How to word a listing / 25mm postal size

thepedestrian

Has anyone seen any listings that contain a concise statement abot postal charges ? - getting doubly jarred off at the moment with PO counter staff `s inability to drop an obviously under 25 mm parcel thru the letter box mock up they have , which can mean nearly double the postage rate and buyers who cant seem to read listings where the size of an item is stated as much as 5 times

Im loathe to put in a listing t &c`s about a refund being accepted but not the x2 postal rate refund ,if the size is as listed , as I think it could put a buyer off

But between buyers asking for returns and the post office intransiigence - i`m begining to think is it worth the hassle ??

Incidently I have been thinking of trying out the new PIP packaging rather than the plastic mailing bags ,as they dont seem to "blow up with air" once you take them off the PO weighing scales

- I know they cost a bit more , but if it means them going at the sub 25mm size ,it might be more cost effective - anyone had any experiences / ideas / random thoughts ,with any of the above please ?

Obviously_the_best

Go to a different PO

terra_ferma

Have your tried using zip-lock type of bags, once sealed the air will stay out. Also using something smooth like very lightweight tissue paper helps.
Many times I found something looks too thick, but once I've squeezed out a bit of air, and wrapped with tissue paper it goes through easily.
If something is borderline I often charge for packet postage (added to the item price, or free postage)

Crowqueen

No - as a buyer I would be loathe to buy from anyone who appeared defensive about postage costs.

It may be unfair to assume this, but it's often done by people who realise their star is falling but refuse to alter their practices. Rightly or wrongly, the buyer should be quoted a reasonable price, not given all sorts of waffle about why you're overcharging for this, that and the other.

Being 'honest' might feel good but it might put people off. If you put all sorts of unwarranted burdens onto our shoulders, clutter your description with lots of waffle absolving you of all responsibility and so on, then people begin to avoid listings, and you will get timewasters who 'must have' your item but will only damage your stars further. The good buyers, the people who are put off by seller excuses, have enough else to choose from that those choices will not be made in your favour.

If buyers aren't reading your listings, make it easier, not more difficult, for them to see clearly what you have on offer. If your postage stars are falling, do something concrete to adjust your postage prices or go inclusive. In many cases, it boils down to what the buyer notices on the label when they receive the item, and how much this differs from the price on the listing. If there is enough difference, your star will fall - regardless of what you put on your listing.

So you need to make the necessary arrangements to make sure (a) buyers can get a clear picture of what you are selling up front and (b) aren't inconvenienced by your postal arrangements. Sometimes this might mean erring on the side of caution and charging for small packet rather than large letter - I did that on a couple of occasions when I accidentally sent something as an ordinary rather than large letter. Sometimes it means taking a critical look at what you are doing and revising your listings based on what buyers are actually having a problem with.

In short - it's in your control. If you can't get it right, there is enough choice out there that you will lose customers. Don't take your buyers for granted and go to a PO which is more reliable than your current one - or if you can't, reassess whether you can continue to sell on eBay in the current climate.

thepedestrian

Agree with most of what you say , but surely its not to much to ask a buyer to check the sizes are correct before buying - seems a bit much asking the seller to fork out 2 lots of overpriced postage because they cant be basked to scroll down a page , or if in any doubt - as a question ?

cant get out now anyway - too much stock !

Crowqueen

Well, you've got to make sure the buyer is aware of the sizing in the listing right in front of their eyes.

If you are aware there is a problem with how you list, and you want buyers to see something directly, since you are in control of your own listings, that important piece of information should really hit them as soon as they open the listing, not hidden at the bottom of the screen.

Visibility is important - so make sure your listings are clear and easy to read rather than relying on someone else to do the legwork.

Better still, charge the appropriate price, send by the appropriate service and how big it is shouldn't matter.

lovinituk

Why are you talking about 2 times postage for the refund? You only have to pay the buyers return postage if it's your mistake. If the size is clearly stated and they buy the wrong size then why are you refunding their return postage?

I use PIP boxes and rate them highly. This is the cheapest place I have found them https://www.defendapack.co.uk/pricing_in_proportion_boxes.htm and they are quality.