I'm thinking about listing a few things on eBay but don't want to be ripped. If an item is packaged and sent and buyer said he didn't get it does registered post protect against this? What about the other risks that can be avoided and how?
One thing to note here is that Auspost don't actually put addresses on the receipt, so you can't actually prove that you have sent the item to the buyer's actual address. If the buyer claims that the item isn't received you're pretty much screwed, doesn't matter whether you have the receipt or not.
You could take a photo of the tracking number and address on the parcel I guess. I reckon it's fine as long as tracking shows the post code of the buyer.
Auspost don't actually put addresses on the receipt, so you can't actually prove that you have sent the item to the buyer's actual address.
PayPal's "valid proof of shipment" includes:
A receipt from Australia Post showing at least the recipient’s suburb, city or postcode (or international equivalent).
Signature on delivery is an option, costs $2.95 extra.
If you have it on record that the buyer signed for it then they can't say they didn't receive it.
If the buyer opens a PayPal dispute, the first (and only) thing they'll ask for is the tracking number. No tracking number = buyer wins.
When you list the item find the advanced listing tool. This has options to control who sees your listing at the bottom.
At the bottom block shipping to all countries (unless you're shipping outside AU) and block PO Boxes.
And then set every block on the "Who can see my listing" options.
Dammed if you do, dammed if you don't.
Sold some items on eBay with the no final value promo in march. Items packed well and posted with tracking figured I was covered.
Auspost is as much the issue as shady buyers.
One item has apparently been waiting for pick up at the local po for 40 days - buyer has received and happy with purchase.
One item was "lost in transit" - either actually lost or wasn't scanned in/out of post office. I really suspect the buyer received item but claimed they didn't.
Claim through auspost has yielded a "discretionary" $50 refund on a $200 item, they've basically said that I needed to have paid for insurance and they would cover the entire amount (fee$3 for $200 insurance)
Buyer gets full refund, and My $200 item gets $50
Won't post the tracking for the one above but here's an example
Incoming parcel to myself from petersofkensington that I can confirm arrived shows in transit
Auspost insurance $1.50 per $100 would be interesting to know how many sellers use it. /insurance with courier.
It's pretty hard as buyers can pretty much say whatever they want and eBay will side with them.
Make sure you send everything with tracking. By default, Australia Post provides tracking for all parcels. If you send anything with an envelope, make sure you get tracking. It doesn't have to require signature (only orders above $750). This would at least prevent buyers receiving the item but saying they didn't.
They can still rip you off by saying item was not described or they received an empty box.