How to Use Postage Stamps on Parcels?

ih8un on 18/07/2018 - 12:28
Last edited 18/07/2018 - 12:30 by 1 other user

In my search to try and save postage costs, I have come to learn that I can use postage stamps on parcels. So the idea is to buy AusPost stamps at less than face value, and then use them on a parcel. So I just want to make sure my understanding is correct?

For example,

A Parcel less than 500grams using your own pacakge is charged $7.95 at AusPost.

If I was to use stamps, I would have to stick $7.95 minimum worth of stamps or 8x $1 FV stamps?

But then I wouldn't get tracking, so I've not noticed some sellers on eBay selling rolls of tracking labels, so would this work if I attached it to the parcel and is it all legal?

I was thinking of paring these 2 listings together and using them on less than 500 gram parcels.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/253713698414?ul_noapp=true

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/292644260807?ul_noapp=true

General Discussion

Comments

  • boomramada on 18/07/2018 - 12:37

    Use this as a guide, https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/docume…
    Pretty straight forward, if its says, 250-500g including the packaging $7.95, then put $ 8x $1 FV stamps

    You could always double check with Auspost branch.

  • dcep on 18/07/2018 - 13:18
    +1

    officeworks mailman

  • rambutann on 18/07/2018 - 13:40

    Get free premium Sendle - quite cheap..

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/341571

  • nocure on 18/07/2018 - 13:45
    +1

    Don't forget that Concession card holders can buy $1 stamps for 60¢ ;)

    PS: if you ask nicely, the larger AP offices will give you the Tracking labels for free.

    • nanukenga on 18/07/2018 - 13:59

      Can you actually use concession stamps on parcels? I thought they were only to be used on letters. Or don't Australia Post care?

      "Your concession stamps can be used to send small and large letters within Australia."

      https://auspost.com.au/sending/stamps/concession-stamps

      • nocure on 18/07/2018 - 14:05

        I've Been using them on parcels, no question from AP staff

        • nanukenga on 18/07/2018 - 14:40

          Ok great. Thanks for letting us know. 😁

  • Quantumcat on 18/07/2018 - 14:28

    Those items are probably fake. Don't be surprised if your parcel gets sent back to you for insufficient postage.

  • Ms Bargainer on 18/07/2018 - 14:34
    +1

    Yes, you can get tracking. Just take your stamped parcel to the PO and they will process it and give you a tracking number. I do it all the time.

    • ih8un on 18/07/2018 - 15:05

      Any idea where to get cheap stamps from? The cheapest Ive found on eBay so far is $21FV for $15. Is that pretty good?

    • BarginBandit on 19/04/2024 - 15:46

      I also do this all the time, and have had no issues until today.

      Was told that because stamps were used on a small parcel ($10.60 service) that I'd have to pay an additional $2.95 to have tracking added to the parcel. It was pointed out that the stamps already covered the cost of the parcel which includes tracking and an arguments started. The post office reletented though and added tracking to the parcel that had it's postage paid with stamps instead of cash/EFT.

      Raised a complaint with Australia Post and it was clarified to me that the Post Office is not obligated to add tracking to a parcel that has it's postage paid in stamps. The Post Office actually see's these items not as a parcel but a large letter because stamps are used. This is why they can charge for tracking.

      I asked to be referred to Australia Posts policy or guidelines stating this on their website. They were unable to find anything to back up what they are saying.

      I pushed that a parcel is clearly not a large letter and whatever policy that they think should apply to large letters should not apply to something that is clearly a parcel. I walk into a post office, lodge the parcel over the counter, it is checked and accepted as postage paid with stamps, then obviously the tracking which is part of the parcel service should be applied.

      The call ended up being terminated because I could not accept what they were telling me as they were unable to refer me to any policy/guidelines stating this, and I would not accept that a parcel was actually a large letter. What the policy does state is that tracking is available without charge on parcel services and it doesn't go into the details about if it's paid with stamps or not.

      Seems like pretty straight forward thing, if it's not written down anywhere then how can you impose additional costs on customers paying with stamps. All that should matter to Australia Post is if the postage is paid.

      Anybody else had this type of experience? Any thoughts on Australia Post being right/wrong about this?

      • BarginBandit on 10/06/2024 - 10:53
        +1

        For anybody interested, I followed up with a formal complaint via Commonwealth Ombudsman and it was fully investigated.

        Over the counter lodgement of parcels with postage paid for with stamps gets tracking added with no additional cost.

        Any Post Office trying to charge extra for this service is doing so incorrectly.

  • Quantumcat on 18/07/2018 - 21:46

    I don't know why I got negged. The post office does not discount stamps ever - there's no way discount sellers can make money unless the stamps are counterfeit and they cost very little to produce (or if they are stolen). Best you can get is like a 5% saving on bulk orders of postage satchels direct from Australia Post.

    • ih8un on 18/07/2018 - 21:58

      It wasn't me who negged you. I'm glad you clarified what you meant by fake, but the particular seller I am looking at has over 55k feedback 100% Positive. So I find it difficult to see how not one buyer has had a negative experience. Generally, those in the counterfeit game don't last long, especially when doing so is a federal offence when it comes to Australia Post.

      Theres obviously a way they are getting them cheap (assuming if legit), how though, I would also love to know.

      Surely theres a way to get stamps verified?

  • Ms Bargainer on 19/07/2018 - 10:05

    The ebay stamps are most likely real, just used non-cancelled stamps. They are not meant to be reused, but rather to be collected.

  • Ms Bargainer on 19/07/2018 - 10:08

    Don't pay for the tracking stickers. They are free at the PO when you post your parcel.

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