Anyone else having breakages using Australia Post?

[dendyman2009]

I go to great lengths with packaging having had bad experiences using Aust Post.

Sturdy boxes, reinforced inside. Tripple layers of bubble wrap and bold tape with FRAGILE stickers all over.

Far too many of them arrive damaged.

This is heart breaking for my buyers and me.

Any advice would be appreciated. I feel as if I can never rely on Aust Post in future.

[lyndal1838]

Do you find there is more damage in the hot weather?

If you use multiple layers of bubble wrap,/ wrap it loosely as the air in the bubbles expands in the heat, especially if you are using the big bubbles.

[kopenhagen5]

Do what you are doing and double box as well with packaging between the 2.

I always double box fragiles.

[shoppingbag*]

Do not use the fragile tape. This is an invitation to smart alecs (they are everywhere)  Sounds like you are packing well. Just one point, make sure there is absolutely no movement of the items once they are packed. I use scrunched up magazines, junkmail etc, all arount the bubblewrapped item and between boxes if you use two.  Do not use newspaper as the ink comes off. Pack everything so firmly that if you shake it you detect no movement of the items whatsoever. Australia Post claims that things need to be packed well enough to withstand a 22 kg item dropping onto it. I have heard this many times, and I have finally figured it out.  22 Kgs is the maximum weight that can be posted, so even though NONE of Australia Post's own packaging would withstand this and an item would actually have to be posted in a steel box to withstand this impact. I think the reasoning is that they will cop out of being responsible for damaging your parcel by making this statement. Just like they cop out of all responsibility once they "safe drop" a parcel.

It may be worthwhile considering insurance  if problems continue. It is quite cheap.

[davewil1964]

I don't have any problems.

I would note, however, that AP DO NOT offer a 'fragile' service, so putting 'fragile' tape on them is an invitation for the lowest common denominator to use such a parcel as a football. Even without that, AP require a parcel to be able to withstand a 22kg object being dropped on it from waist height. I doubt couriers would be any better, so better packaging is the key.

And as kopes has said, ALWAYS double box. Fill all gaps with something shock-absorbent. Polystyrene or scrunched up newspaper should work.

If you really want answers, I'd suggest posting this on the 'Selling' board. At least one member who frequents that board deals with fragile items regularly, but she rarely visits the Answer Centre.