Simple Delivery - how safe is it to go with eBay's recommendation? Feeling rather nervous...

[irt303]

Despite my reservations, I am currently listing an item for sale with Simple Delivery. I'm very nervous about it, and I haven't even completed the listing yet! But if I wait for eBay to significantly improve Simple Delivery (or make it optional, or abolish it entirely), I could spend the rest of my days in an awful limbo. I'm desperate to have a clear-out, and, unless I switch to another platform (which I'm reluctant to do), the reality is that I will have to engage with Simple Delivery whether I like it or not.

Anyway...

My packed item measures 42cm x 37cm x 13cm, and weighs about 2.97kg.

eBay's recommended option is 'Small parcel 45cm x 35cm x 16cm, up to 1kg'.

So my item is a couple of cm over one of the dimensions, and almost 2kg over the weight of eBay's recommendation.

A more appropriate option that appears in the listing is 'Medium parcel 61cm x 46cm x 46cm, up to 10kg'.

Is it totally safe for me to go with eBay's recommendation, or - since I am aware that one of the dimensions for 'Small parcel' is over the maximum, and that the weight is almost three times greater - should I select the 'Medium parcel' option?

I'm currently inclined to change from eBay's recommendation to the 'Medium parcel' option. It costs a few pounds more, which is a small sum in view of the price I'll be listing at (£399.99 including BPF). I'd happily pay the extra if I knew that doing so would prevent the problems that might occur if I went along with eBay's suggestion - but I also understand that problems can occur if you deviate from the recommendation!

I know it sounds like I've more or less answered my own question, but I'd welcome advice from sellers who have used Simple Delivery to send items that exceed the dimensions and/or weight in eBay's recommendation. Did you send with the recommended option nevertheless (and, if so, did this come back to bite you?), or did you select an option more appropriate to your item (and did doing so result in issues you wouldn't have had if you'd followed eBay's recommendation)?

I know from reading the forums that, in some cases, sellers have sent items using an eBay-recommended label which would normally (were it not for Simple Delivery's 'special conditions') be refused as not sufficently covering the size and/or weight of the item, but actually was accepted, saving them or the buyer money. But when it comes to my own item - considering the item value and my trepidation regarding Simple Delivery - I find myself in a crisis of confidence!

I've recently made my first listing and sale in ages, a DVD for under a tenner, which I was able to send with custom postage (yes! One more stamp used...). This has given me the confidence and motivation (I won't go so far as to say "enthusiasm") to list more, but the prospect of using Simple Delivery is daunting. Perhaps I should be starting with a much lower-priced item, but I do have my reasons.

P.S. I had considered not using the Simple Delivery label, and instead sending with RM Special Delivery, but I'm not sure if it's worth doing that, considering Simple Delivery insures against loss or damage in transit for up to £750. Other than requiring a signature on delivery (which itself can be a problem for buyers who are out at work or whatever when delivery is attempted), I can't see that it has any benefit over Simple Delivery. Is my understanding of this matter correct?

[irt303]

TL;DR version:

My packed item measures 42cm x 37cm x 13cm, and weighs about 2.97kg.

eBay's recommended option is 'Small parcel 45cm x 35cm x 16cm, up to 1kg'.

So my item is a couple of cm over one of the dimensions, and almost 2kg over the weight of eBay's recommendation.

A more appropriate option that appears in the listing is 'Medium parcel 61cm x 46cm x 46cm, up to 10kg'.

Is it totally safe for me to go with eBay's recommendation, or - since I am aware that one of the dimensions for 'Small parcel' is over the maximum, and that the weight is almost three times greater - should I select the 'Medium parcel' option?

[irt303]

When selecting a package size, a message reads: "Ensure the package is not heavier or larger than your size selection to avoid additional costs deducted from your account."

That's the bit that worries me!

The SD label price (for both 'Small parcel' and 'Medium parcel') has increased now that I've remembered to de-select Evri, but it's still within acceptable limits.

[jckl1957]

This is very easy to answer.

You know it is a medium parcel so choose medium parcel.

The buyer will pay the postage so no extra cost to you and you will know that the label will cover the size and weight of the item.

[irt303]

Thanks for the reply.

What confuses me is the fact that some sellers have gone with eBay's recommendation - even when it was under the size and/or weight of the actual packed item - and apparently not suffered any repercussions, despite the eBay message I pasted in post #3.

I sincerely hope that eBay's AI gets better at recommending suitable services, as - if there are indeed potential repercussions to choosing eBay's recommendation when a more suitable option is available - this is something that sellers could easily fall foul of, especially those who are uninformed or who are listing in a hurry (the latter isn't something I could ever be accused of!).

