on 03-06-2025 08:34 PM
Hi everyone,
I run a small side hustle where I buy products wholesale and resell them on eBay. I typically mark them up by around $10 to make a bit of profit. But I’ve run into a problem—Australia Post wants to charge me $12+ for postage, even on lightweight items.
I’m really confused how other sellers are offering products for $4–$5 with free shipping and still using AusPost. It doesn’t seem to add up—are they getting bulk postage discounts, using a different type of account, or something else I’m missing?
I’d really appreciate any advice or insights from sellers who’ve figured this out.
Thanks!
on 03-06-2025 08:48 PM
They are using either couriers or non-parcel postage.
Or they are from China where the Chinese Government subsidises postage for exports.
Or they are loss-leading.
Choose one or all.
I am unable to understand why postage for lightweight items would be $12+
A standard Small satchel is $10.95
on 04-06-2025 02:58 PM
Are you able to provide some examples of other sellers' listings which are doing this? Just so we can try and work it out.
on 04-06-2025 05:15 PM
Sure, here's one example:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/175391555627
I actually purchased this item myself, and it was sent using an Australia Post label. Out of curiosity, I asked AusPost how much it would cost to post something like that myself, and they quoted me $10.
I'm genuinely trying to understand how sellers can afford to sell items for under $5, include tracked postage, and still make it work. Hoping someone can shed some light on how this is done — maybe there's something I'm missing.
Thanks in advance!
on 04-06-2025 05:17 PM
Thanks — I’ve definitely considered the China angle and loss-leaders. But in this case, the seller is based in Australia, and I’m almost certain the package came with a domestic AusPost label (I’ve got a photo of it somewhere).
My confusion is that even using a Small Parcel Post satchel at $10.95, there's barely any margin left if the item sells for $4–$6 with free shipping.
Are there discounted AusPost rates that apply once you hit certain volumes? Or are some sellers somehow managing to send large envelope-size parcels as letters under 5 cm? Just trying to wrap my head around the actual logistics.
on 04-06-2025 05:47 PM
large envelope-size parcels as letters under 5 cm?
No envelopes can contain items that are 5cm thick.
Standard DL envelopes are 5mm.
Larger envelopes are 20mm (2cm). I send a lot of books this way.
In the end all you can do is research postage rates and use the ones best suited to you.
on 04-06-2025 05:59 PM
Hi there! Thanks for the info. Just wondering—where do you usually source your envelopes from? I've been struggling to find good-quality ones that seal properly and hold up during postage. Appreciate any tips 😊
04-06-2025 06:11 PM - edited 04-06-2025 06:14 PM
"Sure, here's one example:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/175391555627
I actually purchased this item myself"
That listing shows 'Australia Post Domestic Regular Letter Untracked"
Shonky sellers like that with appalling feedback are either 1) dropshipping and/ or importing stock from Shein, Temu, China in general, for next to nothing.
Hard to believe you bought and supported a seller with such poor feedback !
on 04-06-2025 07:35 PM
Australia Post prepaid.
With edges reinforced with sticky tape.
on 04-06-2025 07:36 PM
That’s how I send mine…