Oz Round Table

The Oz Round Table boards => The Round Table => Topic started by: *wheels* on December 06, 2010, 02:33:12 PM

Title: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 06, 2010, 02:33:12 PM
06 December 2010 | 09:50AM EST

Following feedback from sellers that the complexity involved with shipping and the lack of tracked options at an affordable price were particular pain points, eBay has teamed up with Australia Post to offer an exclusive deal especially for eBay members.

From today (6 December 2010), you will be able to order 500g and 3kg satchels and access exclusive flat rate postage pricing online. The satchels can be ordered via http://auspost.ebay.com.au/. Delivery is free and the satchels will arrive within three to five working days following despatch.

Each eBay member is entitled to ten 500g satchels and ten 3kg satchels per week. A limit of 100 satchels of each size applies per member until 30 April 2011.




this effectively gives you the required trackable post to satisfy paypal without having to pay for registered if you use these satchels correctly also if you want it signed for it only costs $1 extra on the postage charge

What a great idea!

I'd noticed a new field had been added when I was Click and Sending some parcels on the weekend.
I wonder if they will stay the same price after the trial period is complete.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 06, 2010, 02:39:03 PM
I would think so Wheels , yes ... they need to be competative with the pre-paids and offer tracking or else it defeats the purpose ..... I cant believe its taken eBay so long to negotiate such a deal with AP .... I was calling for such a thing 2 years ago ...if you recall the thread on the old eBay RT boards about Smeebay & payriff in fact I cant beleiev eBay hasnt started its own or bought out a worldwide freight company ....they have a ready made client base of millions  ...and they could franchise off the delivery/ pick up zones or have subcontract owner drivers  

anyway this is certainly a step in the right direction
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: tellomon on December 06, 2010, 02:40:39 PM
Now what's going on here?
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 06, 2010, 02:52:02 PM
Dear eBay Member,

Due to unprecedented demand, the Flat Rate Satchel has temporarily sold out. Please stay tuned for news on availability of future supplies.

Thank you for your interest.




Gosh, they didn't last long!   :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 06, 2010, 02:54:11 PM
no they didnt .....just goes to show that sellers have been crying out for a product like this

Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 06, 2010, 02:54:17 PM
It seems a lot of sellers haven't even tried Click and Send yet. I imagine the site will be in meltdown with sellers trying to Register.

These satchels should reduce the number of fraudulent claims of INR.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: tellomon on December 06, 2010, 02:55:31 PM
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/rontello/Train%20Wrecks/Trainwreck-3.jpg)
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 06, 2010, 02:55:58 PM
Oh, and I did get an order in. Must have been just in time! I checked my eBay messages from work this morning and thought I might as well get some even though I still have a few of the Regular satchels.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 06, 2010, 02:58:38 PM
It seems a lot of sellers haven't even tried Click and Send yet. I imagine the site will be in meltdown with sellers trying to Register.

These satchels should reduce the number of fraudulent claims of INR.
Oh, and I did get an order in. Must have been just in time! I checked my eBay messages from work this morning and thought I might as well get some even though I still have a few of the Regular satchels.

yes it should and yes so did I
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 06, 2010, 02:59:13 PM
A similar satchel system has been in place on Oztion for the past couple of months, using Temando and Australian Air Express, offering cheaper than Aus Post rates.

I'd like to see a 1kg satchel.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 06, 2010, 03:01:51 PM
I had noticed that on Oztion , but never really looked into it to see what it was all about

10 satchels on Oztion would last about a year or more for most sellers

Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 06, 2010, 03:07:00 PM
 :lol:

A proof of shipment email can be sent from Click and Send showing the addressee details and the article number. Details for proof of shipment can be found on the Safety Advice page of PayPal's website by clicking on "Selling Safely" and locating "How We Help Protect Sellers".

Sellers must be able to provide proof of shipment that can be validated by Australia Post in order to be eligible for PayPal seller protection. Proof of shipment for the satchel dropped in Australia Post street posting boxes only applies where Australia Post can provide validation of delivery.


