New Zealand Post and Increasing Parcel Prices

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nzkiwiman

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#127118 30-Jul-2013 15:01

So while I was paying for a YouShop parcel I saw a news post on the NZ Post website - parcel prices are changing.

I read with interest and then got really really worried.
- the pre paid bags they are using now stay, but if you want tracking, courier or courier AND tracking you need to pay extra (bag cost is reasonable, a $7 tracked bag is now $7 + $1.50 for tracking)
- fast post parcels and pre paid bags are gone (fast post letters are ok still)
- If you parcel is under 7cm tall, then postage prices are reasonable
- If over 7cm then volumetric charges will apply and minimum postage is now $13.20 per 5kg (and in 5kg lots)

Nationwide rollout over the next 2 months - 15th July for Northland ending 30th September for Southland

Now I post a lot of small parcels around the country, in boxes that fit the (now old) 17cm height restriction.
Cost per box around the $8.50 mark, same box is now going to cost $13.20

Almost nothing I post will fit in the pre paid bags without being damaged, and even slightly small boxes will not fit inside.
Almost none of the items I post will fit inside the 7cm height limit which is why the 17cm limit was awesome.

My selling is all private (very little via TradeMe) but now I am looking for alternatives.
Anyone got anything to suggest.

*goes off to find the people who made the feedback changes to **** em :-) *

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PeterReader

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Geekzone

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#868599 30-Jul-2013 15:01

Hmmmm. Here we go.

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ahmad

1937 posts

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#868606 30-Jul-2013 15:10

I scanned these price *changes* and found that overall it is just a pricing standardisation more than anything. Some sizes a little expensive. Some actually significantly cheaper.

I like the fact that Courier is now a standard "+$3" add-on. Hopefully it will avoid some of the confusion NZ Post introduces by selling CourierPost bags that are near identical to the untrained eye to ParcelPost Tracked bags - these are hugely different products and it is very annoying when for sometimes only <$1 more it could have been overnight instead of 3-4 days, and carry the appropriate insurance.

nickb800

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#868615 30-Jul-2013 15:19

As for alternatives, I'm a big fan of pass the parcel which is a subsidiary of Post Haste.

They integrate nicely with Trademe (import buyer delivery addresses) and send you free courier bags with no obligation or minimum volume. When you need to use them you just fill out an online order form, scribble the address on the parcel and leave it on your doorstep for them to collect.

Haven't bothered to compare the pricing with NZ Post, but seems fairly cheap and I like the convenience especially when only making the odd Trademe sale here and there

Klipspringer

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#868616 30-Jul-2013 15:20

Last week I sent two parcels via NZ post. Both exactly the same size, and the same contents, both to Auckland but sent from different NZ post branches, and on different days of the week.

Parcel 1: Sent from the Hutt, last Tuesday. $7.90
Parcel 2: Send from paraparaumu, Saturday. $14.00

Parcel 1: Just went through no problems. Weighed it, paid the $7.90 and off it went.

Parcel 2 however. They said I needed to grab another box and rebox it. They said it would be a little cheaper. I think it was a dollar or two. I was in a bit of a hurry and because I had already packaged and addressed it so I did not bother.

Weird though how the pricing can be so different.

ahmad

1937 posts

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#868618 30-Jul-2013 15:23

Klipspringer: Last week I sent two parcels via NZ post. Both exactly the same size, and the same contents, both to Auckland but sent from different NZ post branches, and on different days of the week.

Parcel 1: Sent from the Hutt, last Tuesday. $7.90
Parcel 2: Send from paraparaumu, Saturday. $14.00

Parcel 1: Just went through no problems. Weighed it, paid the $7.90 and off it went.

Parcel 2 however. They said I needed to grab another box and rebox it. They said it would be a little cheaper. I think it was a dollar or two. I was in a bit of a hurry and because I had already packaged and addressed it so I did not bother.

Weird though how the pricing can be so different.

Staff training, particularly at NZ Post outlet/agencies is sometimes a little poor. Has improved at the main Post Shops though.

They are looking at self service kiosks that presumably scan an item and calculate its volumetric weight automagically in the near future.

Klipspringer

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#868620 30-Jul-2013 15:26

nickb800: As for alternatives, I'm a big fan of pass the parcel which is a subsidiary of Post Haste.

They integrate nicely with Trademe (import buyer delivery addresses) and send you free courier bags with no obligation or minimum volume. When you need to use them you just fill out an online order form, scribble the address on the parcel and leave it on your doorstep for them to collect.

Haven't bothered to compare the pricing with NZ Post, but seems fairly cheap and I like the convenience especially when only making the odd Trademe sale here and there

Cheers for that.
Going to give them a try

nickb800

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#868622 30-Jul-2013 15:27

Klipspringer: Last week I sent two parcels via NZ post. Both exactly the same size, and the same contents, both to Auckland but sent from different NZ post branches, and on different days of the week.

Parcel 1: Sent from the Hutt, last Tuesday. $7.90
Parcel 2: Send from paraparaumu, Saturday. $14.00

Parcel 1: Just went through no problems. Weighed it, paid the $7.90 and off it went.

Parcel 2 however. They said I needed to grab another box and rebox it. They said it would be a little cheaper. I think it was a dollar or two. I was in a bit of a hurry and because I had already packaged and addressed it so I did not bother.

Weird though how the pricing can be so different.

Kapiti has been on a trial for the new pricing/self service machines for the past year or so. Presumably the Hutt will match the Paraparaumu pricing in time. link

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billgates

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#868625 30-Jul-2013 15:31

+1 for Pass the parcel. I usually just drop the parcel to their depot since it's on the way to work.

Do whatever you want to do man.

nutbugs

269 posts

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#868628 30-Jul-2013 15:31

Klipspringer: Last week I sent two parcels via NZ post. Both exactly the same size, and the same contents, both to Auckland but sent from different NZ post branches, and on different days of the week.

Parcel 1: Sent from the Hutt, last Tuesday. $7.90
Parcel 2: Send from paraparaumu, Saturday. $14.00

Parcel 1: Just went through no problems. Weighed it, paid the $7.90 and off it went.

Parcel 2 however. They said I needed to grab another box and rebox it. They said it would be a little cheaper. I think it was a dollar or two. I was in a bit of a hurry and because I had already packaged and addressed it so I did not bother.

Weird though how the pricing can be so different.

Kapiti Post Shops (ie Paraparaumu) have been "trialling" the new postage model for a year or so now - so I would expect postage costs to be different to the Hutt. It has been our experience that overall our parcel rates have increased. The biggest frustration is being forced into fewer fixed products - so if your item is a bit too big the price jump can be significant.

nutbugs

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#868630 30-Jul-2013 15:32

Too slow again! :)

sleemanj

1490 posts

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#868742 30-Jul-2013 17:14

Another +1 for Pass The Parcel, for all courier jobs I use them, either get them to pickup or drop in the depot.

You can use their free bags, paid boxes, or your own packaging. Tracking is pretty good, includes the signature image, and if it's left without signature you generally get a photo too showing how it was left.

The "A4" rate for your own box is very good value, 21x30x10, $4.50 nationwide (they say "parcel", but a box up to the dimensions is fine).

---
James Sleeman
I sell lots of stuff for electronic enthusiasts...