http://www.smh.com.au/queensland/john-birmingham-australia-p…
Charge increases by $3 each week after initial 5 days of receving card.
Just a reminder for people to be careful to avoid charges.
Australia Post would start charging up to $9 for parcel pick up after 16 days
Ash-Say on 03/05/2016 - 08:24
Last edited 04/05/2016 - 15:36 by 2 other users
Last edited 04/05/2016 - 15:36 by 2 other users
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Opps sorry -my bad. I missed the 5 day statement.
Post has been updated.
have not*
lol pol
It is worse than this. 92% of undelivered parcels sent back to the Oz Post Office are picked up within 5 business days, leaving 8% not picked up. Instead of choosing a 95% or 98% break point, they chose a break point that means almost 10% of customers will be charged: http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/other-industries/aus…
They've also previously claimed they want to eliminate those "we missed you" cards in your letterbox by this Christmas. If this was true, then there is no need for this $9 customer gouge because there should be no parcels to pick up from your local Oz Post Office or franchise: http://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/australia-post-wants-d…
So Ahmed Fahour's left hand isn't talking to his right hand!!
How does aiming to deliver parcels the first time round contradict anything in this article? Not least because their target is to get above 90% delivered first time, which means they'd still be parcels at the depot.
The media have been going on and on about this beat-up of a story pointlessly.
You only pay for collecting the parcel if you pick it up more than 5 days after the attempted delivery. And fair enough actually, because there are plenty of people who would be taking advantage of this holding system, possibly leaving the parcel there for days and days.
A number of AP outlets are open on weekends now, plus there are parcel lockers that are open 24 hours a day. Or if you can, have it delivered to a neighbour or your workplace.
Customers have to pay for mail holding services, so it also makes sense to charge people to have a parcel holding service.
If you are not organised enough to collect your parcel within 5 business days or not organised enough to have your parcel delivered to somewhere where you can easily obtain it, perhaps you should look at another form of parcel delivery such as horse-drawn cart or carrier pigeon.
Or if you can, have it delivered to a neighbour or your workplace
If only it was that easy for me. I organised for an item to be delivered to work. Only found out about when the local PO called saying that it was about to be returned to sender.
Turned out the postie that had it took it straight from the distribution center to the PO and put the wrong sticker on it.
That's the Postie's fault there. I wouldn't be blaming the system necessarily for that, because a system run by people for people is bound to be imperfect at times.
Oh, it is definitely the posties fault. But if they had turned around and told me it would be $9 to collect, I would have been pretty blunt in my response.
$9 to collect
Only after the article has been awaiting collection for five days or ten with mypost
@whooah1979: I understand that. As per my post, I got a call saying they were about to return to sender as they believe it had extended it's terms for being stored there. With this new procedure in place, chances are she would've have dropped the $9 bomb.
Or if you can, have it delivered to a neighbour or your workplace
Imagine your boss handing you those hundred condoms you ordered from that ozbargain deal
haha. Awesome.
@tomsco:
Or it could be the little old lady next door "handing you those hundred condoms you ordered from that ozbargain deal" …@maxi: Or it could be the little old lady next door "handing you those hundred condoms you ordered from that ozbargain deal" …with a big grin,a glint in the eye and an above-the-knee skirt.
So its OUR fault cause we got a parcel sent to our homes that needs to be signed for and Auspost has to hold onto it until we can pick it up?
The only parcels that are carded are ones requiring a signature, otherwise the parcel is left at the home. So your idea of using a parcel locker doesn't work, as parcels needing a signature can't be accepted by parcel lockers and are bounced to the PO for pickup, see the T&C.
Also Parcel lockers only work if you know its being delivered via auspost. Ordering from overseas, can be hit and miss as to who does the final leg in Australia, and only auspost can use parcel lockers.
Most people can't get to a post office during the week, if you work 9-5, you can only go on a Saturday. Does a parcel with missed delivery on Monday, count as 6 days storage if picked up Saturday?
