Sending an Item via Post from Ebay Sale

[muchlovex]

This question is for the more experienced Ebayers.

Having not sold an item before via Ebay, what is best for packaging clothing items to send in the post please?

When I've bought items they come wrapped in a black plastic bag. Would this be acceptable?

TIA

[cathfromsaron]

i don't like carriers, unless the postage costs are really cheap!

new padded envelopes and 'polylopes' are all avail from post offices.

make sure you have included the costs in your p&p!

[heathfield]

Cath mentions 'polylopes'. These are tough, grey, self-sealing plastic bags in different sizes sold at Post Offices, and are ideal for sending clothing though the post.

[CheekyChops]

Yes that would be fine, I've bought lots on EBay and clothes usually come in plastic bags. Some are even just black carrier bags turned inside out.

[quizbag]

I often re-cycle bags that I have received around goods from catalogues. So long as it is secure and waterproof you can't really go far wrong.

[percypineapple]

plastic bags made specifically for posting are best, not old carriers bags or bin liners. also, make sure you put the senders address on the package and get proof of posting, an extra 75p I think. that way you are safe if the parcel goes missing or is damaged.

[LCDMAN]

Percy, proof of posting is FREE, it's Recorded Delivery (Now called "Signed For" service that costs an extra 75p.

[boxtops]

You don't have to pay anything for Proof of Posting, which is all that is needed - you don't need to pay for RD unless you want to and the item is valuable. Proof of posting is valid for items up to £40.

I wrap in a clear plastic bag then either put it in a polybag (and write on the outside with indelible pen), or a large brown envelope, either will do. What I always do is print off the packing slip from the PayPay transaction page, then pop a copy of that inside the package, so all the details are inside as well as on the outside of the packet.

Black plastic bags are fine as long as they are secured fastened with strong tape and can't rip or tear.

I don't leave feedback until I know the item's been received safely so I always email the buyer to say I've posted the item and ask them to let me know when they get it. Most of the time, they do respond.

[munchie63]

I've an e-bay rating of 500+ and work in a post office branch, and from what I see every day most just use plastic bags.
Cheaper the better for a lot of e-bayers, and jiffy bags push the prices up. just place the item in a bag, tape it up, and address it carefully.

[cathfromsaron]

yes, you can send messages advising the buyer of the sending date and likely delivery date! never give feedback until the item has been received!

your feedback could say 'fast payer and thanks for buying' etc!?

[cathfromsaron]

i had a top sent to me with a normal store carrier wrapping it - NOT a thicker Marks style one - and the postman saw it before i did!

[boxtops]

I don't give likely delivery date because that's out of my hands - I just tell them I've mailed it (and refund some postage on occasion, if my estimate was too much after allowing for packaging, parking, etc.).

My feedback varies but is usually along the lines of "good transaction, welcome back any time" - in the hope they will!

[munchie63]

The confusion around proof of posting, recorded delivery etc is why staff at the counter will ask you 'would you like it delivered tomorrow' and 'whats the value of the item'.

Everyone seems to ask for proof of posting nowadays, and all items are covered up to £46 anyway, but Royal Mail are not obliged to pay out on every item just because of proof it was sent. It's at their discretion.

With recorded (not suitable for cash, jewellery, vouchers or items worth £46+) the items scanned at posting point, then signed for on delivery. It's NOT tracked, but you can check if signed / delivered if there's a dispute The letter goes in with the normal post. It's worth the extra money to use this service, and it costs you nothing as the seller - just add to P+P options on e-bay listing

[cathfromsaron]

oops i meant 3 to 5 days or whatever, yes don't give date!

[ladybirder]

These people are brilliant. In lots of cases cheaper than the PO plus they come and collect from you. They also text the recipient and tell them within the hour when it will be delivered. If the time and date doesn't suit, then you just text back from the list of options they give you to change it. Everyone I know who has swapped to them thinks they are brilliant.

http://www.dpd.co.uk/

[percypineapple]

Sorry, yes, proof of posting is free, but if you try to claim its a nightmare. you have to provide proof of your purchase of the item, was it an ebay sale, colour of your eyes and your mothers date of birth. i have a pile of lost claim forms in my tray, and gave up after the first one. pay the 75p and be safe. get it signed for, lots of dodgy customers out there.

[ladybirder]

You don't have to pay extra if you use my link, and it gets signed for.

[munchie63]

Wow ladybirder, great plug for DPD.
Only £19.40 for next day lunchtime delivery and £17 per parcel for 2 day delivery.

Why would people want to switch from using Royal Mail at those prices ?
If you're sending huge, heavy parcels every day, then just maybe, but an item of up to say 1kg would be about £4 recorded and £10 using next day delivery. Even parcelforce at £12.60 for 48hr delivery for heavier items would bash those prices.

[muchlovex]

DPD if far too expensive. The postage would be more than the item is worth...lol!

But thanks for your recommendation..