Courier reported parcel heavier: Simple Delivery Label

[kyanyama]

Yesterday I received an email from eBay stating 'the courier had reported me for a parcel that was heavier than the label used' (Simple Delivery).

I checked the weight prior to listing and thought the packaging wouldn't take it over weight.  I was wrong!  So I get this message stating I should ensure the parcel I post is in the weight / size band I tick prior to packaging and they would 'cover' me 'on this occasion'.

But how do you purchase the correct price label after item is purchased if the parcel packaged weight turns out more than that chosen on listing it or more items are added for combined postage?  I asked the chat human 'bean' but he couldn't advise.  I said when I had something like this before I would just pay extra at the Post Office counter but with Simples Delivery that isn't possible.

Anyone know?

[**peaseblossom**]

It's best to cancel the transaction with buyer's agreement and relist with correct postage.   When listing in the first place if possible parcel the item so you know the exact weight.

[style_wise]

For single items, you calculate the packed weight and enter it. Someone else posted about multiple items combined by eBay where the Simple Delivery label was insufficient for combined weight. They requested a Callback and CS provided them with a second label to use (split the combined order into two packages).

[department28]

'When listing in the first place if possible parcel the item so you know the exact weight.'

Yes - for some items, it can be difficult to know exactly how much packaging you will need until you actually pack the item. If you don't want to pack in advance, all you can do is be on the safe side & overestimate, rather than have to worry about the parcel being overweight.

Not all buyers take kindly to a transaction being cancelled & refunded - they may decide not to repurchase.

This postage pitfall was brought to you courtesy of Simple Delivery... 🤖

[sml192]

Was it just over the relevant weight band for the selected label size or actually over the maximum weight permitted by the carrier for the service (15Kg for Evri and 20Kg for Royal Mail) and did you use eBay’s recommended size when listing or select your own?

Ebay states in their terms that if you use their recommended parcel size when listing that there won't be any additional charges if the item exceeds the weight and dimensions of the label.  The same should also apply when eBay provides a combined postage label.  If, however, you select a different parcel size when listing then eBay does reserve the right to charge extra if the item is found to be underdeclared. 

So provided you use the parcel size recommended by eBay, and it doesn't exceed the overall maximum weight and dimensions permitted by the carrier for the service, then there shouldn't really be any need to cancel the sale and relist. 

Ebay does also sometimes provide the option to adjust the label size before  generating the label.  Only seems to be available on certain devices/platforms though, such as the Android mobile website.

There definitely shouldn't be any need to actually package items before listing.  You really just need to weigh and measure the item and see if it is anywhere near any of the cut off points.

Out of interest, which carrier was it?

[kyanyama]

Thanks to all who have replied.  Don't think cancelling a sale will make a happy customer - and they may not understand the reason either.  And may not re-purchase!  And can't remember if cancelling results in a defect - need to swot up on those things again.

The item was over the weight not size.  I just underestimated the amount of packaging.  And I can't package before a sale - just a waste of time cos it may not sell and I may end up giving it away.  And as it's been relisted several times I really can't remember eBay's suggested label as I could have listed it several months previously!

And I really don't want to pay for a more expensive label then discover I've wasted my money cos it was lighter.

Really a bit of a pickle!  Have managed so far with Simples Delivery until now.  Since I don't seem to be able to change the label after purchase I will have to pack up the dodgy ones prior to listing.  What a nuisance!

[finchy-807928]

It is a nuisance. If the postman brings a label, take it from him. That's my advice.

There needs to be a "DO NOT BRING MY LABEL" option on the website when purchasing labels. Just as it is on the Royal Mail website. This needs to be implemented quickly. Otherwise, it's just more reasons for NOT Simple Delivery to suck.