Is signature on delivery worth the extra cost????

[*sparklz*]

As a buyer I was shocked to see an item I had delivered was showing on the postage label as Signature on Delivery required (seen after I had the parcel handed to me and postie had left) which had also been highlighted by the seller and I was handed the package and was NOT asked to sign for it.

I contacted the seller and let them know this as well.

As a seller if I paid for signature on delivery no matter if it was at the buyers expense or mine, I want to get what was paid for.

Are any sellers being advised by their buyers that no signature was asked for when it had been paid for?

What is the point in charging or paying for it if it is not going to be done by the postie?

[*sparklz*]

Hi *sparklz*,

The Signature on Delivery service does not include cover. As I mentioned, I would recommend adding Extra Cover for important or valuable items.

You can read more about these services on our website via this link: http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/optional-extras-domestic.html

Kind Regards,

Melanie W.

Australia Post

Yes we are aware of that.

What I was saying that in the past registered was used where there was a signature required AND there was up to $100 insurance.

BUT NOW you pay for the signature AND then PAY more for the insurance on top of that

[*crikey*mate*]

Hi viewmont1071, I have just responded via the thread: http://community.ebay.com.au/topic/Selling/Aust-Post-Complaint/600159709

Our Signature on Delivery service provides peace of mind that your parcel has been delivered securely and signed for. In order to cover your article for loss, damage or theft, then I would recommend our Extra Cover service. This can be purchased in conjunction with our Signature on Delivery service for $1.50 per $100, or part thereof of cover, up to $5,000.

Kind Regards,

Melanie W.

Australia Post

Why aren't I offered peace of mind for paying for the Standard Service where you did say that Standard Delivery covered delivery from Point A to Point B?

I don't understand why you want us to pay extra for doing the job that we have already paid you to do.

[zelly888]

So what AP is saying is that it now costs an extra $1.50 for insurance up to the value of $100.So why then do I have to pay $3.20 for having a letter sent registered post with signature for? I thought that the registered postage cost was the insurance? So now I need to add an extra $1.50 for postage? Gees my buyers are going to love that (NOT)

[chezzy]

Compensation up to $100 is included with basic Registered Post (extra cover is $1.50 per $100 or part thereof in excess of $100 up to $5000) HOWEVER my understanding is it is only available for the letter category

(parcels you now have to use Signature on Delivery PLUS Extra Cover even to get that basic $100 cover)

[***super_nova***]

Compensation up to $100 is included with basic Registered Post (extra cover is $1.50 per $100 or part thereof in excess of $100 up to $5000) HOWEVER my understanding is it is only available for the letter category

(parcels you now have to use Signature on Delivery PLUS Extra Cover even to get that basic $100 cover)

My parcel insured for $400 definitely cost me 4x $1something ($1.60?)

If the $3.20 covers insurance for letters, that would make claims interesting; I looked at the new AP postage calculator and there to access posting letters you have to click on "documents only".  When I went to check if my thin, small, but heavy item can go for 60c or if I should put on 2 stamps, I found that when I entered it as a parcel 11cm X 16cm X under 0.5cm it would cost some $13 from Melbourne to Queensland!!!! ?    It looked like a thick card, it felt like a card, and so I stuck 60c stamp on it.  But if Australia posts clamps down on sending items as letters, many sellers will be in trouble.

[zelly888]

Thanks chezzy for rectifying that for me because the way that the AP rep said it sounded like it will cost $1.50 for every $100 including the first.

[chezzy]

The information I have obtained from my "Post Charges easy guide within Australia". You can obtain the easy guide (the letter rate stuff is on the parcel guide) for your state under Domestic Guides at:

http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/pricing-and-postage-guides.html

Also check the:

The "Letter products and services guide – May 2013" (online/pdf) also says:

L4.1 – Registered Post

* compensation against loss or damage to $100, provided proof of posting

exists and the article conforms to the conditions of insurance contained in

the General Post guide (8837578)

[chezzy]

I am finding way too much conflicting information between the Post Offices, the online reps and the ones on the phone. So I have decided I will 'believe' whatever I find in printed form and use that if there is ever a dispute.

Interestingly under the Letter Post section of my Post charges easy guide (As at 8 April 2013) it says:

"Compensation up to $50 may be paid at Australia Post's discretion upon production of a receipt or other proof of lodgement for loss or damage"

yet just this week an AP rep on these forums was saying the discretionary compo is not available....unbelievable

[thecatspjs]

agree chezzy,- in writing and available to public seems most sensible

IMO the reps posting on these boards have done more damage than good to APs reputation, the information and advice provided is questionable and often very quickly proven incorrect. 

[australiapoststore]

Hi chezzy,

I’m really sorry that you have been provided with conflicting information; please accept my apologies. I can confirm that standard articles do still include up to $50 compensation, however this is at Australia Posts discretion.

I have responded previously in regards to this via thread below.

http://community.ebay.com.au/topic/Selling/Aust-Post-Complaint/600159709

Kind Regards,

Melanie W.

Australia Post