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Questionnaire: Who Pays Postage and Packing?

By: Lorna Elliott LLB (hons), Barrister - Updated: 2 Sep 2022 |
 
Postage Packing Risk Damage Seller Buyer

The following questionnaire is designed to help you answer some of the most frequently asked questions in relation to postage and packing, both when you are buying from a business and another private individual, and when you are selling as a private individual.

Are you buying from a private individual?

The responsibility for the payment of the postage and packing should be negotiated and agreed prior to the sale. The seller must ensure that they pack the goods securely and adequately to ensure that they reach you in good condition. If they do not, you may be able to claim for losses suffered as a result of the goods arriving damaged.

Are you buying as a consumer?

If you are buying goods from a business and they are sending them to you, the risk is with the seller until such time as you receive the item(s). This means that any damage or loss suffered while the goods are in transit is entirely at the seller’s risk. A trader is also not allowed to charge you postal insurance.

Are you buying online/by telephone/fax/text/digital TV?

If so, the distance selling regulations will apply (unless the product or service is one of the exceptions listed under these regulations). If you are ordering goods, the trader should provide information about the method of delivery that will be used to deliver your goods as well as how much it will cost.

Are you returning goods?

If you are returning goods that you have bought online or ‘at a distance’ as described under the distance selling regulations, it is important that you take care of the goods while they are still in your possession. You should also use ‘reasonable’ care to make sure that the trader does in fact receive them, and that you have adequately and securely packaged them to avoid them getting lost or damaged in transit.

Have you complied with the requirements for returning goods under the distance selling regulations?

While the goods are in your possession you are under a duty to take adequate care of them. In terms of packaging the goods ready to return, you should ensure that you have paid sufficient postage and that you write the correct address on the package. If you do not, the trader may be able to claim damages against you.

Have your goods arrived damaged?

If you have bought items from a business, it is their responsibility to ensure that the goods are adequately packaged so that they have the best chance of reaching you in perfect condition. If they do not, it is a matter for the trader to rectify. If they choose to, they can then address the issue with the postal carrier. This is because the contract for carriage is between the trader and the carrier and not between you and the carrier. If a trader tries to tell you otherwise, object.

Are you selling goods as a private individual?

If you are selling goods online, for example on eBay, it is your responsibility to ensure that you advertise sufficient postage and packing to cover the actual cost of sending the goods. Before listing an item online, it is highly advisable to weigh it and measure it, and then use the Royal Mail online checking service to get an estimate for first class, second class and special delivery prices.

This enables potential buyers to be able to make an informed decision about the total cost of bidding on your item. In addition, you are entitled to offer them postal insurance for a further cost. If they decline, make it clear that you are not responsible for any loss or damage that occurs in transit. However, you are still required to pack the item sufficiently securely before you send it to the winning bidder.

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Hi, Please could you advise. I purchased a skirt online from a shop in the UK. It was duly posted to me in France. When UPS asked for my signature to receive the package I was asked to pay a further 130 euros import tax. I was surprised as I have ordered from this company in the past and this was not the case. The UPS delivery man informed me that I had the right to refuse the package and it would be returned immediately. This is what I decided to do. I informed the shop by email and they agreed that once they received the package they would refund me. One month later, they have not received the package and they inform me I will only be refunded once they receive it. I feel powerless as I paid 30 pounds delivery charge and have no way to solve this problem. Can you advise on my rights as technically speaking they are the ones who posted it. Thank you.
Claire - 2-Sep-22 @ 6:36 AM
I purchased a cashmere garment from Marks and Spencer International which was sent from UK to Spain The item fits but unfortunately it had a security tag attached I contacted the Company to explain the problem They checked their is no more stock left in the size and colour ordered and are unsure when it will be available I requested can I return item to have tag removed and then repost back to me I was told no but would email me a returns label to send back item free of charge for a complete refund I am not happy with this answer as I just want the tag removed and have it sent back to me in a wearable condition free of postal charge as it their fault a tag was still on it Where do I stand on my request
STELLA VERON - 27-Feb-20 @ 2:09 PM
SpendaFortunes - Your Question:
Thank you for the opportunity of asking for more advice and thank you for the advice so far.Alright I live in England and have bought a large amount of small items from one seller in America, via Ebay. These were purchased a year ago and after two attempts at getting the parcel to me ~ it has never arrived, she received the items back about a week and a half ago and I have been trying to get a refund from her since. She has repaid some of it but still around £70 outstanding, which she has refused to pay back, with one reason being that two of the items where damaged, which is obviously not my fault at all either.What is the best advice, please, for items which never arrived.

Our Response:
You will need to try and take a private legal action in respect of this as our consumer legislation only relates to UK and EU countries. It does not cover private sales either.
OnlineShoppingRights - 16-Aug-17 @ 11:00 AM
Thank you for the opportunity of asking for more advice and thank you for the advice so far. Alright I live in England and have bought a large amount of small items from one seller in America, via Ebay. These were purchased a year ago and after two attempts at getting the parcel to me ~ it has never arrived, she received the items back about a week and a half ago and I have been trying to get a refund from her since. She has repaid some of it but still around £70 outstanding, which she has refused to pay back, with one reason being that two of the items where damaged, which is obviously not my fault at all either. What is the best advice, please, for items which never arrived.
SpendaFortunes - 14-Aug-17 @ 2:50 AM
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