How about Auspost extends its trading hours from 8am till 8pm every day. Then there would be NO problem with pickups or having to store parcels. You think 'customers' like having to wait to get the parcel?
I myself work 45mins travel from home. To be 'organised' and pickup within 5 days like you say, I'll have to either be late to work, or leave early or be disorganised and let it sit for pick up on a Saturday.
You do know Auspost has been PAID to deliver this item, and if holding onto it for a few days is part of that, then so be it.
Auspost is just trying to nickel and dime everyone.
So its OUR fault cause we got a parcel sent to our homes that needs to be signed for and Auspost has to hold onto it until we can pick it up?
Nope, nobody's saying it's your fault for not being at home when the parcel is delivered. It is your fault though if you cannot pick it up within a week's time.
Also Parcel lockers only work if you know its being delivered via auspost. Ordering from overseas, can be hit and miss as to who does the final leg in Australia, and only auspost can use parcel lockers.
Understandably, if the parcel is not routed via the AP network then parcel lockers wouldn't be of any use, but accordingly it won't be held at an AP outlet and, on the topic of this thread, you wouldn't be charged for its custody with the courier (which would have its own Terms of Use).
Most people can't get to a post office during the week, if you work 9-5, you can only go on a Saturday. Does a parcel with missed delivery on Monday, count as 6 days storage if picked up Saturday?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do remember seeing somewhere that the new policy was for 5 business days. I might be wrong though, but it seems to ring a bell. So a Saturday pick up would still be within the free 5-day period.
How about Auspost extends its trading hours from 8am till 8pm every day. Then there would be NO problem with pickups or having to store parcels. You think 'customers' like having to wait to get the parcel?
I have always wanted AP to be open earlier and later than they are, but unfortunately I'm not holding my breath for anything like that to eventuate in this lifetime.
I myself work 45mins travel from home. To be 'organised' and pickup within 5 days like you say, I'll have to either be late to work, or leave early or be disorganised and let it sit for pick up on a Saturday.
Sadly, yes.
You do know Auspost has been PAID to deliver this item, and if holding onto it for a few days is part of that, then so be it.
This is only my 2c, but I think this policy would be a fantastic idea if the holding time was extended to 10 business days. Let's be honest, if you cannot pick up a parcel within two weeks then it's probably not important enough to be picked up.
Auspost is just trying to nickel and dime everyone.
Certainly, but no doubt there are some out there who would be misusing the system by perhaps delaying their pickups if they are expecting multiple consignments to avoid multiple trip to AP.
The only parcels that are carded are ones requiring a signature, otherwise the parcel is left at the home. So your idea of using a parcel locker doesn't work, as parcels needing a signature can't be accepted by parcel lockers and are bounced to the PO for pickup, see the T&C.
Uhh, no?
"3.2 No signature. By using the Parcel Locker Service, you agree that notwithstanding any specific term in the Australia Post Terms and Conditions, we will not obtain or require your signature on delivery of your parcel. The entry of your MyPost Account Number (or the required portion of it) and the unique access code for that delivery will be evidence of your acceptance, and our delivery, of that parcel."I've never once had a parcel bounce back out of a parcel locker. As i'm in a building, any parcel that can't fit through my letterbox slot is instead sent to the PO and always requires a signature anyway (Where i don't use a parcel locker instead of course)
Where proof of identity or parcels requiring recipients ID are needed, these cannot be sent to parcel lockers. I can't confirm how it works though.
What happens if you order something online or get a delivery while you are overseas or interstate? 5 days seems too short a period.
If you are away from your address, you should be either arranging for your mail to be held by AP, or arranging someone to collect your mail in your absence.
If you've arranged a mail hold with AP, that will cover your parcels too. If those parcels are held using a mail hold service, you shouldn't have to pay the $9/wk holding charge.
If you've instead arranged for someone to collect your mail for you, well then your scope is rather limited.
