Printing and attaching a postage label through ebay

[orba14]

Hi

i have just printed out my first postage label and attached to parcel with clear sticky tape. Is it ok to put the sticky tape over the bar code, will it still scan? Does it make any difference, if I place in red roadside post box or take into a PO shop?

Thanks

[pennyforum14]

Yes, you can cover the barcode with clear tape but try not to have a join across the bar code, it can play havoc with the scanner.  Items posted in red boxes tend NOT to get scanned until they reach their destination, so you will not have proof of lodgement within your handling time if you post that way.  It is better to hand the parcel over the counter at the PO and ask them to scan it in.  This way, if delivery is delayed for any reason, you will not get a defect for late postage.

[kengard14]

When I print out a label, I cut it a good bit bigger around it, so that the barcode has plenty of space for its reading, and then sticky tape it away from the barcode.

[davewil1964]

I find it hard NOT to tape over the barcode.

Given I want it to still be legible in the event of extraneous moisture, also known as rain.

I have never had an eBay (or C&S) label NOT scan. I don't imagine my PO has a magic scanner vis a vis other AP outlets.

[orba14]

Thanks for your reply. I assumed the bar code would be scanned once it reached the main mail centre, prior to shipping interstate; I will make sure I drop it off at the PO. Cheers!

[clarry100]

Rarely do they get scanned along the way. Usually only at delivery time.
So safest way for the seller is to lodge over the counter and get that lodgement scan.
If you drop into a red street box and the parcel is lost and never gets a scan then you have no proof you ever sent it. In this case you would definitely lose any item not received case raised against you.

[lane-ends]

If you have a tone saver setting on your printer turn it off when printing labels, it reduces chance of scanner not reading barcode. Counter staff often have to scan it a couple of time to get it to read. This is with you standing there, it may be a different story in transit when they are scanning a pile of parcels and no one is watching.