Postage Question

[*tippy*toes*]

I had a buyer purchase tonight and paid straight away. When I went to check the order details I noticed she had paid for express postage. When I looked at her address, I noticed she lives in the next town. Anything I've ever posted there arrives overnight. I sent her a message pointing out that standard mail usually arrives overnight. I'm not in the express network so it's a minimum of 2 days from here. I asked if she wanted me to post it regular mail and me refund the difference, or whether she would prefer just to have it sent express regardless.

What I'm wondering is, if I don't hear back from her by the time I go to post, should I still post express, or should I just post standard and refund the difference? I'm just concerned that express might still take 2 days, even though it's to a neighbouring town. I'm not sure how express works in that situation. Does it go to the city, then get sorted and sent back, as opposed to regular mail just going by truck overnight from here?

[*tippy*toes*]

Stupid lady at the post office! Estimated delivery dates, Dec 21st to Dec 23rd. Tracking says "with Australia Post for delivery today". If that parcel had gone via Sydney there is no way it would have been back 13 hours after it was posted. Time posted 5.38pm. Usual last pick up from PO, 6.05pm. Delivery today message, 6.58am.

[mbselections00]

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@*tippy*toes* wrote:

Stupid lady at the post office! Estimated delivery dates, Dec 21st to Dec 23rd. Tracking says "with Australia Post for delivery today". If that parcel had gone via Sydney there is no way it would have been back 13 hours after it was posted. Time posted 5.38pm. Usual last pick up from PO, 6.05pm. Delivery today message, 6.58am.

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Was that the PO estimate or eBays ?

You must have been correct and it was sorted before being sent to Sydney, thank goodness.  I guess the fact regular mail is delivered locally next day was a good indication it had to be sorted locally & being Express, it would have to be a real moron who'd send it to Sydney.   Hopefully you will end up with a very happy customer when she receives it today 

[dotm2004]

You couldn't have done any more than that tippytoes .. she should understand  🙂

And what a beautiful story about your visit to the Sydney Market .... and such a lovely outcome.

[*tippy*toes*]

That estimate was eBay's estimate. The PO said 2 days minimum, even for express. I'm sure she'll be happy that she got it exactly 16 hours after it was posted (to the minute!). She's only got 4 feedback and so far has not left any feedback for sellers, so I'm not expecting to get anything from her. I don't normally leave feedback before it's been left for me, but I might in this instance. Get her that bit closer to getting her yellow star.

[heihachi_73]

If they were within a reasonable distance, would it have been worth refunding the postage and dropping it off and/or knocking at their door? I have done that a few times, although I suppose a scammer could file an INR request, given there's no tracking.

[lyndal1838]

Tippy lives in a country town.....even the closest town may be some distance away.

[*tippy*toes*]

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@heihachi_73 wrote:
If they were within a reasonable distance, would it have been worth refunding the postage and dropping it off and/or knocking at their door? I have done that a few times, although I suppose a scammer could file an INR request, given there's no tracking.

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112km round trip. No thanks! Would cost me more in petrol than the postage.

[typhoon4u]

Don't go knocking on doors without permission of the buyer.....

The truth is, many  buyers do know what they are doing and are not happy with with a seller second guessing and changing their order.

If they have paid postage, then send it that way.

The buyer has made their choice regarding delivery and the seller really should stick to it.

This experience from the OP, shows how a seller, trying to be helpful, opens a can of worms when messaging a buyer hoping for a quick reply that doesn't come, and then having to decide the postage options themselves.( sent correctly at what the buyer paid for)

It now leaves the potential for the buyer to become disgruntled knowing they paid more than neccessary.

Nothing will probably happen but I'm not one to push my luck too far...... We all know THEM buyers are out there.

There are plenty on our special lists.

[mbselections00]

True typhoon, I'm hearing you, but am also guilty of putting myself in a few similar situations as tippy over different things - it stems from trying to do the best you can for your customers, but I acknowledge, it can also bring us undone - way too easily, hence better to just send as paid

[*tippy*toes*]

My problem is, I have a conscience. Plus I don't like paying too much for postage. Of course I would have refunded her the difference if I'd sent it regular mail. It was only $3 difference, but $3 is $3. Sometimes I wish I didn't have a conscience, then I wouldn't have these dilemmas!