If you're expecting a parcel and can't pick it up for whatever reason (overseas, work, etc), you need to organise another method of delivery. Either call customer service and ask them to contact the post office that has your article and put it on hold until you return or authorise someone else to pick up your parcel on your behalf. If you get the little card in the mail, usually at the back there's an authorisation section you fill in. Your agent (the person picking up the parcel on your behalf) brings that card and their own photo ID. If you don't have the card, write a letter saying something like 'I, addressee name, authorise agent name to pick up my parcel on my behalf'. You sign and print your name below. Some post offices like your photo ID photocopied that your agent has to bring, some don't. Best to double check with your local post office. Again the agent must always bring their ID.
Just keep in mind there are some parcels that MUST be picked up by you. This depends on the sender. When the sender uses that option, there's no way the post office can give it to anyone else.
I've had to pick up one of these for someone else before though and PO refused. I explained they were overseas and PO advised to get the person to send me a copy of drivers license with hand written letter saying I could collect. Got it emailed to me and the PO let me have the package after that.
My PO is only open during office hours and isn't open on weekends so within 5 days can be difficult.
Use parcel lockers, they are free.
I am making an assumption here, but if you work in the CBD (or any largely commercial area), there usually is a parcel locker near your place of work. Collect your parcels on your way back from work or during your lunch break.And what about items that need a signature?
@Circly: "3.2 No signature. By using the Parcel Locker Service, you agree that notwithstanding any specific term in the Australia Post Terms and Conditions, we will not obtain or require your signature on delivery of your parcel. The entry of your MyPost Account Number (or the required portion of it) and the unique access code for that delivery will be evidence of your acceptance, and our delivery, of that parcel."
I've never once had a parcel bounce back out of a parcel locker. As i'm in a building, any parcel that can't fit through my letterbox slot is instead sent to the PO and always requires a signature anyway (Where i don't use a parcel locker instead of course)
Where proof of identity or parcels requiring recipients ID are needed, these cannot be sent to parcel lockers. I can't confirm how it works though.
Title here is a little misleading, so is the article on smh. The entire article only mentions "five days" just once, not even in the main content but in the video description/text under the video, which I initially missed. The words "five days" should have been emphasied as much as "charging $9 for pick up".
Tabloid journalism does not involve common sense. The titles will only be sensationalised to the point that they capture the attention of readers, whilst still being true.
I stopped reading SMH/Age ages ago. I am sure all papers do it but these 2 papers pathologically like to sensationalise things to the point of misleading.
Another example was in relation to "Big Company Pay No Tax", only to find inside the article it may be due to carry forward tax losses or current year tax losses or very little profit. Their focus was on revenue per se.
Also there is news about Australia post making lost is $221M last year.
They should just doing postal business and not selling gadgets computers books with high pricesAlso there is news about Australia post making lost is $221M last year.
The main reason for this loss is the declining letter service volume.
They should just doing postal business and not selling gadgets computers books with high prices
The sale of widgets, gadgets, and trinkets are actually helping ap to reduce the loss.
The sale of widgets, gadgets, and trinkets are actually helping ap to reduce the loss.
maybe if they can sell them. maybe not, if the price is actually way too expensive so it will just create unsold stocks, inventory cost, marketing cost, and less sales ie more loss. just like dick smith
They put things on sale often enough to have a level of competitiveness, and also due to having many locations there is also a "convenience" factor of it. I think that they are doing pretty well with the value added services. They would have sunk a long time ago if they didn't take retail advantage of their huge network of stores.
@The Land of Smeg: probably you are right. But Without more detail financial report we wouldnt know.
@eisniwre: Ahh the beauty of Government-owned corporations. Just as (profanity) up for transparency as the NBN.
The article on News.com.au says it will be $3 after 5 days increasing $3 after each consecutive 5 days to a max amount of $9. http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/australia-post-to-be…
Such a click bait piece, smh or buzz feed…..
If only we could charge them for not delivering the item in the first place.
wish i can give more than 1+ vote for a good comment
Here's a more factual article.
http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-02/australia-post-to-c…
Sign up for a parcel locker if available in your area, I'll never put up with carding posties again.
