When something is very light but too big for a 500g satchel?

[cheech]

Hi all,

I am planning on selling some clothing items soon that weigh less than 500 grams, but will not fit inside a 500 gram prepaid AP satchel.  The size of a 3kg satchel would be about perfect, but I don't want to pay that much to send something so light.

I'm guessing my only option is to buy some mailing bags and send them over the counter at the post office, which is not really convenient.  I'm also unsure as to how much that will cost to send.

If anyone has any insight or advice I would really appreciate it.  Thanks very much.

[thecatspjs]

I have used the ebay satchels to send via regular click and send so I could purchase additional Extra Cover insurance and prepare paperwork and label online.

IMO accessing the ebay flat rate service is supposed to be premised on the purchase of flat rate satchels and flat rate boxes and using their AP corresponding codes to access postal services and subsequent ebay satchel and box post discount.

However, that being said I can't see anything in Click and Send or AP terms and conditions that says you have to use particular packaging - only particular size packaging, but I might have missed or misinterpreted something.

I

[at_wicks_end]

If you go to Click  and Send website and look up flat rate boxes you will find they stipulate they MUST be AP branded or they will not be accepted over the counter.  I was looking into this in particular as it can be very cheap to buy plain die cut boxes in the B1 size needed that I would use, about a 1/4 the price that AP  charge, but no go.

[thecatspjs]

wheres the link atwicks I couldn't find the info - thanks

[curraone]

http://stores.ebay.com.au/australiapoststore/pages/australia-post-store-boxes/

• Incorrectly labeled boxes, items packed in the wrong sized box, or items packed in a non-Australia Post mailing box and lodged in a street posting box may not be processed by Australia Post and may be returned to sender.


• Incorrectly labeled boxes, items packed in the wrong sized box, or items packed in a non-Australia Post mailing box may not be processed in an Australia Post retail outlet.

[sillysillysheep]

I guess this is why as individuals we are all different 😉 As to me the word "may" does not mean will not, and since I have already had mail successfully delivered that were not AUS POST BRANDED boxes but were generic BROWN WRAPPED B1 Boxes, I stand by my previous statement, as to my doubts on them policing this.

May not be delivered....does not mean wont be delivered

[thecatspjs]

thanks for the link 🙂

interesting they have it on the ebay site, but don't appear to have the same fine print on their own website.....or if they do it is well hidden

[***super_nova***]

 I stand by my previous statement, as to my doubts on them policing this.

May not be delivered....does not mean wont be delivered

That is your decision; but if it is sent back, you will have unhappy  buyer, and most likely will have to pay for postage again.  Or if AP just deems it "inadequate amount paid", they may deliver it but only release it to the buyer when they pay the outstanding amount plus fine, which for parcel is $8 something.

If you want to take the risk, that is fine, but telling people here that is OK to do, without explaining the risk, is not. 

It is just like telling people you have 2x broke the speed limit and did not get caught, so that means it is OK to speed.

[thecatspjs]

OMG it is nothing like the scenario breaking the speed limit.

If AP did determine something is sent incorrectly - as it is sent via click and send account - you would likely get an underpaid post bill if they deliver it to the buyer - with a warning letter.

Or if your customer was unable to collect without paying for additional postage, I am guessing you might do a partial or full refund with a sincere apology for trying to reduce their post charge.

As it is now cheaper to send many parcels using your own packaging, there may not be that much difference in price in any case :-D:-D  so maybe a refund from AP might be sent your way LOL

As the limitations for use of ebay rate on which boxes- this appears to me, only to be clearly visible on the ebay site, not on the Australia Post site where T&C of C&S are outlined, I reckon Aust Post may back down if you contested that.

Remember when you purchase a product, even from Australia post, if the contract conditions are unclear or vague, you can dispute on those grounds.

Please note - that I am in no way trying to encourage anyone to send different boxes with the service, I wouldn't myself, now I have seen the T&C on the ebay site myself, however I still think that are usage information issues with this AP product and service. 

[cheech]

Thanks for all the replies everyone.  It seems the best way then is for me to buy some courier bags/poly mailers here in bulk and send them with C&S for $6.95 since they will be under 500g.  I don't really mind going to the post office but I can't get there every day and I have a red post box about 100 metres from my home so it's much easier if I can post them there.

Cheers.

[chezzy]

My understanding is you could 'process' ordinary small parcels (non ebay/flat rate) through click and send but you must PAY for them at a PO. That if you wanted the convenience of street box posting you need to use prepaid or ebay flat rate satchels? (or postage stamps)

Can someone please confirm this? (someone mentioned it elsewhere but I will have to go digging to find it)