From 6 July 2009, the limit for flat-rate domestic postage & handling applies to the following categories:

FAQs

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• Why is eBay imposing limits on postage & handling costs?
• Why were these categories selected?
• How did eBay determine the maximum postage & handling cost for a category?
• What are my options when it comes to specifying postage?
• Do the maximum costs include handling costs? 
• What about Australia Post pre-paid satchels that cost more than the limit?
• Why do I need to enter dimensions and weight even though I’m using a pre-paid satchel?
• What can I do if the maximum postage & handling costs do not cover my expenses for packaging and postage?
• Are there postage cost limits for international postage services or expedited postage?
• I'm an international seller. Do the postage cost limits still apply?
• How will limits on postage charges affect my international sales?
• In categories with maximum postage costs, why is there a postage cost DSR?
• How will calculated postage work with these postage limits?
• What if I list an item and it is live while the change is made?
• How does this affect Good ‘Til Cancelled listings?
• I have to revise a large number of listings. Is there a way to apply the rate to them all at once?

Why is eBay imposing limits on postage & handling costs?

There are cases where some sellers have been charging too much for postage which has resulted in the perception that postage costs are expensive on eBay. This is affecting your reputation as a good seller. 

By setting maximum flat-rate postage & handling costs on categories that have a predictable and well accounted history, we will be keeping more buyers satisfied and increasing sales for sellers.

Why were these categories selected?

We selected categories where the postage cost is generally predictable because most posted items are a standard weight and size. In these categories, buyers also expect a certain postage cost. If the actual postage cost is higher than the limit then we recommend the use of calculated postage.

How did eBay determine the maximum postage & handling cost for a category?

We based our maximum postage & handling costs on recent data regarding what sellers in these categories are charging.

What are my options when it comes to specifying postage?

When listing an item for sale you have four domestic postage options available to you: Calculated, Flat, No Postage or Unspecified.

Postage limits only apply when selecting FLAT fee postage and will only apply to the first service offered. You can still offer a number of other postage options to your buyers and all of these subsequent options will have no limit applicable.

Do the maximum costs include handling costs? 

Yes. Handling costs are included in the maximum amounts.

What about Australia Post pre-paid satchels that cost more than the limit?

Pre-paid satchels can be a convenient way to post items, especially up to 3kg. You can still offer buyers 500g and 3kg pre-paid satchels using Calculated postage. Just choose the package type, overall packaged dimensions and weight, and select the pre-paid service you want to offer.

Why do I need to enter dimensions and weight even though I’m using a pre-paid satchel?

Many sellers offer more than one postage service to their buyers e.g. Express, registered, courier etc. Calculated postage requires the dimensions and weight of a packaged item upfront so it can calculate additional postage services if offered. So even though you may only offer a pre-paid satchel, the calculator needs the dimensions and weight to continue.

What can I do if the maximum postage & handling costs do not cover my expenses for packaging and postage?

The maximum postage & handling cost in some cases may not cover your postage costs. If that's the case, you can do one of the following:

• When selling a bundle of items, use the postage calculator to charge actual postage costs
• When selling using Buy It Now (BIN), include all or part of the postage cost in the item price
• When selling via Auction:
  • List your item with the same start price and a postage price at or below the maximum postage cost.
  • Use calculated postage to charge the actual postage cost
  • Move your item to BIN and include all or part of the postage cost in the item price

Are there postage cost limits for international postage services or expedited postage?

Maximum postage & handling costs apply only to the first flat rate postage service in Australia. However, US and Germany have recently applied their own postage limits to certain categories. Find out more about international postage limits.

I'm an international seller. Do the postage cost limits still apply?

If you're listing your item on the Australian site, maximum postage costs will apply for sales to Australia regardless of the location of your item.

How will limits on postage charges affect my international sales?

Maximum postage & handling charges should not affect you selling internationally. You'll be required to set at least one domestic postage cost under the limit, and can set alternative options for expedited and/or international postage. International sellers listing directly on the Australian site will be subject to postage cost limits on the first domestic postage cost.

In categories with maximum postage costs, why is there a postage cost DSR?

We are only setting a maximum postage & handling cost for the first postage option. Sellers can still set their price lower than the maximum postage cost on that option as well as have alternative postage options. Therefore, we will keep the postage cost DSR in place.

How will calculated postage work with these postage limits?

We recommend calculated postage be used for items that are being sold in bundles, multiple quantity or if they are large and/or heavy. We will monitor postage costs generated by the calculator to ensure that any difference between the limit and the calculated amount is reasonable.

What if I list an item and it is live while the change is made?

Your listing will remain valid until it either expires or you revise your postage details.

How does this affect Good ‘Til Cancelled listings?

Good 'Til Cancelled listings on eBay.com.au that go live before the limits take effect will remain visible on eBay.com.au until they are revised. If, at that point, you do not apply the correct domestic flat rate, they will be blocked from being re-listed. 

I have to revise a large number of listings. Is there a way to apply the rate to them all at once?

Yes you will be able to revise multiple listings by:

• Using the Bulk Edit tool, which is available in My eBay and Selling Manager. You can revise 10 listings at a time in My eBay or up to 200 at a time in Selling Manager

• Revise them in bulk using Turbo Lister

If you use a 3rd party tool, check with the application vendor as most support multiple listings.