Parcel locker is no good. Parcels that are carded are only done so as they required a signature. Parcel lockers don't accept goods that require a signature, and instead bump these to the PO for pickup anyhow.
See section 7 of the T&C http://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/terms-and-conditions-po-b…
- Signature on delivery parcels
Parcels larger than the largest available 24/7 PO Box Parcel Locker, parcels containing wine or parcels that require a signature on delivery are not eligible for the Service.
These difficulties are surmountable.
Large articles just need larger lockers until only a small fraction are not catered for. I got a breadmaker the other day.
Signatures: Dome of us have received plastic cards. At the moment they are just reminders of the customer number but some day presenting the card and a PIN may be equivalent to a signature, like for CCs and DCs.
Alcohol is still restricted but online wine shops have their couriers anyway.
You missed my point, which was carded items require a signature and as of today, these can't be accepted by parcel lockers today. In the future that maybe a different thing, but we're not talking that.
@Level380: I know the current state but things can change quickly. In any case there is no downside to having a MyPost account, you are no worse off and you get a longer grace period. Lots of professions are going the way of the dodo in the next 10-20 years and postie is probably one.
@Level380: Actually signature items CAN be put in the locker. I know because I have put them there myself.. Even AAE's/StarTrack. I haven't experienced a parcel that couldn't be put in the locker only because it requires signature.
You're looking at the wrong terms and conditions. "24/7 PO Box parcel locker" and "24/7 Parcel Locker" are two different services.
Check the link below for the correct terms and conditions for the parcel locker I believe @greenpossum is speaking of. I have signature required items delivered there all the time.
http://auspost.com.au/mypost-deliveries-terms-of-use.html
Item 3 states,
"By using the Parcel Locker Service, you agree that notwithstanding any specific term in the Australia Post Terms and Conditions, we will not obtain or require your signature on delivery of your parcel. The entry of your MyPost Account Number (or the required portion of it) and the unique access code for that delivery will be evidence of your acceptance, and our delivery, of that parcel."
What seems to have gone unnoticed is the carrot and stick to sign up for MyPost. I can't see the job of postie (salaried and contracted) lasting more than 10 years in the face of automation and people costs. I think more parcel lockers (more locations please) and drones will be in our future.
I wouldn't have a problem with it if they weren't so broadly incompetent in delivering parcels in the first place and Parcel Lockers (while I try to use them if I can) don't quite cut it because you don't always know if the parcel you receive will be within "parcel" dimensions or a bit under or if the sender will use the Auspost network, or if Auspost will start charging for the service in the future even though it saves money. Also I have had items kept behind in the post office when it should be in a Locker because it was too big or they ran out of room, and didn't bother to notify me to pick it up - so the Parcel Locker system needs a bit of work.
Just before the tiered pricing system started, I ordered three items online on the same day. The one from Hong Kong arrived within three days, the one from Interstate took a week and the one from my home town took a fortnight. They had all been despatched by the suppliers within 24 hours of each other and could be tracked. one parcel was delivered by Australia post and the rest weren't. A parcel delivered from my home town by AP took the longest. Now when buying online, I consider the delivery agent used when comparing the same product from different suppliers.
I agree, but sometimes the delivery agent used is not specified
So if you are away on holiday for more than 5 days and you receive a parcel you will have to pay $9 to collect it.
And sometimes parcels are late. Once i ordered something to take on holiday it was due 3-4 days before my departure. It arrived the day after my departure (date on the card).At least with a parcel locker you can forward the email to somebody to collect.
the procedure now is that after 5 business days your parcel gets returned to the sender (although might take longer than 5 days) would you rather pay $3, or have the item returned to your sender, having either you, or the sender to pay full price to get the parcel resent to you?
It's returned after 10 business days now. After 5 business days the post office sends an urgent reminder card and returns it 5 business days after that
When I go away, I usually give someone a letter and a copy of my DL with permission to pick up any parcels just in case.
