Difference between quoted and actual courier prices
Is anyone else having problems with courier pricing? I haven't done much trading for quite a while, but I've had a cleanout so have recently listed a bunch of stuff. In the past I'd always relied on the courier system because the quoted and actual booking prices were pretty much the same. But that doesn't seem to be the case any more?
While the differences haven't been more than around $2, a few days ago I sold an item where the quoted price (for a box) was $11.43 with Aramex. However, when it sold the cheapest price I was given in the booking process was $17.64 (with NZ Post). As the price on the sold item was only $25, I couldn't imagine that the buyer was going to fork out that amount, so after a discussion with her I posted it for $13. Major time wasting hassle. Is this an Aramex issue of some sort, as I wasn't offered Aramex prices when booking the courier - or is this sort of thing normal now, What's the best thing to do? I really hate asking buyers for more money - I'm sure they think I'm incompetent.
-
Hi Lindsay.
Sometimes either of the BAC couriers go offline and only one option will show. It doesn’t last long, so sometimes it pays to wait and try again, especially if you want to book with Aramex because it’s generally cheaper.
Another option is to try Pass the Parcel courier. At the moment I’m finding their prices very competitive and delivery times are pretty good. You need the ability to print labels if you’re sending a box or using your own courier bags. Alternatively you can request their delivery bags, which are free but slightly more expensive to send.2 -
Gary-NZStocked Community SuperuserLindsay, when the couriers get busy, they often turn off the ability to accept new bookings. If this happens, then that courier will not appear in the list. Often, trying again a few hours later brings them both up. Also, soomnetimes an address is not recognised by one or more couriers so rather than an error message to let you know this, they simply don't appear. If this happens, you can often get around it by manually inputting the address.
1 -
I am having the same issue!! It’s so frustrating. Like you the courier prices have gone from $11 to $17-22! It’s outrageous. And really inconvenient.
2 -
Sorry to hear that Jayne. What did you do? Thanks to the other answers I've realised that it's an issue with Aramex not accepting bookings because they're busy and the solution is to wait until they come back online. Did you try that?
0 -
Yeah I tried that but unfortunately the price was still different. Not as bad tho so I’ve just paid the extra cost. I won’t quote shipping costs on my auctions in future. Don’t want to be caught out again.
0 -
I found this just happened too. And within an hour of me adding the courier price and the item selling buy now. The dimensions were exactly the same. TradeMe has an issue here.
0 -
So sorry to hear that! I haven't had an issue with since I complained, so I was hoping it had gone away.
0 -
Always try the NZ Post website first. they are cheaper most of the time, the same price sometimes, and more expensive never. just tried an address in trade me. it tells me it costs $32 to send to Ranfurly, but booking through NZ post it costs only $11.50.
0
8 comments
Date
Votes