So what does this mean? Proof of shipment only where Aus Post can provide validation of delivery .... Aus Post distribution centres and posties will need to improve their scanning procedures to ensure all parcels are scanned and tracking updated. We know that even Reg Post articles get lost in the system - our iPhone is probably still 'Onboard with Driver'
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 06, 2010, 03:18:13 PM
yes , you are right Wheels ,if you want to be safe , I wouldnt be red boxing them , either pack and send or post over the counter and get receipt is the best way to go ,  but any tracking/scanning system is only as good as the input it is given by humans

same thing at retail shops ...how many times does the incorrect price come up (especially on items that are supposed to be on special) when scanning barcodes because of human error/laziness or down right cheating ?  
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 06, 2010, 04:02:14 PM
^^^^click and send not pack and send ^^^^
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 06, 2010, 04:08:42 PM
I've just looked at the eBay boreds. Why are so many sellers not happy about the new satchels? Too afraid to change the way they've been doing something for many years?
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 06, 2010, 04:21:09 PM
I see there is already some "glass is half empty"  people sprouting some nonsensical negatives around the traps

if they arent happy they dont have to use them ...its not compulsary !!! and there are also some clowns blaming eBay for running out stock ....ummmmmmmm its not an ebay problem its an Aust Post problem , they determine the numbers of their products not ebay
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: bnwt on December 06, 2010, 04:33:50 PM
my post mistress showed me the memo they got about them some weeks ago

it's a pity Australia Post can't do some sort of similar deal on postage but without having to buy those dreadful plastic bags

I insist on sending my items in a padded bag for protection ... I use recycled macerated paper ones from Jiffy ... much much cheaper then aus post bubble wrap ones when you buy them by the carton
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 06, 2010, 04:47:41 PM
Tags , its a little bit harder for them to do it on other parcels , as with these satchels they are special satchels which can only be odered through your ebay account ....how would they know that a normal parcel over the counter was an ebay one if they didnt have special packaging , so unlesss later down the track they bring out special padded bags and special post paks etc for ebay sellers that need to be bought through you ebay account ,  it would be difficult to police that they were only offering the deal to ebay sellers

I guess they could issue you with an eBay sellers membership card that you had to scan  at PO to get discount but then everyone would open an ebay account just to get post discount and never use the ebay a/c ?  hmmmmm I am sure they will work on the possible logistics of it all if the satchel idea is a success  


Hey Tags Im looking for a novel gift to buy someone for Christmas , are you still doing those wallets that double as ant farms ?  :roflmao: :roflmao:
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 06, 2010, 05:06:52 PM
bnwt, we use cheap padded bags inside the satchels. We've found ones that fit neatly inside the 500g and 3kg satchels so the items have added protection during shipping.

I don't see why they couldn't extend the range of packaging options. In the US they have standard priced boxes that are issued free by the PO. They're useful because I can ask a supplier how many of an item fits in a $45 box and I can work out orders knowing shipping costs in advance.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 06, 2010, 05:11:05 PM
yep , there must be ways ...but I guess they need to  learn to walk before they try and run
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: golden on December 06, 2010, 08:47:59 PM
I've said it before and I'll say it again.............   Ebay collapsed because every seller said, "I'm gunna have nothing to do with paypal"!!!~ blardy Yanks etc... Yet now we sit here and watch people saying bring back paypal, or lets try paymate, it was putrid even trying to explain to some seller "I like paying with paypal" cos I get protection, its immediate, quick, reliable and if I don't know you I wont trust you, so paypal or nothing...  Have a look at oztion...   their coin forum had an entry in April???  FFS how could it possibly be viable? 

Coin collecting looked like a viable option to buy and sell some coins.  Like buy 3 St McKillops fr $12.95 sell 2 for $80.00 as an eg. and if you are smart, lets collect for free.  Like any good lurk, idiots come along and stuff it up!!  I think I've got more in coins/notes than Tello has in drums, yet I'm going to have to take my stuff to the scrap yard and get $9 a kg.  Thats probably the best I can hope for. 

