Returning an item

[amymirrors]

I am going to return an item.

I have received 3 options from ebay re return postage ;

Royal Mail scheduled collection - requires a printer which I don't have.

Royal Mail drop-off: the drop-off options are either too far away or don't appear to exist -the post codes /address provided are not drop-off points from what I can see. There are only ordinary letter boxes of the usual sort/size and will not accommodate the parcel I am returning.  

Parcel Force drop-off: more expensive than Royal Mail special delivery plus I need a printer which I don't have. 

My preference is to send it by RM tracked or special delivery from my local PO. If I do this however, how will it trigger a refund as it won't be within the ebay system ?  cheers

[**peaseblossom**]

You can use your own post office for the drop-off.    Show them the return QR code on your phone and they will print the label for you.    

[amymirrors]

Ok thats what I want to know. I am a bit concerned however, about the postage because its a large-ish, expensive, fragile item and I'm worried about it going missing or getting damaged.  If it gets lost, am I to assume that it is covered by the QR code despite the fact that it is a restricted item and the postage cost is very low ? £3 odd and it  will need a D5 label (restricted item label). 

[amymirrors]

I should add -  RM will not cover items that are restricted which go missing or are damaged.  I know because I posted a restricted item in Oct that never arrived and they wouldnt compensate me. It was properly addressed, packaged and labelled - all done by the book - and they wouldnt cover it. This is why I am concerned about proper insurance for an item in excess of £100.

[**peaseblossom**]

As long you use the ebay label/QR code you would normally be covered.    Was it restricted to sell on ebay or to post?

[amymirrors]

To post  - which just means there are certain things you have to do before sending it i.e. special labelling, scanning and disclosure. 

[tobiasd4]

What is the item?

[amymirrors]

It is a gift set of fragrance and body lotion. I paid £150 for it.

[tobiasd4]

Why does it need special labeling?

As long as it is new and In original box, RM will accept it.

[amymirrors]

Because fragrance is a Restricted item - aerosols, nail varnish and perfumes are considered dangerous goods under transport legislation. You can post them as long as you observe the conditions of carriage. When you go to the PO, they ask what's inside and you tell them its perfume, you have to confirm that : 

• Volume per item must not exceed 150ml. 
• No more than four items in any one parcel. 
• Must be sent in its original retail packaging, placed in strong outer packaging and cushioned to prevent breakage. 
• An ID8000 label must be applied  
• The sender's name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging. 
• These items must be presented at and can only be sent via a Post Office® counter or Royal Mail Shop.

if it doesn't have the label declaring its a restricted item, RM reserve the right to dispose of it in any way they see fit, which usually means they destroy it.  Even when Ive put labels on, things have still gone missing, probably destroyed and you cant claim comp for it. I know other sellers have experienced the same thing. I think RM have unofficially adopted a policy that even if something has a label on and its not sent tracked or special delivery, they will suspect it. Hence I am wary of selling or buying certain things unless they are sent tracked and all belt and braces.. 

[amymirrors]

Ebay simple delivery labels do not have the ID8000 label on for items that are restricted. I don't know why that is the case; there must be some arrangement with RM but who knows. The whole business of posting and courier services has become a bit of a nightmare for all sorts of reasons... 

[tobiasd4]

Id8000 labels are not necessary for cosmetics/perfume. 

I don't know where you saw this.

[61stephenuk · Accepted solution]

The Post Office can print the return label from your QR code as previously advised, they will also supply the ID8000 label for restricted items.

[amymirrors]

They ARE necessary - the above is taken straight from the RM website under 'restricted items'. Quote "Restricted items may be sent in the post, but restrictions will apply.  These conditions must be met when posting both within the UK and Internationally."  There is a whole list of items and the requirements for posting. I cant post the link obvs.  Aside from which, when the PO asks you what your parcel contains and you tell them perfume/cosmetics, they scan a bar code for restricted items and apply a ID8000 label. Ive been selling for decades so I am familiar with the rules.

[amymirrors]

Ok thanks. Hopefully that is the case.