ebay Flat rate boxes IS NOT INSURED (even with signature on delivery) DODGY

[cyan_phoenix1985]

I have been using the ebay flat rates (i.e. using bx1 boxes mainly) for a while and always have included a signature on delivery for it to be insured up to $100.

I noticed the online site had changed regarding its options so I contacted auspost to ask if the package is still insured for up to $100 if the 'signature on delivery' option is added.

Incredibly they told me that with their new changes packages are no longer insured at all even if signature on delivery is added.

This is a pretty significant change as many people still assume they are covered at least partially. So ebay are now endorsing a form of postage that offers no cover at all for the seller if the package is lost or goes missing. Quite frankly they should no longer be endorsing the flat rate method until auspost offers some coverage.

[***super_nova***]

Yes, that is how it is 😞

Even more significantly, when I tried to post an envelope 20cm X 18cm and less than 1cm thick  weighing less than 100g, it would have cost me $6something as a parcel.  Had to select "documents" and it can go for $1.20.  Wonder how soon AP will start to charge "insufficient postage" for flat light items sent as large letters.  😞

[cyan_phoenix1985]

I've made a complaint to ebay. I would recommend anyone that uses the flat rate option to also do this.

It is unacceptable that ebay endorse a method of postage that has no protection to the seller if lost or missing. Some people might accept this, but in that small change of something going wrong it is definitely a problem. not even having it as an extra option is what really frustrates me.

[tall_bearded]

“This is a pretty significant change as many people still assume they are covered at least partially. So ebay are now endorsing a form of postage that offers no cover at all for the seller if the package is lost or goes missing. Quite frankly they should no longer be endorsing the flat rate method until auspost offers some coverage.”

I really don’t see the problem.  You are sending it with signature required; therefore you (the seller) are fully covered under the PayPal Seller protection policy.   That is because you have not only proved postage but also delivery.

In any event all items are still covered under the Australia Post Discretionary Claims policy for up to $50.  Therefore the buyer only needs to purchase extra cover if the total cost is in excess of that amount.

In the alternative the buyer may decide not to purchase extra cover and instead rely on PayPal Buyer Protection making providing a discretionary payment.  But this is an issue between the buyer and PayPal which has no effect on the seller.  No effect because if PayPal decide not to make a discretionary payment, as postage is proved, the buyer has no claim against the seller.  That is if they decide not to insure and PayPal decide not to compensate then the problem belongs to the buyer and the buyer alone.

[thecatspjs]

For the moment Australia Post has not changed its terms and conditions for Click and Send signature on delivery compensation, I imagine that one day soon they will get around to it.  Look it up on AP website under terms and conditions - Click and Send.

From the T&C:

Should the tracking with signature option be selected then compensation up to $100 will be reimbursed for any loss or damage to the article. The terms and conditions of the $100 compensation are those terms and conditions applying to the Extra Cover service

So regardless of what advice is received from AP reps, AP are bound by a whole lot of legislation that compels them to act in accordance with their terms and conditions at the time. 

[phorum_junkie*]

If you have used click & send then you have Paypal seller protection so why worry about AP compensating or not. If the buyer genuinely hasn't received the item then it is up to them to convince Paypal that they are due a refund which, if they succeed, would be paid by Paypal.

AP have always had disclaimers saying that senders are not entitled to compo however that doesn't mean they won't pay it if a parcel is genuinely lost, if they don't then a complaint to the postal ombudsman usually changed their mind.

[cyan_phoenix1985]

All these posts have been very helpful.

I have vaguely heard about the $50 insurance thing with auspost, but was not able to find the information. I'll look into it, now that I know what the policy is called!

Thanks for pointing out the T&C's - that is something I can fall back on if needed (at least for now)!

I was always under the impression that unless there is evidence that the postage was successfully delivered to the person, then paypal could always potentially screw the buyer (even if the seller did not want insurance). That is why I have always fully insured stuff and had such high postage prices. I have never had an issue myself though, so maybe my past assumptions were from not-so-reliable sources!

Thanks everyone for your help.

[putney32]

All these posts have been very helpful.

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I was always under the impression that unless there is evidence that the postage was successfully delivered to the person, then paypal could always potentially screw the buyer (even if the seller did not want insurance). That is why I have always fully insured stuff and had such high postage prices. I have never had an issue myself though, so maybe my past assumptions were from not-so-reliable sources!

Thanks everyone for your help.

thats on ebay usa

paypal australia only require 'Proof of Postage'  not of delivery.

[spicy-pickles]

I just came here to have a whinge. Not being able to add any insurance to flat-rate parcels really ticks me off so I am starting to look around for options other than Australia Post.

[davewil1964]

Good luck with that. But remember that couriers will not necessarily redeliver if the recipient is not home and that their depots aren't usually as convenient for pickup.

Are you sure that insurance is not available on parcels? You need to opt for signature on delivery ($2.95) then extra cover @ $1.50 per $100. I'm fairly sure this applies to all parcels. otherwise use Click & Send; it's definitely available there.