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Australia Post - Cheapest Flat Rates for Boxed Parcels Upto 15kg with AU Wide Delivery Released!

2010

eBay has once again teamed up with Australia Post, this time to bring us the cheapest shipping rates on sending large and bulky boxed parcels upto 15kg throughout Australia at fixed prices! Compared to AusPost's direct offerings and even their eParcel service, these rates (in table below) work out much cheaper in many cases and even include free tracking.

It basically works like this:

  1. Purchase the box from an Australia Post store in 1 of 3 allowable sizes (see table below).
  2. Pay for the postage using their "Click and Send" service online.
  3. Print out the flat rate label and attach to the box.
  4. Either:
    a) lodge the box over the counter at Australia Post (best option as you get a lodgement receipt),
    b) organise a courier to pickup (extra charges = unlikely ozbarginers will choose this), or
    c) if the smallest box is chosen, you can even place it in the red post boxes as it fits (but no lodgement receipt).
  5. Track your parcel online using the number provided - and yes, for free :)

The boxes available are:

Box (AP code) Sizing (W x D x H) Box cost Postage
Small (Bx1) 220mm x 160mm x 77mm $1.70 $6.50
Medium (Bx2) 310mm x 225mm x 102mm $2.25 $10.50
Large (Bx4) 430mm x 305mm x 140mm $3.00 $13.25

Some points to note:

  1. All parcels can weigh upto 15kg, regardless of box size chosen (unlikely you will reach this limit in the small box unless sending bricks or gold bars - if latter please address all parcels to me!)
  2. Boxes are cheaper when purchased in bulk lots of 20, 100 or 200. Check linked site for more information.
  3. While this deal is a special arrangement between eBay/AusPost, you can use this for other parcels also. The "Click and Send" service clearly allows for it and there are no issues!
  4. Unlike the satchel deal (see below), you buy the boxes direct from Australia Post outlets, thereby avoiding the month long wait for them to actually ship the satchels to you first! I personally had nearly a 2 month wait on one batch so hereby dub that fiasco satchel-gate!

You may recall zhenjie's post (kudos) from a few months back about eBay and Auspost's successful cheap 500gm and 3kg satchel offering, and in conjunction with that deal, sending parcels for me just became a heck of a lot cheaper :)

25th post so don't even dream about going easy! +1 if you like the deal friends :)

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closed Comments

  • +1

    …so you can't recycle old boxes?

    • +3

      If you have BX1, 2 or 4 boxes then no problems to recycle as the printed out post label from step 3 will cover the old address anyway. Other boxes are obviously no go as they have to be one of these 3 sizes.

  • +3

    Holy Crrap! That's a very good deal.

  • Good deal - however, any other cheap options for my larger boxes, 600mm and beyond?

    • I agree. I am looking for cheap postage options the larger and longer boxes too (600mm). None the less, good post..

    • stevarja and trump3, for even larger parcels check out my comment on the courier thread here: http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/51946#comment-578453

  • This is only for goods sold on ebay right?

    If so then not that great because the buyer pays postage anyways…

    • +6

      no, not only for ebay - see my footnote 3 above: "While this deal is a special arrangement between eBay/AusPost, you can use this for other parcels also. The "Click and Send" service clearly allows for it and there are no issues!"

      and even it was only ebay and buyer pays postage anyway, then cheaper postage means more $$ in your pocket to cover those hideous ebay and paypal fees yuck

    • +9

      No, it's good for the seller too, as the item can potentially sell for more. As a buyer, I always take the postage cost into account when I calculate how much I will bid on an item, so if the postage is lower more to bid with. Win-win!

  • +5

    This isn't new - it's been up for several months. That said, all the better to ensure everyone is aware this exists. :P

    I've been using the eBay satchels to post stuff for other sites, and nobody has batted an eyelid. Tracking is reasonably reliable, but that's because I lodge it over the counter at fairly large LPOs - some people have had issues with the smaller ones not checking it in.

    • Lodgement at the PO is VITAL for success. That way it gets a tracking event at step ONE. Better for buyers too - the automatic "track delivery" link in My Ebay will actually "show something" for them.

      Of course, if you don't really care about tracking, then lodgement in a PO Box is fine. If the postage is "paid" (online) then the items will arrive. The only Click and Send that MUST be lodged over the counter is the normal parcels, where you print the labels etc but pay over the counter.

