Australia Post's new 'postage calculator' online today

[johneltin]

I went to calculate my postage today on outgoing parcels. Sometimes I make my own satchels and sometimes it's cheaper to use the pre-paid satchels - depends on the destination. I was able to compare the cost on their 'Calculate Postage' page.It would give me the rate for regular parcel as well as pre-paid satchel. 

However, today the new format came up and there is no way I can compare as ALL parcels must now be calculated by cube. My parcels are irregular, soft heat-sealed plastic bags (usually weighing over a kilo and an average of 3kgs) now there is no way to find the true rate on-line without trying to cube them which will increase the cost.

I phoned customer service and was told to look at the cubing examples on the page - a teddy-bear, a tea-shirt, a phone and a bottle of wine - they all have to be measured now as well as weighed .... are you still with me?;\

I took them to the counter and the clerk had to get out the booklet and look up the rates.One parcel interstate so had to be transferred to a satchel and the other (a 'same state' item) he just weighed and it went in my own bag - a satchel would have cos a few dollars more. He said he's had no directive to cube everything - yet!:O

[johneltin]

Putney32 wrote: 

actually 500g Flat Rate Satchel* Dimensions: 335mm x 220mm

Then type it in and add the weight at .30 grms and a height of 4cm you'll still get a 3kg satchel rate!

or reduce it to 20x18x4 - you'll still get a 3kg satchel @ $13.40: 

"Parcel Post Medium Satchel31cm x 40.5cm, up to 3kgPostage$13.40Total#$13.40"

[davewil1964]

I just use C&S and put 39712 in the relevant box. Gives me the correct postage

[catsnknots]

I send some T-shirts in A4 size envelopes... I also send underpants in smaller envelopes... I see the option that I usually use states "document" several times.... 

does this mean that I can no longer use that envelope for anything other than a document? 

It usually costs me between 60c and $1.80 to post, that way I can offer free postage and just incorporate that into the cost of the item. 

Now if I can't use it for other items other than documents then I need to pay the c&s price... 

[catsnknots]

I just spoke to Aust Post and the girl said that I can still use that option... so long as my envelope does not go outside the measurements. 

I think it is a bit deceptive for people that are not familiar with the system... 

[arnl7178]

Why AP must change things that actually work is beyond me.

I'm really disliking this new calculator. What a pain!