16-30days is $9 for non mypost users, $6 for mypost users
11-15days is $6 for non mypost users and $3 for mypost users.
6-10 is $ $3 for non mypost users and free for mypost users
Under 6 days is free.You know the current process is they'll return it to sender after 5 days?
This new policy just allows parcels to be held longer.
I have a secure parcel delivery box at home, and far too often the delivery guys can't be bothered using it and just card-n-run.
Seriously, how hard can it be?
Card left = signature
Your secure parcel delivery box, doesn't provide a signature for proof of delivery, hence why its carded.
To start charging people for pickup after x days, shouldn't they fix the part where the postie doesn't even attempt to delivery and just card it as they go past?
+1 They never ring the bell, just shoot the delivery miss card in my box every time
After 5 days, your parcel normally gets sent back as a return to sender.
This is a good change imo
Nope, you had 14 days with normally 1 or 2 follow up reminder cards sent.
I've been home and just found a card in my letterbox. They don't even bother coming to the door anymore. Why should I have to pay for their incompetence? And twice too - I have to find time to go the post office and if I get the days wrong, pay for their original non-delivery.
You only need to pay for their incompetence when you leave the package there for a week.
I used to have a postie who did that. Made a complaint to my local PO and they postie never did it again.
Sounds fair enough. They not are a warehouse to keep people's parcel and lay it around for months.
Proposed postage collection prices for Non-Mypost Customers
Holding time
Up to 5 business days No charge
6-10 business days $3 per parcel
11-15 business days $6 per parcel
16-30 days $9 per parcel
30+ days Parcels are returned to sender after 30 daysProposed postage collection prices for MyPost Customers
Holding time
Up to 5 business days No charge
6-10 business days No charge
11-15 business days $3 per parcel
16-30 days $6 per parcel
30+ days Parcels are returned to sender after 30 daysAs per post by Greenpossum
Parcels are currently only held for 10 days before they are returned, but customers will now be given 30 days to collect their parcels. (For a Fee)
Title edited from 5 days to 16.
I'm fine with the holding scheme but AP need to make some smaller changes to create a more convenient experience.
I love parcel lockers but unless I know the item is being posted via AP or Star Trek, I'll send it to my home as I'm not allowed parcels at work. I'll then organise to pick it up from the courier or AP.
As such I'd love 2 small changes to AP's system:
1 - Redirect carded parcels to parcel lockers. I have an account with AP. When I get carded they send me a text to tell me. That account also has a parcel locker attached. Why can't I leave a standing notice for AP to just put it in a parcel locker for pick up?
2 - Let couriers deliver to parcel lockers. I'd be more than happy to pay a small fee for delivery. On my AP account I would happily provide my CC details to be auto charged, say $3, when they accept a courier parcel on my behalf and put it in a parcel locker for pick up.Aus Post isn't an effing storage facility. Pick up your parcels.
If you're going to downvote at least have the spine to explain why you disagree.
For the record, I didn't down vote you original comment.
I imagine people dislike the abruptness of your comment as well as being disenchanted with AusPost (the whole not attempting delivery, just carding them).
The quality of Auspost services differs significantly from suburb to suburb.
You must be live in one of those suburbs where Auspost actually does an awesome job at parcel and letter delivery.I have moved quite a few times, so I will explain how different the service was at each of my address.