    • Yeah. I've been using these for a while. Grabbed a few 3kg and 500g satchels just incase.

  • +1

    Is the tracking adequate for Paypal claims? Paypal usually wants proof of delivery (e.g. registered post with sig), if seller can't show evidence the item was sent then the buyer usually wins the dispute.

    • +2

      Why would eBay team up with AusPost for this promotion if this wasn't adequate. Tracking is usually adequate.

    • +2

      Jaxx, registered post with signature on delivery is an absolute joke, I've only had to sign for 'one' parcel in the last 18 months and that was because the regular parcel guy was off sick and the relief person wanted a signature.

      If I don't answer the door (in the shower) the parcel is just left outside otherwise the parcel is handed over quickly and he rushes off. When I check AusPost tracking there is a variety of names listed as the recipient, I wouldn't have a clue who they are so if the s**t ever hits the fan it will be fun and games.

    • +5

      The tracking for Click And Send IS SUFFICIENT for Paypal Buyer Protection IF the package gets scanned. In other words, there needs to be a Tracking Event on the online tracking website for Paypal to protect you.

      If you drop the parcels (or the eBay satchels) into a postbox, then they MIGHT not get scanned until the last point (the delivery Post Office). This is perfectly fine providing that the item actually arrives… but if it goes missing in transit, then you are stuffed.

      You MUST get all Click And Send scanned at the Post Office. Hand them over the counter and watch the PO worker do it. If you don't, then you are leaving it to chance.

      A lot of sellers find the whole Registered/Tracking thing confusing, and get upset when they lose Paypal claims. It's NOT that difficult (it's a very simply system) but you need to do your part (as a sender) to ensure that you don't shoot yourself in the foot.

    • The first parcel I sent using Click and Send got lost and AustPost compensated me $50 for a $300 item. I think it's better to use Registered Post with extra cover for expensive items.

      • +1

        you can take out extra cover on click and send too, you have to select the tracking with signature option to be able to insure your item.

  • +1

    Solid write up. I'll be sure to send my gold bars to you!

  • +1

    Shame you need to buy the expensive boxes.

  • +3

    Too bad Click & Send sucks and takes up so much more of your time.

    • +2

      Agree … the software is shocking. But you save save money :-)

      A little off topic:
      I am used to 6 EUR parcels and you can drop them off any time at automated parcel letter boxes. You just need a self sticking label with the barcode … scan it … get a receipt … drop off 24h … you can send it even to these facilities so that the receiver can pick the parcel up any time.
      Great invention … miss them a lot here in Australia … unfortunatley only available in Germany. :-)

      Check this out:
      http://www.dhl.de/en/paket/privatkunden/packstation.html

    • +1

      Too much of your time? LOL… you must be doing it wrong.

      The whole thing is automatic. Click to select which eBay deliveries. Select the postage service code. Print. Stick label on parcel. Post.

      It's quicker than normal postage, because you don't need to write labels, you pay as you go (online), and you don't need to email buyers with tracking info.

      • +4

        I agree with Anon_ and mini_wombat. The Click and send website has never taken less than 10 minutes for me as it is really slow and unreliable and you have to enter your credit card details every time. So many times that I have used it I get past the paid stage and the label never appears so I can't print it and you can't tell it to display again (and the money has been taken). I then have to email them and they send a PDF to print but I have to wait for it. I am nervous every time I use the service. I am using Internet Explorer and Win7 which they say should be fine. I am not the only one with the problem either. Also if someone pays via direct deposit CnS will not show it. You have to log back into ebay, click "paid" then go back to CnS and refresh which inevitably doesn't work for some reason.

        • I agree with llama on this one. Once you link it to your ebay account, just select the item sold and it automatically fills in buyer name, address etc. and then notifies buyer of tracking number as well. I find it way faster than checking addresses on ebay, writing them out, confirming to check you wrote it properly with no transposition errors on the street number etc. As for the case of the disappearing labels and direct debit issues, I can't comment as I never had that problem and use credit card.

        • I do agree that that the website seems a little slow (especially the payment stage) but this is largely due to the SSL encryption.

