Parcel was damaged but buyer refused to take it back to the post off

[a4245-65]

Hi everyone,

I have recently sold a bottle of used perfume. Because of the terrible handlings by  Australia Post in the past, I purchased extra insurance and Signature on Delivery at my own expenses. I also suggested the buyer to open up the parcel in the post office to make sure the perfume is not damaged (she uses a Post Office address as her delivery address).

The parcel was delivered on 10 Feb. On the  following day, the buyer contacted me and said the package was leaking but she didn’t notice when picking up because she had several parcels. I replied within five minutes and told her not to open the parcel. Just take it back to the post office and tell the staff about what happened. They would fill a damaged report and giver her a reference number. I’ll then process a full refund to her. 

The buyer did not respond to my message or take the parcel back. On 16 February, without any further communication, she opened a case and asked for a full refund. I left her several messages and said that I have purchased full insurance. She doesn’t need to worry about dealing with Australia Post as it is my responsibility. I will refund her the full amount but what she needs to do first is to take the parcel back to the post office so I can claim compensation.

But she just wouldn’t reply or return the parcel. 

I have also contacted eBay, who suggested me to wait until 21 February or to provide the buyer with a return postage label even though I explained to eBay why the buyer does not need to send the parcel back to me.

This whole thing just seems really odd to me as most buyers would like to solve the matter ASAP. It normally doesn’t take this long for them to return the parcel. They would at least leave me a message if they couldn’t do it within a reasonable time.

It was lucky that I took a full video when packing up. I also took some photos when dropping off at the post office.

Has anyone came across similar situations before? I really don’t know what I should do now.

[sugar249]

you broke Australia Posts terms of carriage, and then wanted your purchaser to do the same.  !!!!!!!!

[sandypebbles]

Not sure how they will be able to report the buyer without reporting themselves 

[eol-products]

You don't need a dangerous goods license to transport your bottle of perfume to the post office unless you are a business moving a large quantity like a pallet.

The transport company you use will need one though but things have changed over the last few years and they are not as strict on small quantities under 30kg's so the requirements may have changed for sending one bottle.

And if Australia Post was concerned with damaged parcels leaking then they would stop the practice of dumping pallets of them onto conveyors.

[countessalmirena]

Separate issues. I won’t grin and bear being robbed by someone even if I had broken into a museum at night: the two different wrongs don’t cancel each other out or mitigate the act the stealing.

In terms of the sending of perfume, OP now realises it’s not on. AP if aware of the breach  might issue a warning or fine. 

In terms of the allegedly false claim and the returning of an empty parcel, that is an act committed knowingly, and in pursuit of a fraudulent claim. I know which of these two acts I consider more likely to have been committed with criminal intent.

All the stat dec need say is that the parcel was empty, that nothing was returned. That is what I consider the pertinent issue.

(If the buyer didn’t want to return the item, after all, she had the option of contacting eBay, explaining the situation, and asking for a refund without returning. Same outcome in terms of seller being out the original money and item, but not as the result of the same level of alleged deception.)

No one’s perfect in this scenario, but holy beard on a Santa, I wouldn’t let the buyer’s behaviour get a free pass.

[domino-710]

All the stat dec need say is that the parcel was empty, that nothing was returned. That is what I consider the pertinent issue.

Then that ' stat dec ' - should contain the signature of the Aust Post employee - who sited - no content.

A STAT DEC - needs proof - to be upheld.

What's the odds - they want to get involved - give me a total break.

[davewil1964]

The transport company you use will need one though

Incorrect!

AP, or any other carriage service, do not pack the goods. They will transport Dangerous Goods IF the purveyor of such has a DGL, thus the onus is on the seller to have the requisite licence AND to pack to required standards.

[domino-710]

---

@eol-products wrote:

You don't need a dangerous goods license to transport your bottle of perfume to the post office unless you are a business moving a large quantity like a pallet.

The transport company you use will need one though but things have changed over the last few years and they are not as strict on small quantities under 30kg's so the requirements may have changed for sending one bottle.

And if Australia Post was concerned with damaged parcels leaking then they would stop the practice of dumping pallets of them onto conveyors.

---

I tried to make sense of this - I really did. 

[eol-products]

Here is the EPA's information regarding the subject.

Dangerous goods sold online from e-commerce websites such as eBay and Gumtree must comply with the relevant legislation and the ADG Code. Very small amounts of dangerous goods in individual consignments are exempt, in accordance with Clause 6 (2) (a) of the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Regulation 2022 and table 1.1.1.2 of the ADG Code (Edition 7.7). 

The seller is responsible for ensuring dangerous goods are transported lawfully. Sellers consigning dangerous goods must ensure the goods are classified correctly.

• Ensure the goods are packaged correctly for transport.
• Ensure the goods are labelled correctly.
• Provide a dangerous goods transport document to the transporter.

Online sellers of dangerous goods must engage a courier/transport company that transports dangerous goods in accordance with the ADG Code, Australia Post prohibits the transport of most articles or substances classified as dangerous goods. Before putting any dangerous goods in the post, you should contact Australia Post to find out if it is allowed.

Dangerous goods packaged in small quantities may be eligible for transport as limited quantities (LQ). When engaging a transport company, you should ask if they can transport your items as limited quantities.

[domino-710]

Again - from an inquiry to Aust Post - the answer I received.

And - this whole thread is about posting perfume through Aust Post.

No mention of any other methods of transport.

Stick to the relevant topic.

[eol-products]

You said this in a previous post which is what I has responded to.

"Why - perhaps the buyer was aware he/she didn't have a DGL (dangerous goods licence)."

My response is to your misinformation you are giving regarding your comment.

The issue the OP is having is not about what was sent but what was not sent back to them. As mentioned by countessalmirena.