7 days expected to Australia?

soolin

I have had an upset Australian buyer who wants to know why her item has not arrived.

Bought last Sunday, posted Monday 18th, ebay estimate arrival on the 25- 27th November.

I am finding airmail a little slow on cocasions, I physically can't post things if the PO is not open, yet ebay say a week to Australia- I just hope this buyer is willing to wait a bit longer.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

I tell our Australian customers to ignore eBay's dates and allow 1-3 weeks for delivery. On the whole they seem very patient with the post.

campdave

Do you use small packet as the postage option? I use "standard international post" which I think gives a few extra days compared to small packet. A 7-9 days to Australia is ridiculous, about 14 days seems the norm, though I have seen it as low as 5 days. Much of it seems to be where they are in Australia, it can take an age if they are in a remote area.

Edited to add - the buyers I've dealt with about delays from Australia have all been pretty reasonable. Whilst I can't comment on your case, I sell a lot to Australia and it seems they are used to not paying any attention to ebay's estimates.

soolin

campdave wrote: »

Do you use small packet as the postage option? I use "standard international post" which I think gives a few extra days compared to small packet. A 7-9 days to Australia is ridiculous, about 14 days seems the norm, though I have seen it as low as 5 days. Much of it seems to be where they are in Australia, it can take an age if they are in a remote area.

Edited to add - the buyers I've dealt with about delays from Australia have all been pretty reasonable. Whilst I can't comment on your case, I sell a lot to Australia and it seems they are used to not paying any attention to ebay's estimates.

I use the option 'standard airmail' . I sell lots to Australia, it is a huge market for me and I've got regulars buying from me now direct (as a result of the p and p FVFs I can now offer substantial discounts for buyers who buy by direct order rather than via eBay) who are saying they 'hope' it arrives by Christmas as they are aware the post seems to collapse about this time every year.

2 years ago, I think it was, I blocked Australian buyers in November due to a couple of very early INR claims. I am tempted to do the same this year and actually be a bit bad and if buyers contact me to ask why they can't buy to explain that I cannot meet eBay postage estimates so can only sell direct but with the understanding that the items are unlikely to arrive in a week.

I am getting absolutely teed off with eBay postage estimates. I sold a standard 1st class item on Monday , printed out postage in afternoon and got the warning the service might not meet buyer expectation!? I am holding 5* for despatch times, but frankly have no idea how I am managing that when according to eBay estimates nearly all my 2 nd class mail arrives 'late'

mgdavid

when's the last recommended date for posting to Oz for Xmas? soon, I'll bet. That route will be very busy this time of year and extra delays are to be expected.

soolin

mgdavid wrote: »

when's the last recommended date for posting to Oz for Xmas? soon, I'll bet. That route will be very busy this time of year and extra delays are to be expected.

http://www.royalmail.com/greetings

Apparently airmail to Australia is 5th December, that won't stop eBay telling our buyers to expect things in 5 working days and allowing them to open an INR on day 7.

It really does mean I might stop selling overseas early in December this year for anything that just might be needed for a Christmas present.