Question about posting mobile phones

SlowCooker

I had to send an old and cheap mobile phone recently, and I was told at the post office that it would only be covered if sent special delivery. I said I would take the risk and sent it recorded instead.

Is it really reasonable asking people to use special delivery with a phone that is worth no more than £10 or £15? And how do many sellers on eBay manage to send their comparatively expensive mobile phones first class recorded and not special delivery?

sharpy2010

Yes the post office is being reasonable in making you aware of their services and the pitfalls of each.

Anyone who send an expensive phone by first class post deserves what they will almost inevitably get.

SlowCooker

sharpy2010 wrote: »

Yes the post office is being reasonable in making you aware of their services and the pitfalls of each.

That was not my question; I know that those who work at the post office don't make the rules. Let me put it this way: is it reasonable to pay £6.95 in postage for an item that costs £15?

sharpy2010

That depends on how desperate you are to earn £8.05 I suppose. Each individual will have differing opinions on whether it is worth it.

Personally - No.

shaun_from_Africa

sharpy2010 wrote: »

Yes the post office is being reasonable in making you aware of their services and the pitfalls of each.

Anyone who send an expensive phone by first class post deserves what they will almost inevitably get.

But the OP is not talking about sending an expensive phone by first class.
They mentioned a phone valued at £10 or £15.

I used to send many phones by recorded delivery (now called signed for), and there is no exemption from the standard compensation for sending these.
You are covered for up to £20 for 1st or 2nd class mail and up to £50 for signed for.
The only things that are not covered for loss or damage are valuables, and the RM definition for these is jewellery, precious metals, banknotes & coins, cheques, tickets or vouchers that can be exchanged for money goods or services.

Many Post Office staff will tell you that mobiles are not covered by standard mail, but ask them to point out this exemption in any documentation any they will fail to do so.

sharpy2010

Cool Hows Africa today? Hot I reckon !

shaun_from_Africa

Despite my user name, I'm no longer in Africa. I was when I signed up, but I've moved on since then.

I should really get the mods to change my id to "shaun from Trinidad", but by the time that happens I will probably be out of here as well. (I'm in a job that involves a lot of shortish term contracts in lots of different countries).

sharpy2010

Fair enough I went to Tunisia once, not exactly the heart of Africa, but Africa none the less! And it was hot... VERY hot!