I’ve only sold a couple of things to Australian buyers. Both times I have set up a separate shipping auction for them after the auction has closed and they have paid via Ping.

Also have a look at Pass the Parcel and ishipping. They may take larger parcels. I have successfully sent roof racks and skis by courier before but I can’t remember who I booked with.

I recently encountered a similar issue with an overseas buyer not wanting to pay via Ping due to extensive bank fees at their end. I didn’t want to incur bank fees either so I offered to cancel the trade if they didn’t want to pay using Ping. I knew they really wanted the vase as they were a collector…they paid by Ping ;)

Hi bikerchris I know you now have your answer but I just wanted to add that if you’re in this situation again, try ishipping. I had to send a rural delivery parcel yesterday and the cheapest BAC quote was more than my buyer had paid. I was going to be out of pocket so I checked with ishipping and it was $3 cheaper. Booked a pickup with NZ Post around 11am and it was picked up the same day.

If you haven’t already placed feedback, leave negative feedback politely stating that you are still awaiting payment for goods already received by the buyer. Also state that you will be happy to amend feedback if payment is subsequently received. Sorry you got caught out on this trade. Many of us (myself included) have learnt this lesson the hard way.

Hi Kimberlee-Ann Glad this issue was resolved. If I was you, would make contact with NZ Post one last time and let them know the odd circumstances in which the parcel was eventually delivered. It’s annoying and time consuming when parcels go missing. I send quite a few parcels each week and in some areas I avoid using a particular franchise as I’ve had problems with them in the past. In other areas the same franchise is great.

Hi Lorraine. Everyone has their own way of sending parcels but my life got a lot easier once I discovered Trade Me’s Book a Courier system (BAC) and Pass the Parcel. Both are a door to door courier service so I never have to go to the post office. BAC allows you to send courier bags and boxes with either NZ Post Courier or Aramex. You don’t need a printer because they will print the labels for you. There are set prices depending on what size bag or box, whether the buyers address is urban or rural, same island or inter island. You can get an idea of shipping costs at the time that you list...

Thanks Gary & S. Nice to know it’s nothing personal!