Buyer chose eBay PostageLabel with a PO Box address in Australia

[jodal87]

A buyer with a PO Box address just chose eBay postage label at checkout.  Sendle will not deliver to PO Boxes. I am only able to select Australia post at the higher postage cost for the address supplied.

So I have to cancel the order and ask the seller to repurchase with either (higher) Australia Post postage or with a street address. 
How can that happen? I understood it was not possible for a buyer to select eBay postage labels if they have a PO Box. 

If I am missing something in my listing, please let me know

[countessalmirena · Accepted solution]

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@jodal87 wrote:

I understood it was not possible for a buyer to select eBay postage labels if they have a PO Box. 

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That is not correct. eBay postage labels have no PO Box filter.

eBay postage labels can be purchased not only for Sendle, but also for AP.

However, through eBay the price is often higher than if you were to purchase directly from AP with MyPost Business, because with MyPost Business there are discounts according to the tier for which you qualify.

As an aside, Sendle, being a broker, will choose from a variety of couriers, some of which have appalling reviews and are deeply hated by some buyers (just search these boards and you’ll see the many threads). It does seem to depend on the area; in some areas there is no issue. Just be aware of that.

Another point to consider… If you offer two different postage prices, almost invariably your buyers will choose the cheaper, irrespective of whether they’re in a “good” area for Sendle or if they use a PO Box. If the majority of your buyers are happy with the couriers’s performance, no problem - but if you start receiving disappointed comments, you may be better off offering AP only.

As it is, you can cancel using “Problem with buyer’s address”. Your buyer may not be happy but unless you’re prepared to send via AP and wear the extra postage amount, it could be unavoidable. 

[lezned-toycollector]

eBay postage labels are for buyers with an Australian Residential address.

This statement copied from one of your listings indicates eBay postage labels are available to anyone who lives in Australia.

Personally, I wouldn't select eBay postage labels anyway, as it's $4.00 dearer than Australia Post.

I would also never ship anything via Sendle without making the intended choice of carrier very clear for the buyer within the listing description. Doing so is just a recipe for disaster.

[curraone]

I must be getting old, I never know what's going on.   😀    Your sold items say $10.95 postage, so why can't you just use Australia Post labels - why do you think it is more expensive?

And I would never cancel for that reason, your buyer will not be happy.

[jodal87]

Thank you for your response. I am experimenting with the message in the listing. I think I will use Australia Post for low price items - or restrict to no PO Box for low priced items

[jodal87]

yes I  am finding Sendle is very slow compared to Australia Post. I will do more in the listing description. Thank you.

[jodal87]

I agree. I do not wish to cancel. I have only recently started to use eBay postage labels, and I do not think they are helpful for sellers

[jodal87]

Thank you for your response. I am disappointed to learn that eBay does not filter for PO Boxes for buyers - but they do for sellers when preparing the labels.  I don't wish to cancel the order, but based on your response and other responses, I will review current and future listings to ensure I am not in this situation again.

[curraone]

I agree - sign up for an Aust Post business account - its free to join - and use their site and labels.    Even just at the start  you get 5% off.     I would never use Sendle.

Just have the one option in our listing "Australia Post Standard Parcel"  and your buyers wont be confused.

[k1ooo-slr-sales]

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@jodal87 wrote:

Thank you for your response. I am experimenting with the message in the listing. I think I will use Australia Post for low price items - or restrict to no PO Box for low priced items

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why exclude PO Box from any listing?

I have a PO Box.  It is a more secure posting option.  My items are held securely in Post Office premises until collected, not sitting in a letterbox or on a doorstep for all to see.

There are some opportunists who see a delivery van at a premises and wait until they leave to steal packages.  This can not happen with PO Boxes.

See ABC news story from this morning 👇

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-09/australia-post-holiday-parcel-thieves-ubereats/104688528