Postage, proof of delivery, minimising the risks.

Sponge

It's been a while since I sold anything on ebay. Yesterday I listed two sets of speaker cable which are heavy, over 4kg each, at £60 each. They might even be heavier when I add some packaging. I'm not 100% sure as I only have cheap kitchen scales.

I listed postage as Royal Mail standard parcels but now realise that doesn't offer proof of delivery. If a buyer were to claim non-delivery I cannot prove otherwise, so I imagine it would be ruled in their favour. Would I then have a claim against RM for loss of the parcel, even though there's a chance it was actually delivered? Would I need to prove the loss? Does RM contact the recipient to confirm non-delivery (which could be ignored)? Or would they just (eventually) pay out?

I'm just wondering if I should send it using a signed for service, say Express 48 (only £50 compo), or even Recorded if I can get it in under 4kg (only £41 compo) or just stick with Standard Parcels.

If I decide to use a different service, should I/can I change the listing to reflect this alteration of delivery service?

Edit: I've just had another thought - the cable is unused, in it's original retail packaging, but it's over a year old. I don't have the original purchase receipt any more. Looking at RM's claim form, I need to have an original proof of value, e.g. till receipt, bank statement, to make a claim. I have nothing that meets those requirements. Or would the agreed Ebay sale price qualify as it's insured value?

hvd201

Definitely use a signed for service as without it the buyer can claim for non-receipt. Proof of postage is not proof of delivery.
At 4kgs it might be worth looking into a courier like myhermes (and 25% off voucher for new customers).
If you are going to change the delivery service I would contact the buyer and explain, you might find that due to work they don't want a courier as they won't be in during the day to sign for it.
You cannot charge any more than you stated on the auction page, but you might even find a courier is cheaper and whether you pass that saving onto the buyer is your choice.

Sponge

There isn't actually a buyer yet. I was thinking 'future buyer'. Thanks for the suggestion of myhermes.

steviebabes

I have used standard parcels before and taken out extra insurance, I think its £1 extra for £100 compensation, however I've never had to claim. A 4kg parcel would be about £8 with insurance so you would be better using a courier as you would have full tracking and it would be about the same price when booked through a reseller. I would also check the price of parcelforce booked through paypal.

lindseykim13

steviebabes wrote: »

I have used standard parcels before and taken out extra insurance, I think its £1 extra for £100 compensation, however I've never had to claim. A 4kg parcel would be about £8 with insurance so you would be better using a courier as you would have full tracking and it would be about the same price when booked through a reseller. I would also check the price of parcelforce booked through paypal.

I've also used this too, it doesn't cover you for a claim but it does cover you so you can claim back off rm if you did have to pay out on a claim. It's not on the website but if you ask in the PO they will upgrade the compensation level. So it's just the same as sending with a basic COP but with a higher level of protection.
Or i would look at a courier , hermes as mentioned track it all the way to delivery. Or parcels2go, p4d etc plenty around.

Sponge

I've checked the prices of the couriers mentioned and amended my listing to match the new service and (lower) price.