Before listing an item

• Weigh and measure the package - this will help you and buyers calculate the postage cost. Learn more
• Determine if it can be sent for a fixed price - the charge for smaller items (under 500g) or items that will fit into prepaid satchels/envelopes does not depend on distance with Australia Post. Learn more
• Decide if you will include insurance - highly recommended to avoid any disputes should the item be lost.
• Work out what the final postage cost will be if possible - by providing an actual postage cost in your listing you can encourage buyers to place a bid or buy your item as they will know the exact cost. Learn more

Packaging tips

• Ensure the size of the packaging is relevant to the content. Under-filled boxes may collapse and over-filled may burst.
• Use suitable protection materials (bubble wrap, foam, scrunched up paper etc) to surround the item.
• Use a sturdy carton. A carton may be handled approximately 8 times on a trip so it's always best to use a quality carton.
• Use strapping for heavy items or strong tape if strapping is not available.
• Clearly write the address in uppercase letters.

Dangerous goods and items that cannot be sent

• Some items cannot be posted and may have to be picked up only.
• Check with your postal or courier service that you can actually send the item.
• It is forbidden by Australian Aviation Law to carry any dangerous goods by air.
• For example, Perfume can only be sent by road. Australia Post can carry dangerous goods known as Consumer Quantities but only when accepted on individual contract and the articles specifically marked and documented for carriage by road.

Choosing a postal or courier service

• Compare the costs of different postal or courier services.
• Compare the delivery time frames and different services offered.
• Find out if you can buy prepaid envelopes, satchels and services in bulk to save costs.
• Decide if you would want to have items picked up (door to door service) by your postal or courier service. This will save you time.
• Find out if they provide a "signature on delivery" service.
• Ask if they will insure the goods for loss or damage in transit.

Postal and courier services