eBay - new postage rates may be a killer!

Absolutely. I think the eBay generation just came to an end. It's no longer going to be financially viable to be an eBay buyer or seller if you're dealing with anything other than (small) books, CDs or DVDs.

Some of the price increases for light but larger-sized items are extortionate - well over double for the lightest items.

Still much cheaper than here in France. Most EU postal systems are pushing prices up and taking their trading partners with them.

Not sure what you mean?? Those new rates are still much cheaper than what most ebay sellers charge!

Depends on what your local alternative is?

My loco model shop is a 30 mile round trip across Swansea, this on a saturday means easily a 2 hour drive!

Thats at least £4 in petrol, so e-bay is still cheaper for me in most situations. Most of the stuff i buy is parcel sized anyway.

"John Ruddy" wrote

That's an over-generalisation. Most eBayers seem to charge the true cost of postage, some charge over the odds.

John.

I wonder if one of the effects of cost for size will be skimping on protective packaging?

Though at least in one aspect we can't complain as we are always asking the government (or someone else) to make a difference to global warming and plastic polution... This should do the trick by reducing packaging used ;o)

It's even worse in Canada. Anything over 20mm thick is classed as a parcel and costs a minimum of $6 (£3).

A CD/DVD in a slim jewel case and a padded envelope just makes it.

Even with the current postage rates I find that some courier services are cheaper and more efficient, especially if you want a signature on receipt or guaranteed next day delivery, than Royal Mail or Parcelforce.

Royal Mail doesn't seem to have realised this or, if they have, are tending to ignore it.

Shop around especially at some of the smaller lesser known courier companies - and they collect, too.

"john delaney" wrote

Not my experience on anything below 2kg.

John.

My feeling has long been that Royal Mail is milking us recorded/special delivery users for every penny they can in order to subsidise their loss-making activities. I've noticed over the years that the rates we pay have gradually crept up while those for other services have remained pretty static.

(kim)

A guide called "Size Guide" (what else) is now available from Post Offices.

Letters are going to be divided into three catagories: 'Letter', 'Large Letter' and 'Packet'. The Guide includes templates showing sizes.

'Letter' has a maximum weight of just 100 grams and size of 240 x 165mm (will take A5) with a maximum thickness of only 5mm so many Society journals will be too big for this catagory.

Putting a spin on it, the guide says 80% will cost the same or less. What they mean is that 20% will cost more but as that sounds worse they don't mention it.

If you stock up on First and Second Class stamps without a price marked on them you can still use these after 21 August when the increases come into force.

"john delaney" wrote

Bit pointless as I believe the standard letter rate isn't changing much if I recall correctly.

John.

Or indeed here:-

Goes up on August 21st.

(kim)

Scrub that. I was reading from Royal Mail's website which should have been updated on 3rd April.

(kim)

"kim" wrote

Takes a man to admit he was wrong! ;-)

John.