…Current Address…
Really good service. The postman actually bothers buzzing my unit for all parcel delivery. Only get a card when I am genuinely not at home. Letters are also correctly delivered.…Prior Address…
Was a strata property consisting of 2-bedroom units & town-houses. Postman never bothered delivering the parcels. Asked him once and was told "the place is too complicated for him to bother delivering the parcels, so he just cards all the parcels". Letters were "ok" though. When he is too lazy to write the cards, he just leaves the parcels beside the letterboxes (which so happens to be along the street, so anyone who walks pass the building can essential steal it).…3 Addresses Prior to This…
Lived in a 12 storey apartment building in which the postman can buzz the unit from the entrance. Postman never bothered to buzz. Parcels were either carded or left in the mailroom (which requires secured access, so wasn't too bothered about it). Carded parcels have to be collected from NOT the local post office, but the AUSPOST sorting centre. And it's very often that parcels get lost. (Yes, they send you a card, but can't find your parcel.) Always hear people swearing at the Auspost staff as parcels always get lost, or better still, get "delivered" but no one know who it was delivered to. I even have experiences where I get a card, went to the post office to collect the parcel, told that they can't find it and to come back the next day. Can't find it the next day either, then received a "2nd notice" card in the mail.
What happens to international parcels, surely they don't send them back to the sender like they do for domestic?
Yes all parcels whether domestic or international gets returned back to sender
Haha wow, they'd lose money sending back to china
Most of the times the posties don't even knock on the door and leave the card. Happened quite a few times. And now they want to charge on top of that.
I use the Australia Post Parcel Collect service where they hold the parcel for you at the post office and send you a SMS and/or email indicating it is available for collection.
Since it started, four times I've received messages, gone to the post office and waited in the lengthy queue only to be told there was no parcel. Each time they made an excuse that it was a fraud email and not from them. I pointed out that I'd received both a SMS and an email with a parcel id. When they checked the id, it was legitimate, but not a parcel for me. One time the they even gave me a parcel that wasn't even addressed to me!
The system clearly has issues which I hope will be sorted out over time.
And I'll gladly pay a fee for late parcel collection… if I can also charge Australia Post a fee for wasting my time.
Australia Post are not that competitive anymore. Bought two similar sized items recently from different Sydney stores and I live in North East NSW, one was sent Fastway courier ($13) and the other Australia Post ($15). Got tracking information for both parcels on the same day. Fastway delivered overnight to my door. According to Australia Post tracking, my parcel was sitting in the Sydney sorting centre for 5 business days and then another 2 business days to get a card in the mail box.
I had a small parcel sent from Brisbane GPO to a Melbourne business address. Guess how long it took?
Not 1 week,but 2 weeks. Geez talk about slow. Does AustPost only take parcels from Brisbane to Melbourne once a week now days to save money?
Aus Post is hit and miss. Got one next day from sydney, still waiting for another from a week ago.
I have only praise for my parcel man though. He saw us walking home from school yesterday (from the back, even!!) & he stopped, told me I had a parcel, and he could give it to me then, or if I didnt want to carry it, he was happy to drop it at my front door, as he was stopping at my next door neighbours anyway.
I think if I didn't have such good service, I would be peeved if I had to pay a pickup fee, but I think in normal circumstances, 5 days would be enough (provided you get a notice) to organise a pickup.Damn, a lot of $9 or less items will be left uncollected now :D
See this may seem reasonable but not in our area.
Our post office only allows pickups from 10-11am and from 1-2pm with no weekend opening times. Meaning it's literally impossible to pickup my parcels.
This would be reasonable if the postie actually knocked on the door to see if anyone was in (which mine doesn't) and ALWAYS left a card if you are not (which mine doesn't). Sometimes it's only by tracking my delivery online, that I find it's sitting at the post office!
I would not be happy being charged because the postie didn't leave a card.
In fact with the new system, there will be even more incentive not to knock or leave a card, because they can make another $9 on each parcel.
How is it up to 10 days for mypost users and 5 days for non mypost users? I mean how do they know if you are a mypost user or not. What does a mypost user have to do to enable the 10 days free? Just an account and i presume something else that needs to be done with the account? Or is it that our mailing address somehow includes our mypost account details? Sorry just trying to figure out how to go about enabling that as sometimes 1 week isnt enough for me.
Using the "MyPost" service just means that the parcels are delivered to the Post Office instead of your Address. You do not even get a card telling you to pick up your parcel. Instead, you are sent an email/sms.
charge them up to $9 if parcels aren't picked up within five days
you seem to of not read the article.