I think I've got some magnificent stuff, check through my feedback!  Golden city coins on ebay or O.  All bought through some amazing dealers I never knew till internet.  Some great friends have been made.           

I've lost all confidence in the system/fakers etc..  I'm not prepared to spend another cent till Moon comes back on line..  I also want to ask him can I write in my will I want my collection sold and $$$ given to my kids? How much is consignment? 15% 20%??



Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: tellomon on December 06, 2010, 09:07:08 PM

I think I've got more in coins/notes than Tello has in drums,


JEEZIZ H !!!

You must be broke, too.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: golden on December 06, 2010, 09:24:14 PM
NO BOUT A DOUBT IT!!

How do you buy a ENTRY to the track?    No good racing alone!

Want ta swap wives/houses/pubs/cars/lives for a couple of months??  :please:
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: tellomon on December 06, 2010, 09:51:14 PM
Quote
"How do you buy a ENTRY to the track? "

Get a Sponsor.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: golden on December 06, 2010, 10:01:14 PM
 ;D

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: golden on December 06, 2010, 10:02:59 PM
 ;D

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: bnwt on December 06, 2010, 10:12:00 PM
here's a nifty idea


ebay could provide a postage label that could be printed with a bar code for each sale

when you go to send your sales the post office scans the bar code and you get the discount and it can be used as a tracking number

after all Australia Post have said that eBay sellers are saving their bacon
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 06, 2010, 10:55:50 PM
Great idea bnwt.  :idea:

And it's already set-up - Click and Send!!

Except for the discount bit that is. 
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: bnwt on December 07, 2010, 07:05:20 AM
I'd gladly use Click & Send


only


they wont do it for parcels 250g and under ( 95% of my parcels)


and


the australia post system wont work on a mac
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 07, 2010, 09:08:02 AM
bnwt, when I have a parcel that is less than 250g I just enter the weight in Click and Send as 251g. The PO weighs the parcel during processing so it still comes up as $4.55 plus $1.50 for tracking. Can't help you with the mac. I know better than to try and convince mac users otherwise.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 10, 2010, 10:01:03 AM
Has anyone received their eBay Aus Post satchels yet? I received the email the other day to say they'd been shipped and I'm hoping they arrive today as I've just opened our last pack of 3kg satchels.

This is the Help page for anyone interested in using the new satchels.

http://auspost.ebay.com.au/pdfs/Click_and_Send_Step_by_Step_Guide_Dec.pdf
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 10, 2010, 10:16:11 AM
I got an email either yesterday or the day before saying they had been dispatched , but I got mine sent to the po box , so not sure if they are sitting there this morning or not
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *Ubbie Max* on December 10, 2010, 11:25:23 AM
Well get out & check your PO box Smee. Don't just sit on your butt eating Pluto Pups & drinking Pepsi Max, that's my job!
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 10, 2010, 11:44:49 AM
no way Birdie , its in the big smoke and Oprah will be in there today ... I want to be as far away from that load of pus as possible ...

also I have a secretary for doing the mail run


for those that are ineterested here is what the satchels look like

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/aussie_smurfette/MEMO0001.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/aussie_smurfette/MEMO0002.jpg)
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 10, 2010, 11:46:54 AM
Smee, the postie's just been and delivered the satchels so your parcel is probably at your PO Box.

They're a bit weird - the sleeve to put the printed label from Click and Send in is on the 'back' of the satchel. I can just print the address labels on plain paper now, won't need to use sticky labels anymore.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 10, 2010, 12:01:27 PM
I've just done our first 3kg satchels by Click and Send. $9.35 for 3kg satchels incl tracking.

Or $1 extra if you want signature on delivery.

