eBay

brookavenue · ‎10-08-2025

The last three items I sold (about eight months ago) were all flagged by Packlink as being over the declared weight. After the first incident, I started photographing the parcels on the scales. This meant I was able to appeal the second and third claims successfully, and the charges were overturned.

After that, I decided to take a break from eBay. I’ve just returned to the forums and discovered that Simple Delivery is now compulsory. I’ve searched and found plenty of discussions, but I’m still unsure whether there’s a way around it. I certainly don't want to be taking pictures of all items on scales etc before I send them.

I’ve attached a screenshot of the postage option I’ve selected for a draft listing. Can you tell me if this will allow me to buy postage directly from the Royal Mail website, or will it still force me to use Packlink/Simple Delivery when the item sells? If the latter, can anyone give me an idiot's guide to sending a book, DVD or clothing without using it?

Apologies if the answer seems obvious — I’ve been through chemotherapy recently and, although I’ve been selling on eBay for over 20 years, I’m finding it hard to cut through the brain fog to get a clear answer.

suelel1968 · ‎10-08-2025

With what you've been through @brookavenue I'm not sure eBay is the correct place for you right now. Good luck and best wishes to you though.

It depends what you are selling really. If it is a CD it can go large letter on custom delivery via RM. If its a dress, it will be probably small parcel.

If you put Simple Delivery in the help bar the details are there. The forums are just full of complaints and anomalies which will blow your mind for sure.

SD is pretty much the wild west at the moment, just when you think you know what will happen someone pops up and says th opposite actuslly happened in reality. Best advice weigh your items first and add some for packaging.

Looks like you have selected to pay the courier cost yourself on custom delivery with 2 day turnaround. You can increase that to 3 which would allow you to post Mondays and Thursdays. The lable could be bought from RM directly. If on SD the label is sent to you and courier option is selected by the buyer.

If you want to experiment a little select to sell a necklace as this will say exempt from SD.

style_wise · ‎10-08-2025

Welcome back. As a Private Seller in your listing process under 'Domestic Postage' you will mostly see Simple Delivery as your postage option. Sometimes you will see Custom postage next to it, so you can choose that when available - for some categories as well as some Large Letter items under 100g and under £10 price.

In your Account Settings you can choose either Royal Mail or EVRI (or both) for your Simple Delivery carrier.

Please don't be afraid of SD. Overall it is easier in many ways. Best of which if the item is damaged in transit or not delivered then eBay refunds your buyer and you don't lose any money. They also protect your account from Negative or Neutral Feedback when there are delivery problems.

Good luck with your selling!

brookavenue · ‎10-08-2025

Thank you for this. Do I need to take photos of my item on the scale along with measurements etc though as I had to with the rubbish pack link who kept trying to insist (wrongly) that my items were over the declared weight?
Sent from my iPhone

lucy_farmer · ‎11-08-2025

'.....with the rubbish pack link who kept trying to insist (wrongly) that my items were over the declared weight?'

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Nope , 'the rubbish pack link' fortunately have nothing to do with Simple Delivery 😁

brookavenue · ‎11-08-2025

Brilliant, that’s a relief. Thank you!
Sent from my iPhone

retroman303 · ‎11-08-2025

Simple Delivery seems to be in constant flux at the moment, but I just wanted to let you know (in case you wanted to advise someone else) that eBay have done away with that 100g limit you mentioned - at least in some cases (possibly tied to item category).

I recently sold a DVD priced under £10. It was Large Letter Size, and weighed over 100g when packed, but I was still able to send with custom postage.

All the rest of your helpful advice was spot on (until and unless eBay decide to change things yet again). I'm finding it a real struggle trying to keep abreast of it all.

retroman303 · ‎11-08-2025

Just wanted to wish you all the best for your recovery and for your future selling.

Do come back to these forums if you have issues or questions. Even some experienced sellers are struggling to get to grips with Simple Delivery, but there are lots of friendly and knowledgeable members here who will do their best to help and advise. By and large, it's a far more reliable and accurate resource than eBay's own customer service department!