          I have not had a label not appear yet and we process quite a large volume every day. For records and backup purposes I think it is best to also save a copy of every shipping label. If you hover your mouse over the lower left hand side of the pop up window you will be able to save a copy of the shipping label (may depend on which PDF viewer you have installed).

          Regarding direct deposit, of course this is the case. This is a manual payment method which requires the seller to manually mark the payment as received. This has always been the case. How is eBay meant to know when money has landed in your account?

      • +1

        The Click and Send software/site sucks. It is slow and buggy. Even though you can import your items through eBay, this is hit and miss with what it imports (ie stuff you have already marked as sent and others don't show up) the other issue is that you need to look at how people have put their details, as it will import the info into the wrong boxes. Don't get me wrong, it is a good service, just not as effecient as it could be (bit like the BigW photo site)

        The other thing to know is that you can buy the satchels (and i would assume the boxes) from the australia post store on eBay (you can use paypal) and you don't need a $10 minimum order the Oz Post site. I generally get them in about 4 days.

  • REMEMBER GUYS - you don't need to post Click and Send at the post office… you can get them picked up.

    • +1

      Is that pickup a free service?

      • no, you have to pay extra for the courier to come and pick up the parcel from you.

  • A good step to making delivery and online purchasing in Australia cheaper. +1

  • +2

    This looks like its a new permanent thing… no time limit.. if so that's great! (Or am I missing something?)

    • Yes, as far as I can see, it is here to stay until further notice. No end date has been provided as yet by either eBay or AusPost.

  • Gumtree + pickup FTW.

  • What does the the label look like? does it have a barcode etc printed on it?

    I'm curious if they are saving money/making things more efficient by putting a barcode on the label. Big mailers get a discount on the mail they send if it is barcoded correctly.

    • +1

      It is a B5 size label that is printed out with the senders and receivers information, along with a barcode on the bottom right hand corner. I print them out on normal paper and stick them into the clear plastic sleeve. Saves writing anything out, and they send a courier to pick them up at no extra charge.

      The time it takes to use click and send (sometimes can be a bit slow), saves money, and a trip to the post office on lunch breaks when it's always busy.

      • PendulousGirl how do you get the free courier to collect the parcels paid through click and send? Everywhere I read it says "additional charges apply".

  • +1

    thanks for posting this! Wouldn't have known otherwise…prepaid satchels and parcel post cost way too much these days. Great to see some discounted rates! Sounds like it's a permanent thing too! Love the use of boxes too..much safer for items. Wish I could +100 for this!

    • Glad to have brought it to everyone's attention.. Im a fan of the boxes too for rigidity but used to avoid them where possible due to cubic weight calculations - but not any more now! re 100+ votes - haha I wish too! Thanks though :)

  • +3

    This is great, especially when shipping to/from WA.

    I tried to do a trial run of the click and send but did not come to any place where I could enter a box code. I selected that I would sign up later (there is a send now, sign up later option). I had to enter a box size and it came back to me with $25.

    I am hoping to use this next month when I go to the eastern states for a holiday. I'd like to be able to shop shop shop without excess bag fees.

    Can anyone tell me if I have to "sign up" to access this pricing?

    • +2

      Yes, you will need to sign up to click and send to avail of this discounted pricing - however sign up is free, quick and easy :)

      Once you sign in, on the right their is an "item details" pane, and inside that there is a field which says "If you have a product code, please enter here and press check to validate:" Once you enter the code in there, the flat discounted rates are automatically applied.

      The codes for each of the eBay/AusPost products are as follows:
      - 500g satchel: 39712
      - 3kg satchel: 39715
      - Small box (Bx1): 00069
      - Medium box (Bx2): 00076
      - Large box (Bx4): 00090

      • Thanks heaps.

  • +1

    It's a good price. I just visited AP's parcel calculator and entered the dimensions of the largest box - because of cubing the minimum it would normally cost is $17.05, with 14 to 15 kg being close to double the cost offered here. I usually avoid posting in boxes because of the cubing.

  • Does anyone know if you can use your own boxes?

    • +1

      You can use your own boxes with Click And Send.

      But you cannot use your own boxes for THIS particular pricing structure (which is flat rate for 15kg in AP boxes.

