I list Women’s shoes under their NZ size, which is generally the US size. But I also put the UK and European size in the auction heading in the hope that someone might be searching in that format.

Hi Bronwyn. I sent a couple of parcels to Australia at the end of last year. I just booked online via NZPost website, printed and completed all the forms at home and had the courier pick up from my house. No need for special stickers etc. Everything you need is on the forms.

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!

As a seller, I try to place feedback at the time that I send my parcels. Unless there’s a problem with the item, my job is done once the parcel has been picked up by the courier. It’s helpful to let the buyer know that their item is on the way, that way they can get in touch if it doesn’t arrive. As a buyer, I generally place feedback once my item arrives, that way I can let the seller know that their item has arrived safely and that I’m pleased with the trade. But seriously, don’t get to hung up about who should place feedback first. I know some people will only place feedback once they h...

I have noticed that too. I am no expert but I think that sometimes they close off their booking system when they have too many parcels. In that instance I have found that booking the preceding day or night before ensures a pick up. Just checked now and NZ Post is up and running for pick up on Monday. You could always look at booking through the NZ Post website- I’m not sure of prices but the do offer a pick up service meaning you don’t have to go to the post shop. Or you could look into Pass the Parcel. They provide their courier bags for free (no ability to print labels required) or you ca...

It sounds like there is a trust issue on both sides. I assume that for security reasons, you don’t want to give out your address until you have received payment and know that you are dealing with a genuine buyer. For their part, the buyer is reluctant to pay until they know they are dealing with a genuine seller and disclosing your address goes some way to proving that you are not a scammer. I do have some sympathy for the buyer as scammers are a dime a dozen at the moment. I think it’s a bit rough that you are expecting the buyer to trust you with their payment but aren’t willing to show ...