I'm impressed!!
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 10, 2010, 12:12:31 PM
all sounds good Wheels ...I wonder if they will start charging a small fee for the actual satchel after the trial period ?
anyway I think even if they did , it will still work out better than paying for pre paid satchels and registered stickers up front
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 10, 2010, 12:19:08 PM
I agree Smee, I think that's what may happen after the 'trial' period. I don't understand what all the whingers are complaining about on the eBay boards, even on the PS board. It is such a simple process now, a couple of clicks, print and put the label into the plastic sleeve (I did have to trim the paper to fit though).

I'll keep using them, even if the price goes up.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 10, 2010, 12:21:24 PM
I don't think they'll charge for the actual satchel because it says on it "This is not a prepaid satchel". But there is nothing printed on it to say what the Flat Rate is so that would be easy for them to change.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 10, 2010, 12:30:04 PM
I don't think they'll charge for the actual satchel because it says on it "This is not a prepaid satchel". But there is nothing printed on it to say what the Flat Rate is so that would be easy for them to change.

yes but I take that to mean its not pre=paid for postage , nothing to stop them charging a small cost for the satchel same as they do for say a padded bag ...thats not a pre-paid service either but you pay a small cost for the bag ...

anyhow , time will tell and if its working for you , then its a good thing
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *Brum6y* on December 10, 2010, 04:52:03 PM
Has anyone had any concerns about these new satchels brandishing the name "ebay" on them?

Ordinary satchels could contain anything from new DVDs to used singlets - but something with 'ebay' on it might indicate 'this package contains something someone paid real money for just recently'.

I would think they might attract attention from the less than honest in our world as being a 'better bet' for scoring something worthwhile.

Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 10, 2010, 04:59:37 PM
I dont foresee any more problems than a normal satchel , at least these have a tracking barcode so the parcel contractors wont be so tempted to pilfer them and if you also put on DNSD sticker , all should be fine hopefully ...or if a seller is really worried about the possibility of them being pilfered if "left safe" as you only get a limited number per month at the moment just use them for ones going to PO boxes .... again only time will tell  

bear in mind all Myer online purchases have Myer plastered all over them , and I can assure you anything bought from myer would be more costly than a similar item from eBay
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 10, 2010, 05:24:37 PM
Brumby, I'll let you know if any of ours go missing.

So far we haven't had any regular parcels lost, had one sent to the wrong address and another one RTS but none that disappeared altogether.

I don't think having eBay on the satchel will make them any more likely to disappear. At least once a week I come home to find a parcel on the doorstep - and most are branded with the manufacturer/seller's name - asos, Amazon, even some eBay sellers use labels with eBay printed on them.

I do think having tracking will save a lot of worry about INR claims and PayPal's No Questions Asked Refund policy.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 10, 2010, 05:25:53 PM
And it is also only $1 extra to have Signature on Delivery so if sellers use that option there should be no parcels left on doorsteps/in letterboxes.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *Brum6y* on December 10, 2010, 08:06:35 PM
The idea certainly is long overdue - but the extremely limited stock made available is not just ludicrous, it's embarrassing.

This should have been released in July - so that there would have been time for the (inevitable) teething problems to be ironed out - from computer systems functionality to user education - and to better gauge demand for the Christmas season.

But to introduce something like this at a time critical period, seems rather risky to me.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 12, 2010, 05:34:12 PM
I have encountered a problem with the new satchels!

We've filled up the red box at the end of our street and had to go to the next red box to post the rest of the items sold this weekend. Maybe Aus Post will need to make the boxes a bit bigger.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 12, 2010, 05:35:08 PM
Wheels thats a great problem to have encountered
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 12, 2010, 05:40:56 PM
Yes, I'm not complaining!   :piggybank:

98 sales on eBay and 12 on the website so far this month. Sold out of most of our bestsellers and we'll close on Friday for the holidays until late January.

Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 12, 2010, 05:54:33 PM
but that cant be right Wheels eBay is such a terrible place 
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 12, 2010, 06:04:14 PM
It is! Terrible(y) busy!
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 12, 2010, 06:17:52 PM
Oh, and you may call us 'Silver' wheels from now on. Well, for the next couple of months anyway.   :acclaim:  :lol:
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *smee* on December 12, 2010, 06:18:26 PM
what are you saying Wheels ?

that best match hasnt destroyed your business ?

that ebay and paypal are not the root of all evil in this world ?

I think you must be a habitual shill bidder and that you are buying all your own BINS !!!!

or maybe you are you must be  an Ebay employee 


Oh no ...sorry I forgot , you actually took the trouble to work out how to do eBay things smart and to read , learn and understand  the in and outs to the best of your ability , you use relevant key words in your listings to get the best search exposure , you go about your business in a rational business like manner and have researched products of good quality that are in demand and that you can sell and post at reasonable costs and still be able to make some pocket money .... Buggah ...you have commonsense and a positive attitude ...maybe thats what it takes ? 
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 12, 2010, 06:29:30 PM

Touch wood ... lucky so far, only a couple of minor concerns, no lost parcels, no disputes, no PayPal claims.

One neg feedback left in error (iPhone problem) but quickly revised to positive. One returned item on the website.

eBay Best Match has little effect because we sell products that very few, if any, other sellers are selling.

Of course we've made our share of mistakes - mainly with underestimating postage costs - but we're getting there.

Having said that, selling on eBay, even as a small 'part-time' seller, can be stressful and we're looking forward to the holidays and no eBaying.

Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *Brum6y* on December 12, 2010, 09:05:47 PM
Wheels, if you have a problem with too many parcels - or even ones that are too big to even fit through the chute, there is an answer!

I have had the 'too big for the red box chute' problem - and the answer is to wait for the van! The drivers I have encountered have all been quite happy to put a tub on the ground for you to 'deposit' your mail which they will then 'collect'.  (I think there is a legal technicality where they will not take it from your hand, as that would be 'accepting' mail, not 'collecting' it.) So don't feel offended if they just put a tub on the ground.

This exercise is made easier when you know the times the driver comes through.  For me, if I get to our red mail box by 6:50pm, I will usually have less than a 10 minute wait. To be safe, I try to get there by 6:45pm and allow 20 minutes waiting time.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: HellWest'nCrooked on December 12, 2010, 09:09:49 PM

  Woo hooo.....go Wheels !!
  So glad all your hard work has paid off/is paying off.
  Enjoy your well earned rest.

  Westie   :ivanhoe:
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *CountessA* on December 12, 2010, 09:18:09 PM
Wheels, you thoroughly deserve the success you've seen.

Hopefully it will continue, and you'll become known as the Big Red Box Filler.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 13, 2010, 05:32:52 PM
Click and Send

ppffffffffffffffftt!

3 days of using the new satchels and all is well. On the 4th day when you go to pay - Error!

Not good Aus Post and Commonwealth Bank!
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 13, 2010, 05:34:13 PM
Oh and bnwt, I read the messages on the Click and Send login today (just in case there was a message about problems with paying) and I noticed this old message:


09 November 2010 - Important Information about Mac Operating System

The Click and Send application is now compatible with Apple Safari

If you have any questions, the Click and Send helpdesk is only an email (clickandsend@auspost.com.au) or phone call (1300 662 710) away.

The Click and Send Team
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 13, 2010, 05:57:06 PM
OK, I have to take that back. I finally got through to pay, printed the labels, trimmed the labels, sealed up the satchels, unsealed the satchels 'cause I forgot to sign them, sealed the satchels and ran (drove) to the corner. Just as I pulled up so did the PO van. He was early - it was only 5.50pm! Anyway, I made it and the satchels have been posted.
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: *wheels* on December 20, 2010, 03:52:35 PM
Satchels are available again.

Max of 5 x 500g and 5 x 3kg.

Get in quick!

http://auspost.ebay.com.au/
Title: Re: New eBay and Aus Post satchels
Post by: tommy.irene on December 24, 2010, 06:14:01 PM
Snipe 60