envelope'