Need advice on postage of fragile expensive item

[music*2014]

Could experienced sellers please give me advice on postage safety before I list (for the first time) a breakable  item which will be priced at $175.00?

I will pack the item well, and suggest that buyer pays for 'signature on delivery' plus' extra cover.'

What are my chances for a safe delivery through Aust. Post?

Should I recommend that customers get their own courier service?

Should I only offer local pick up?

I would be grateful for your thoughts

Thanks

music*2014

[harley_babes_hoard]

Australia post don't have a fragile service. As far as AP are concerned your package must be packed to withstand a 20 kg weight falling on it. If it's a small item double box it with foam peanuts in between.

[5kazam · Accepted solution]

You will find some helpful information on packaging on this thread http://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Selling/Breakages-during-post-who-is-responsible/m-p/1439149#U143914...

...but definitely double box the item, with good 'buffer' packaging between the boxes.  I have sent boxes through Aust Post with items to the value you are going to list  to NSW and Q'ld from Vic.  Not a problem - as long as the packaging is adequate - preferably more than.

Personally, I would include the $2.95 (for SOD) and $3.00 (for $200 cover) when someone is looking to spend that sort of money on an item.  

[music*2014]

Thanks for your prompt reply.

Do your items escape the ravages of the postal system?

Is it better to use a courier service when there could be breakages?

I would like to hear what happens to other sellers re postage.

Appreciate all the help I can get

music *2014

[shepherdsrule]

If it is very fragile I would list as Pick up Only - then if a buyer requests postage you can set your terms.

No matter the cover you 'purchase' from Oz Post, getting reimbursement for anything is like getting blood out of a stone!

[music*2014]

Brilliant! thanks so much for that thread.

[jenni200011]

I have posted many fragile & delicate items and have learned that the post can be ruthless in package handling..I have seen ( been on the receiving end) of boxes arriving flattened & crushed like you wouldnt believe..I have seen fragile boxes thrown and some times putting fragile stickers on the box puts them more at risk of bad handling ..sad but true)I reccomend you wrap the item ( especially figurines & colectables) in soft tissue paper .Then cushion it with a layer  or two of bubble wrapping..After that  put in box with some cotton wool and packing pellets..Then put it in a second box and make sure you fill any gaps on sides with newspaper to hold it firm inside the second box..Lastly tape all over the box with packing tape to strengthen the cardboard so if any other heavy items are placed on it then it is less likely to bend..Register with signature on collection & add postal insurance aginst loss or damage..If you dont put insurance and box is lost in post then australia post will not  pay the value of the missing item inside ( they will only cover the postage) Once you have done all this then email your buyer to re-assure you have done the best you possibly can in packing.....Good luck with the sale

[music*2014]

Thanks so much for your reply. I feel much more confident now to be ready to list my very first fragile item.

It is a lovely Melrose Ware pottery vase. Hoping I will get a purchaser!

Regards,

music*2014

[lane-ends]

Dont forget when youhave put all this extra boxing and packing together it will be of a substantial size and will be subject to APs posting rules. So dont underestimate this. It could seriously dent what you are left with.

I used to sell fragile collectables. But the effort spent packing, the expense of posting, and consequential complaints caused me to forget abot fragiles alttogether. If you haven't done it before its an even bigger risk.

[5kazam]

Firstly, I only sell Australian pottery -  all my items are breakable.  So I do have some knowledge about packing and sending Australiawide.

Regarding postage cost, if Music happens to be in Melb. postage would be $9.75 Melb. Metro, approx $15.75 to NSW, app. $18.75 to Q'ld and S.A., and I think Tas comes into this price bracket also, not incl. SOD and Ins ($5.95 together), which is not a huge cost given the price of the object, and will also be paid for by the buyer.  Though as said above, I personally would cover the SOD and Insurance (goodwill gesture on an expensive piece).

As the listing price is $175.00, any buyer who is going to pay that sort of money is not going to quibble about an extra couple of dollars on postage to ensure the items' safe arrival.