Simple Delivery workaround method and question

[uksubsconflict]

Hi all — quick question for anyone selling high-value items in the UK.

So after a few years away from Ebay I’ve come back to find they have imposed this “Simple Delivery” postage on Private sellers, needless to say I am extremely displeased about this, as I’m sure many others are.

I do know quite a few people have worked around it with some variation of the following:

By printing/generating their prepaid label and not using it, then posting via Royal Mail Special Delivery (or whatever their preferred means is) and manually uploading your own tracking in Order Details.

Just checking if anyone’s done this recently (October 2025) and confirmed:

• eBay still lets you upload your own SD tracking number?
• Buyer automatically gets refunded the unused Simple Delivery label after 30 days?
• No problems marking item as dispatched?

I’m selling a camera worth around £500-£600 and only trust Royal Mail Special Delivery for full tracking + insurance, so want to be sure the workaround still works before listing.

Ane one related thing, I understand that using this method of editing the tracking number should pay out 48 hours after delivery has been confirmed, is this still the case or do you need to wait the 14 days?

Thanks in advance — any fresh confirmation much appreciated!

[**peaseblossom**]

Simple Delivery covers sellers for loss or damage in transit for up to £750.   Buyer has to open the correct case, ie. a "not received" case for loss, or a return using the reason "Item damaged".

Sellers can opt out of SD for items over £750.   Or if the item is sent using the wrong label, one bought outside the SD system you can mark the item as dispatched by opening the original SD label.    Add the new tracking number via View Order Details > Postage > Track Package > dropdown arrow > Add Tracking on a desktop browser.

If seller paid for the original label you can cancel it here:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/claims/simple-delivery/refund/seller
Or if the buyer paid for it it will be automatically refunded to them in 30 days.

Here's info on receiving payments:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/selling/getting-paid/payouts-work-managed-payments-sellers?id=4814&st=3&...

[uksubsconflict]

I know all of that- but a few other people have identified that the compensation isn't as clear cut as that, so for my first listing in a few years I'm not willing to take any risks as Special Delivery is the method I always used under the old system, and for any valuable item I will not use any other method, a few other people have made it clear they feel the same.

But yes, that is what I read about changing the tracking number thanks for confirming.

What I want to hear from is people who have done what I've described recently and easily, my listing is almost ready to go.

[department28]

'Buyer automatically gets refunded the unused Simple Delivery label after 30 days?'

Yes, the buyer will get an automatic refund if the buyer has paid for the postage - obviously, you will end up paying for two postages unless you offer free postage and apply for a refund, if you don't intend to use the Simple Delivery label.