Wrong postage quotes

Agutka

I don't know what's wrong with me these days. Last week I lost £8 on postage on two items, as my estimates are quite wrong. And again today I look like losing another £2. What's wrong with me? I never used to be this bad. Pooey.

rabbit_burrow

OMG! Are you weighing the item and relevant packaging, before estimating? That's a lot of money to be losing.

spend_spend_spend

Don't worry, your like me, I don't ripped folks off with p&p, my charge usually just covers the posting, not to mention materials.
I once sold a load of old sat meters and because they did 150 quid I said to the buyer I'd post 'em for free ... cost me 18 quid!, though the meters were free so can't grumble.
Get some scales and download a chart or use a local courier service who charge a flat fee;)

Sarah-Jane_2

Get some scales and weigh the item then check it on royal mail's webiste before listing it. It will give you the cost of sending by each method, including signed for. Make sure you add about 20-50p to cover any differences in your scales to the post office ones though, and of course your packaging costs. That's how I work mine out and i've only lost money on postage once - because I decided that as the customer had paid so much for the item and royal mail were having one of their strikes I would rather pay the extra and send it special delivery than risk a negative feedback for being late lol.

Agutka

Or course I'm not weighing first, it would be really hard to get it so wrong then! I thought I was over-estimating though... These were just heavy one-offs, nightmare to pack too. I've learnt my lessons before, which is why I'm wondering what planet I am on at the moment. Thankfully I have nothing listed at the moment. Sold off most stock, next step to a clear house is carboot, freecycle and tip. No measuring required there! Goodbye Ebay!

rabbit_burrow

To you all...
If you go on the Royal Mail website you can order a 'price guide' for FREE!!! Yay!
I think it is brilliant, it's a good 40 page booklet, and covers 1st, 2nd, recorded, next day, parcels, marketing, and a small amount of airmail prices. I can't stress how fab it is. It is SO much easier than having to keep checking the website The airmail weights only allow for upto 240g though, so anything heavier, you would have to see the site (although saying that, I printed the complete airmail price list off the site, so no worries there either.
The price guide book, only took 2 days to get to me, it is so invaluable, I'm sure you'll all agree.

Sarena

Agutka

Or you can make your own printouts. I have three pieces of paper on my noticeboard in simple clear tables... except overseas which is more of a booklet. Don't let my recent stupidity put you off!
Knowing the PO prices is not a problem, it's the weight of the packed item that's the surprise. Or knowing if the PO staff will let your packet go as a large letter.