Better still, ditch the word 'Recommended' and just show the options. It's clear that sellers have to carefully check the packed item's size and weight anyway, since eBay's AI-determined recommendation is not always the appropriate option, so, in my view, displaying 'RECOMMENDED' in green text could mislead some sellers into choosing the wrong option; one could easily forgive a new or inexperienced seller for thinking that it really is the correct option and that eBay was 'encouraging' them to use it.

I should have mentioned that I'm listing as 'Seller pays' for postage, but I don't think that this changes the essence of your reply.

I shall do the 'right' thing, ignore eBay's incorrect and potentially problem-causing recommendation, and list as 'Medium parcel'.

Thanks again for your input.

[wendybing]

Most of the time I go with Ebays recommendation as it is usually correct. However if it is a large difference either in size/weight or both, I change it, just in case. However Ebay do state that provided you use their recommendation, there will not be any additional cost to you. 

There is no need to be nervous about SD - Ive used it since it started as it is similar to Vinted which Ive used for a couple of years. I have both Evri and RM selected to give the buyer the choice, most have selected Evri as its cheaper. Ive had no issues with payment, lost parcels, refusals at the PO, or any other problem since it came into force and I can drop both RM and Evri at the PO so no running around. In the 3 years Ive been using Vinted (only Evri on there) Ive had probably 4 lost parcels and no damaged in transit. You may want to consider using Evri especially now they can be sent to a parcelshop - again more choice for your buyers. I think from the forums, the issue on Ebay is with small parcels or very large parcels, which I dont have, but otherwise its fine and not the scary monster that most people have assumed. I hope that helps to allay your fears. Happy selling

[department28]

Those who like Simple Delivery, and have not encountered problems with it, would say 'go with what size has been recommended, it will be fine... if you change the recommended size and get it wrong, you won't be covered...'

But if you would rather err on the side of caution, and select what you know to be the correct size/weight for your item, there can be no risk at all of an 'underweight' parcel issue.

[edwardian-dreams]

If you CHOSE your OWN package size and weight you have to ensure this 

but eBay state if you chose their recommended size there will be no extra cost if eBay have got it wrong  , as long as your bigger or heavier parcel lies within the limits of what that carrier allows ie

ebay recommends 1kg small parcel, your parcel is medium 1-20kg 

thats ok to send 

if it was bigger than a medium or 20kg then you’d be charged as it’s bigger than the carrier allows  (if the post office took it that is)

so, yes you can send a heavier or bigger item than the recommended but if you feel morally it’s wrong then don’t , but I don’t see where morals come into it here

if you’re worried at all for any reason though and the postage is ok for you just chose the right size and enjoy your evening 

[thepillenwerfer]

Use e-Bay's recommended size.  Most things I've sent since the advent of Simple Delivery have been over weight/size and there have been no problems to me or the Buyer.

If you over-rule it and get it wrong you'll be charged the difference plus £1.  Of course if it's wrong in your (and the Buyer's) favour there's no reason to; the only time there'd be any point is if you were CERTAIN the item was lighter/smaller than the estimate.

[honeymonster007]

When you mention using RM special delivery it might be worth being aware that some valuables aren't covered by simple delivery like jewellery ect  

Simple Delivery | eBay

[edwardian-dreams]

I wonder why that is 

[sdrummond-uk]

Just to add what I have noticed now (changed a few weeks ago) when you go to print out you postage label and hover over package details it comes up with

"Avoid extra charges by keeping your package within the size limit selected at listing – up to 1 kg, 61 x 46 x 46 cm.

Larger or heavier packages will still be accepted by the carrier, as long as they’re within the maximum limit – up to 20.00 kg and 61 x 46 x 46 cm."

I read that as the carrier will accepted the parcel up to the max (as the label doesn't show any weight on it at all) but if go over the listed size you might be charged. So I have changed all my listing to the correct weight and sizes even if different to what ebay recommends. I have had no problems at all and have been using it for a while now.

[edwardian-dreams]

Avoid extra charges by keeping your package within the size limit selected at listing – up to 1 kg, 61 x 46 x 46 cm.

Larger or heavier packages will still be accepted by the carrier, as long as they’re within the maximum limit – up to 20.00 kg and 61 x 46 x 46 cm."

—- all that’s saying is keep within the max RM size limit ie medium parcel  as RM don’t do beyond that size 

[irt303]

Hi Wendy, thanks for that lovely reply. I appreciate your encouragement and your account of your own experiences. I won't launch into yet another post about the pros and cons of Simple Delivery, but will limit myself to saying that it does have some good points, but it also has plenty of bad ones, and I really wish it were optional rather than compulsory.

