Does anyone else use Smartstamp? Have you had an adjustment?

blue_monkey_2

I was wondering.

I have used it for years, I have small mailing bags that go as large letter but I have just been online to top up my account and I see they have put through an 'adjustment' for 2 of them.

Now I know what was in these packets and there is no way they can drop down into the packet to 'puff up' and there is no way these bags can end up as a small packet. I don't even think I can fill them to be a small packet unless I put something like a small box in them so they are wedged in that size.

Just a tad annoyed really as I have now had to pay more. I've checked the last 3-4 months and it has not happened in that time but I wondered if anyone else has had this happen to them. I only noticed as I am topping up my account and it has a - balance. Does this mean they can start deducting whatever they want from my account? I may well go back to buying stamps in bulk if this is the case and using them.

steven_garner

I have been using smart stamps for about 6 months as i didn’t get on with PPI (too much admin at the moment) didn’t know they could made adjustments? you mean they believe that you have underpaid and the automatically debit your account for the difference? How can I check this?

Steve

chancesare_2

steven_garner wrote: »

I have been using smart stamps for about 6 months as i didn’t get on with PPI (too much admin at the moment) didn’t know they could made adjustments? you mean they believe that you have underpaid and the automatically debit your account for the difference? How can I check this?

Steve

I cannot answer that query, but if you are a volume seller the next step from PPI is Royal Mail Tracked. Have you thought about this? One price per item sent, regardless of weight (up to 5kg) fully tracked, on a 2-3day service. It's a godsend for me. We struggled with PPI for years, then changed about 2 years ago to Tracked. The software prints the labels and you whack them on the parcel. No OBI to do, it's automatic when you print a manifest at then end of each day.

steven_garner

I think my account manager did mention this, i think he said i needed to send at least 5000 of the same type of package (like 1st class large letter) is this the one?

Steve

chancesare_2

There are different levels, but the package does not have to be the same. Inititally, you submit what you think your totals will be per week for 0-1kg, 1.-2kg and 2.-5kg. They also ask you your geographical range, ie how many parcels to those obscure postal codes in Scotland/IOW/IOM etc. They then give you a set price (there is a calculator online I will try and find it). It's quite easy, after 3 months they review your price per parcel based on the previous 1/4s postings.

If you send 100 items a week on average, you will quality, that's only 20 a day per weekday. It's then a free collection service.

You invest in a printer (thermal) they supply labels etc, so it's free from thereafter. You print the barcode, email it to the buyer and RM collect and deliver within 2-3 days. You have a full database of all your addresses at the touch of a button, no messing with PPI, weighing bags etc. Plus you can opt to send your decent stuff via tracked and your other stuff first/second, still printing from the system.

Sorry OP to hijack your thread, but it is a gem from RM.

http://www.mailsorttechnical.com/products_other_products_royal_mail_tracked.cfm?Level2ID=8&Level3ID=30 use the 2-3 day quote not next day! I found I could negotiate my initial rate down to £2.12 a packet. Most of my stuff is 1-2kg and is mainland 85%. 15% rest of UK.

steven_garner

Thanks for the info, will get on the phone in the new year and find out more. Im kitted out with a good thermal priner.
I normally send 700 items a month but its ever growning.

Thanks for the help.

Sorry OP

blue_monkey_2

steven_garner wrote: »

I have been using smart stamps for about 6 months as i didn’t get on with PPI (too much admin at the moment) didn’t know they could made adjustments? you mean they believe that you have underpaid and the automatically debit your account for the difference? How can I check this?

Steve

If you log into your smartstamp account and then pull up your statement, next to the day an adjustment has been made, there will be an exclamation mark. Then you go through the different screens to get to where the adjustment has been made by clicking on 'more info'.

Yes, they just debit the account, never emailed to tell me. My balance was -64p and could not understand why as you cannot buy postage if you have no money.

blue_monkey_2

steven_garner wrote: »

Thanks for the info, will get on the phone in the new year and find out more. Im kitted out with a good thermal priner.
I normally send 700 items a month but its ever growning.

Thanks for the help.

Sorry OP

No worries.