Has Australia Post lost the plot?

[moviemem]

I have been having a lot of trouble getting answers to questions about the new pricing structure which starts on Monday.

I just rang the Aust Post Business Line and was told "we cannot discuss the price changes or increases because they may change before Monday". I asked her if this meant that they might be revising the published structure and she said "yes"!!!

I then asked about tracking. The Aust Post website clearly states that "all domestic parcels lodged
through an Australia Post retail outlet will be traceable through our online tracking tool". That is EVERY package that is lodged. I have a contract with Aust Post. My parcels are all in my own packaging and they are collected. I just put a "Postage Paid Australia" stamp on each package. There are no tracking numbers. When I asked the girl how my parcels would be tracked she said she didn't know and I should check the website for updates on Monday!!

My various local Post Offices have said that they have not been properly trained and they are desperately trying to find out answers to their questions before the changes take effect.

The potential problems seem to particularly affect Business Account holders but I wonder how many others are having trouble getting information.

[russanne]

Have just read the new booklet from AP. Postage from 500g to 22kg will be $8.95 within the state and $11.45 interstate plus distance charge per kg or part thereof. I am not sure if that means you have to charge $8.95 plus the distance fee.  If this is correct postage is going to be very expensive. Am not sure if this includes tracking or if that will be extra

[thecatspjs]

Has Australia Post lost the plot?

Think they have several poorly coordinated and poorly communicated plots and plans on the go at them moment that have contributed to massive confusion amongst AP staff, contractors and customers. 😞 

[trulyspecialgoodies]

Moviemem I think you've answered your own question:

""all domestic parcels lodged through an Australia Post retail outlet will be traceable"

Since your parcels are collected and not lodged through a retail outlet they won't have tracking - that's the way I interpret it.

[moviemem]

Moviemem I think you've answered your own question:

""all domestic parcels lodged through an Australia Post retail outlet will be traceable"

Since your parcels are collected and not lodged through a retail outlet they won't have tracking - that's the way I interpret it.

No, thats apparently not the case. I have just found out that people who Account holders who pre pack and lodge their parcels are supposed to be given labels with tracking numbers on them that they can affix to the packages. Problem is that there seems to be great difficulty in getting the labels.

In any case, all my parcels are collected and processed through an Australia Post retail outlet/delivery center.

[kustomizer99]

'The Aust Post website clearly states that "all domestic parcels lodged
through an Australia Post retail outlet will be traceable through our online tracking tool". That is EVERY package that is lodged.'

Damn, I hope that's true! I'm getting mighty tired of charging and/or paying $3.20 for registered post on everything I send and receive for the sake of buyer/seller protection.

[nonny_muss]

Simple answer to "Has AP lost the plot?"

Yes.  Absolutely.

Their policies and practices vary so much and it is so confusing to figure it all out it's maddening.  And as for their prices . . . . Grrrrrrrr.  

The worst thing is that we're the suckers who have to grin and bear it.  X-(

[digital*ghost]

I have been having a lot of trouble getting answers to questions about the new pricing structure which starts on Monday.

I just rang the Aust Post Business Line and was told "we cannot discuss the price changes or increases because they may change before Monday". I asked her if this meant that they might be revising the published structure and she said "yes"!!!

Apparently, there has been a bigger backlash than AP expected over the new cubing policy for account holders, that - and perhaps other customer feedback - seems to have actually prompted some revision of their plans to change certain pricing, so it looks like some things are still 'undecided'. 

[mesonquark]

Just got off the Australia Post help desk and here's a bit of news to those who have not studied the new SOD (Signature On Delivery) service which starts next Monday This "service" replaces the current Registered Post Service.

It will cost you an extra 39% to have the same ie "identical" replacement service for tracking with signature confirmation AND up to $100 in insurance cover.

Right now it costs for example $3.20 for a Registered Label ($2.70 if you buy labels in bulk) to go on an envelope, box or whatever package you make up and you are covered for up to $100 if it goes astray, providing you can show proof of the value of the item you stick in the package.

Well not any more, the new SOD service that replaces the existing Registered Post Service (which included Signature On Delivery already with the first $100 covered by insurance) does NOT give you any insurance cover. You need to pay $1.50 to do that and fill out a separate form as well.

So, instead of costing the $3.20 (or $2.70) that Registered Post did, it will now cost you $4.45 ($2.95 for SOD label plus $1.50 for the insurance) for the privilege of the same service.

We have had some 7 Registered parcels / Registered envelopes vanish in the Australia Post network in the past 12 months, and fortunately we've been covered by the automatic $100 insurance that Registered Post provided.

Well not any more unless we pay the $1.50 in extra cover and fill in the extra form.

Have a think about how it will affect you and your business when you're paying the extra 39% for the same thing. It doesn't cost AP any more, so why should we pay more?

By the way, this analysis excluded the increased postage charges that are a separate issue.

It's time to pass on concerns to the Postal Industry Ombudsman (1300 362 072), otherwise we are going to be the bunnies once again, gouged by another big corporate that basically has a monopoly. It's very similar to eBay with its revised fee structure that will happen in May this year.

Do nothing and nothing will change, we will all pay extra, make less and less and the cycle will continue unabated.

[moviemem]

Just got off the Australia Post help desk and here's a bit of news to those who have not studied the new SOD (Signature On Delivery) service which starts next Monday This "service" replaces the current Registered Post Service.

This is correct but the big difference is that ALL parcels will be trackable even if you do not take the SOD service. My understanding is that if you dont take SOD you will be able to trace parcels online but will not be able get a confirmation of delivery. I think most people will be happy enough with the basic trackable service. Thats better than the current system where parcels are only trackable with registered post and even then not completely trackable.

The big problem is that Aust Post staff do not appear to have been properly trained and I am still waiting for information about how I go about adding tracking labels to my packages.

This all starts on Monday. Account holders who spend a great deal of money with Australia Post should have been better informed.