"However Ebay do state that provided you use their recommendation, there will not be any additional cost to you."

(Could you post a link to where it says that?)

But, as the same time, they also say: ""Ensure the package is not heavier or larger than your size selection to avoid additional costs deducted from your account."

eBay's communications are often vague or inadequate, but this is just plain self-contradictory! That contradiction is the reason for my post, I just can't get my head around it.

As for Evri, I appreciate that you and others have had few, if any, issues with them, but I think I'll leave them de-selected. I've read too many horror stories about them, and have had issues with them myself. To be fair, I've had my share of issues with RM as well, but I've sent and received far more packages with them than I have with Evri. I probably need to step out of my comfort zone, but I just feel 'safer' using RM. I may consider Evri in future for less expensive items.

I'll be paying for postage myself, so the higher price will be a complete non-issue for the buyer.

When listing, I always try to place myself in a potential buyer's shoes, but that's practically impossible considering how different we all are, so it ends up being more a case of 'What would I, as a fan/collector etc. of the kind of item I'm selling, want?'. You could drive yourself mad trying to gauge what somebody completely unknown to you would like! As a collector of the kind of things I sell (or will be selling), I'm very focussed on item condition and good packaging, and I assume (correctly, I think) that most of my potential buyers share that mindset. Admittedly, we can get a bit too precious and an**ly retententive at times - "Aaargh, there's a 2mm ding on my slipcover - my world has ended!"

Sorry, it looks like I've gone off on another tangent, but I was expanding on your comment about giving the buyer options. As always, it's a matter of trying to find a happy balance. If I were buying my item, I would sacrifice the option of being able to collect from an Evri Parcelshop (for example) in favour of having the item delivered by a company that I had more trust in. Potential buyers may feel entirely differently, but I'm not a mind-reader, so I just go by my own instincts and attitudes as a collector.

Thanks again for replying, it's a breath of fresh air to read a positive post amongst all the doom 'n' gloom (and yes, I hold my hands up as being someone who has contributed to that!).

[sdrummond-uk]

"Avoid extra charges by keeping your package within the size limit selected at listing – up to 1 kg, 61 x 46 x 46 cm."

This bit changes depending on what is picked on the listing if 2kg small parcel selected then it says

"Avoid extra charges by keeping your package within the size limit selected at listing – up to 2 kg, 46 x 46 x 35 cm."

It didn't till a few weeks ago it only mentioned larger or heavier than the max for the courier.

[irt303]

Thanks for that!

It's probably abundantly clear that I'm the type who would rather err on the side of caution (I'd rather not err at all, but it's a bit too late for that!).

Yes, I know the right size and weight. eBay has some kind of 'learning' algorithm, whereas I have a brain, eyes, a tape measure and scales.

On size alone, I could possibly get away with 'Small parcel' as one of the dimensions is just a couple of cm over (I don't know how rigorously these limits are enforced), but as for weight, well, 2.97kg is nearly three times as much as 1kg, so...

I just wish eBay would clarify all this and remove that infuriating self-contradiction. I ought to tag one of the Community Team and see what they say about it.

[edwardian-dreams]

It says it here

[edwardian-dreams]

The reference of the weight is only because that is what was picked presumably on their recommendation? 
end of the day if they recommend a size and you pick it an your parcel is overweight or oversized (in max of 20k and medium parcel size)  they say they will cover the cost 

if you pick a different size and weight than their recommendation that warning might come up I’ve never seen it come up for picking recommended size

oh the joys of flipping simple delivery 👿

[wendybing]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sellercentre/postage/simple-delivery

This is the link - scroll down to FAQs - can I change the recommended parcel size?

[irt303]

Hi there.

From what you say, I could use 'Small parcel'. Other responses suggest otherwise, but that's understandable given that eBay itself is issuing contradictory statements. I'm marking posts as helpful regardless, as I appreciate people taking time to reply.

I know that some people, even now, are having problems with certain Post Offices refusing 'underpaid' labels. Fortunately, the one I use is onboard with Simple Delivery, so I don't anticipate problems in that respect.

Like you say, morals don't really come into it (apart from how I or a buyer might be affected by a choice I make). If eBay state that they will accept responsibility if they mess up, then they go ahead and mess up, that's their lookout, quite frankly.

Nevertheless, I want to do 'the right thing' for my sake and for my buyer's sake. Anything I can do now to prevent problems down the line is worth it, even if it costs me a few quid more.

Enjoy your evening too. Looks like I'm going to be spending mine replying to posts on this thread (well, I did ask for it)!