    • +1

      No, it has to be one of the 3 boxes I posted above. Those were the only ones that were negotiated in this deal, and they have to be AusPost boxes, not your own boxes of a similar size, which is fair enough as the cost of the box is more than adequately compensated for with the heavily discounted shipping.

  • Is there an ebay thread that discusses this further?

    I'm wondering how you use this for ebay and non ebay items - do you have to record an Item number or such? Or can you just pick up a box and use it?

    • You pick up a box and use it.

      If you use it for eBay items, you import the delivery addresses direct from My Ebay > Sold. It inserts the name, address, etc and also updates eBay with the tracking dretails.

      For non-eBay items, you type in the address manually.

      You can have AP send the recipient a tracking email if you like.

    • You may find one if you search on the eBay Community Forum.

      To answer your question, you can use this for both eBay and non-eBay items.

      All postage is paid via the AusPost Click and Send service. When you are placing an order using Click and Send, you have the option to associate your eBay account in order to make things easier for you - eg automatically fill out the buyer's details - however it is not compulsory, nor do you have to enter an eBay item number.

      All that is required to avail yourself of the flat rates is to enter the product code corresponding to the eBay/AusPost service you want to use below:
      - Small box (Bx1): 00069
      - Medium box (Bx2): 00076
      - Large box (Bx4): 00090
      - 500g satchel: 39712
      - 3kg satchel: 39715

  • -5

    In the UK, domestic shipping services are usually Free. Minimal charge for international deliveries.

    Fail Australia Post. Fail Australia.

    • +1

      UK has 60m+ people in the area the size of Vic… so it makes sense that post is cheaper, but its not FREE, the sender/retailer just doesn't charge you separately for it, but you can be sure Royal Mail charges the sender. I think its a great initiative of Aus Post to provide cheap flat rates to everyday people, not just the "professional" sellers.

    • +1

      Right, so the entire Postal Service in the UK are voluntary workers that simply do it out of love for the Queen…

      You can't seriously think this is a free service? Many Australian sellers also offer "Free Shipping" but there is ALWAYS a cost somewhere along the line.

    • -1

      Well go back home to Pommie-land then.
      Want a hand packing?
      Typical Pommie whinger.

  • This has been there for a while, nothing new.

    • +1

      Thanks, I just saw the email from eBay when I posted it. If you knew about it before wish you had let us know, I sent $90 worth of parcels last week and just worked out I could have saved myself $40 :(

      • You should make sure to read the ebay Announcements. This Flat Rate thing was announced almost 2 months ago…

        http://www2.ebay.com/aw/au/201107131853112.html

        Turn on the policy notifications and announcement emails in My Ebay > Communication Preferences.

  • +3

    Note that these Flat Rate boxes are not necessarily cheaper than using standard Australia Post services.

    For example, a normal Local Parcel (anything delivered within 50km) is only $8.35 for up to 20kg. A 500g parcel of ANY size is only $6.35 australia-wide.

    Many ebay sellers use the 3kg satchels for everything in the mistaken belief that they are the "cheapest". You need to research and understand how Parcel Rates work, and pick and choose between the services.

    • True, but if you are really tight and the parcel is "local" (ie less than 50km) you would probably just drive over and pocket postage as fuel money.

      • +2

        You're kidding, right? 50km in Sydney is a 2 to 3 hour round trip… to save yourself $8.35?

        Anyway, to drive 100km (50km both ways) in a 4 cylinder car takes (say) 8 litres of fuel. At $1.35 per litre, I think you need to do some maths about your "money saving" idea LOL

    • Personally, I have found the flat rate BX1 boxes great. At $6.50 for up to 15kg, you can't really beat it. Of course they are limited in size but for anything over 500g, these are by far the cheapest and most convenient option.

      I think for high volume sellers there has to be the right balance of cost vs. convenience. To stand in line to save $1.00 for some is not worth it.

      We do everything via pre-paid or click and send. This ranges from sending items as large letters, pre-paid Express/Express Platinum satchels and the eBay Satchels and Flat Rate Boxes through Click and Send.

      I also think the tracking is a huge plus. Not only are sellers better protected against fraudulent claims but there is the value added service provided to the customer that they can track their item.

  • good deal…comes in handy

  • wow this is good, hopefully it will reduce the scams(as in lost parcels)

  • +1 for 4(b) - you know us well.

