Postage of perfume

[SeaWitchly]

Hello everyone,

You may already know this information about posting perfume but I didn't and now I am really worried

Went to the PO today to post the next batch of ebay parcels. For the first time the chap behind the counter asked me was I posting any perfume [normally he just asks the value of the item]. I said no, but that I had posted two bottles yesterday [2nd class signed for].
The chap tells me that all packages go through a scanner and that if the package doesn't have a specific label stating there is perfume in there then it will be destroyed. He acknowledged he was partly at fault [ as apparently the parcel can be tracked to his PO and he did not ask me about contents and did not attach a label].
I genuinely did not know that UK postage had these rules [I should have checked the RM website I know] whereas I had been aware that there was this regulation for international postage. In fact the OP guy gave me a leaflet explaining the regulations and it said on it 'international postage', I queried this and he said yes, but it is now UK postage as well.
I am gutted as I had sent a rather expensive bottle of perfume and also a less expensive one and if I had just known to attach the bloody label it would have been okay.
Thought I would let you all know in case someone else didn't realise this was regulation [not just silly me].

[ThePopcornPolice]

I have had perfume through the post from eBay and I do not recall there being a special label. There is a good chance the package will just go through so try not to worry too much. You will know for next time. Was the perfume expensive?

[SeaWitchly]

Thank you Popcorn, that is good to know.

Yes, one of the bottles was a nearly full Jo Malone which sold for a considerable sum as it is a perfume which is now discontinued.
Otherwise there was a Guerlain perfume and some smaller Diptyque ones as well. Around £120 worth in total

Apart from the label, all the other requirements for postage were met - in their original box, less than 150 mls, bubble wrapped...
So it galling to think that, just for the lack of a tick box on a sticky label stating that the item is a perfume, RM may destroy my parcels!

[HeavenlyEyes]

would standard second class postage be adequate cover for a £120 item? I thought it only covered up to £20.

[Gatekeeper]

but how would they know what was inside? They don't go round randomly opening parcels to check up and then destroy the contents.

[robin64]

I sent perfume RM with the special label on and it never arrived (sent signed for so RM said they are paying me compensation and cost) but it has taken over 6 weeks for them to sort it out and I have not had anything from them yet. I have sent perfume with myhermes before and absolutely no problems whatsoever. Try courier next time and pay the bit extra for insurance if worth a lot, obviously pack really well too.
Hope your parcels arrive safe.

[SeaWitchly]

There were 5 packages, all up worth £120 - not individually worth £120.
Second Class Signed For insures the item up to £50 value. This was somewhat less than perfume sold for but I thought I would be happy to get £50 refunded if parcel was lost in transit.

[SeaWitchly]

Gatekeeper apparently they scan the parcels.... I don't know if they scan every single one or just randomly.

[HeavenlyEyes]

Yup I use Hermes too - RM signed for is so often delivered with no signature and then the buyer can claim not received. Hermes you don't have that issue .

[Gatekeeper]

what.... scan as in x ray type scan??? bloody hell

[ButteredToastAndStrawberryJam]

I can't see them scanning all the parcels delivered in the UK, could be wrong though.
A while back now, I sent some perfume internationally and it got confiscated, RM sent the rest of the parcel back to me though.
Hope you're able to up date us with good news!

[SeaWitchly]

Buttered Yes, perhaps they just scan suspicious parcels, for example those that are obviously a bottle of perfume / the bottle is not in a box.

Anyway fingers crossed and I will update you all on the outcome...

[CointreauVersial]

HeavenlyEyes - Hermes definitely don't allow you to ship perfume - it's specifically on their banned items list, and you wouldn't get any insurance paid out if it were lost/damaged. They might also destroy it if they discovered what it was.

However, you can ship perfume via Royal Mail, but (as OP has discovered) you need to ask for a special label when you buy postage. I can't remember what it's called, but it has a black diamond on it. The label has a "chip" so the parcel can be identified as containing a hazardous liquid, but they will deliver it no problem. The perfume must always be in "original packaging".

[SeaWitchly]

Cointreau do you know if RM scan every parcel... Is there a chance these perfumes may have gotten to their destinations [I am too scared to check whether they have been signed for, no feedback yet from ebay buyers... ]

[CointreauVersial]

I don't know if they scan everything, but I wouldn't be surprised if they get through OK. But you know for next time - stick a label on it!

[SeaWitchly]

Thanks Cointreau... I definitely know to stick the label on next time!

[SeaWitchly]

Update - received positive feedback this evening from one of the perfume buyers... So one of them made it through the scanners sniffer dogs cavity search

Fingers crossed for the others!

[PurpleFrog]

I didn't realise they were scanned. I have posted two lots of perfume at different times this month. Both were packaged as per Royal Mail regulations and I declared both as perfume at the counter. The first one got a label because I asked about it. I realised after I left the counter the second time that the other parcel hadn't, but the perfume was delivered OK. Phew! Next time I'll remind the cashier about the label. Thanks!