  • +2

    Too bad AU Post couldn't see for itself that having COMPETITIVE shipping rates helps make AU more competitive.

    (Contrast to International shipping rates enjoyed by vendors in Hong Kong.)

    • +1

      +1, people can ship items from HK/China for a fraction of the postage cost I would have to pay to send the same item to the next suburb.

      • It's a quirk of the international mail system. "Developing" countries get very cheap international postage rates, nothing much AusPost can do about that.

        • What I think AusPost do about it is charge us at exhorbitant prices probably because they handle so many parcels from China (probably more than we even send to China, or even everywhere!)

          Bottom line: Aus Post is such a rip-off frankly I wouldn't be surprised if in a worldwide comparison of postage costs taking into account local living costs, Aus Post took the award for being the priciest. So this really is a good deal.

          Thanks OP :) (and eBay!)

  • Q: does anyone know if you can:

    1. pay for the postage using their "Click and Send" service online
    2. print out the flat rate label
    3. carry your goods in a bag to the post office
    4. buy the box and put your items in it
    5. stick the label and ship it off

    cuz it'd be easier than making 2 trips to the LPO (first to buy the box and then again to ship it)

    • +1

      yes, you just need to make sure the stuff fits in the correct box.

    • +2

      yes, as iSamurai said, you can do it in that order provided you know in advance which exact box size you will use, as you will need to enter the box code when paying for postage via click and send in order to avail these cheap flat rates. For your convenience, the 5 digit box codes are as follows:

      • Small box (Bx1): 00069
      • Medium box (Bx2): 00076
      • Large box (Bx4): 00090
  • I am heading over east for a holiday and want to send stuff back to Perth rather than lug it around. Does anyone know when you have to use the label? I was thinking of buying and printing two, bringing them along and it could be that I end up just using one. Would the second label expire at some stage? I go over east once or twice a year.

    • +1

      Ohh, good question re validity. I would assume that it would remain valid until lodgement is recorded, but rather than speculate, I suggest you contact AusPost's Click and Send Team for an official answer via 1300 662 710 or the web form found here: https://auspost.com.au/clickandsend/contact-us/index.asp

      • Thanks. You have been so helpful with providing the deal and the followup info. I am very excited. This is much cheaper than excess luggage.

  • Good deal, I only trade occasionally online and have been using these guys for a while now. They may not be the cheapest around but do provide great service.

  • I found a spare B2 box from an e-parcel I received a long time ago. I'm curious about the label printing - do I just use my cheap inkjet to print an A4 slip and affix it to the front of the box?

  • go ebay!!

  • Grrr, I'm trying to use this service to ship off a Bx2 sized box and I don't know what to enter in the "PRODUCT CODE" field and where I would find this on the box???
    I'm using a second hand Bx2 package but it won't matter right?
    It is trying to charge me $22 and I have the box already!

    • Used box is no problem, as long as you cover up the old address with the new label!

      Naughty boy didn't read that I have posted the codes already several times above :p here they are gain just for you

      5 digit box codes are as follows:
      Small box (Bx1): 00069
      Medium box (Bx2): 00076
      Large box (Bx4): 00090

      • You sir, are a gentleman! I honestly must have missed that crucial snippet of information.
        This was doing my head in, now I can send off this dear parcel of mine :)

  • Upvoted for gold bar joke.

  • But really, I'm an idiot. Went into AP today and purchased a bigger box for my next sell-off, mistakenly bought a "Bx3" thinking that it was the large equivalent size. Come home, turn on my PC and realise it is actually Bx4 that is eligible…Really confusing for consumers and the sales clerks had no knowledge of this. Will try and exchange the damn thing as it cost me $3 and is virtually useless apart from being a very expensive posting box!

    • facepalm Not again wolfie :P That was my first step in the instructions:

      1. Purchase the box from an Australia Post store in 1 of 3 allowable sizes (see table below).

      Anyway they should do a refund on it easily provided you haven't scribbled addresses etc all over it.

  • Prices for Bulk boxes - Its about 50% off maybe cheaper again 200 lots?

    100 x Bx1 boxes Credit Card $76.82
    100 x Bx2 boxes Credit Card $118.84
    100 x Bx4 boxes Credit Card $166.53

    The boxes are made in Australia as well !

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