A quickie about proof of purchase

[Cyclops]

AFAIK, when you ask at the PO for proof of purchase, they usually just give you a small receipt, stamped and dated. However, how does such a receipt actually 'prove' what has been posted?

EG: I package up an item for postage and then visit the PO - I receive a paper receipt that I have posted something but other than that, where is the proof that what I have posted is what the eBay buyer is expecting to receive??? Do I get the PO to write a description of the item on the receipt?

How about if you print off your own labels?

Also, is it a good idea to offer buyers the choice to pay for recorded delivery? Is it ever a good idea to use only recorded deliver?

Hope this isn't too dense - I'm still new to selling on eBay!! TIA for any insight...

You are right, you are best to offer recorded delivery, esp for expensive things. Some people prefer it, others want to keep costs down and use standard posting.

With standard 1st class post I think you can claim up to £35 but you would need to give buyer the money first and then claim back. Not sure about printing own labels off.

FWIW I only use recorded if something is over £10 or buyer is dodgy. Last one I had had feedback score of 13 and had already left 2 negative feedbacks!

Only had 2 problems out of 350+ items I have sold

Thanks for your reply and good to hear of positive experiences....

However, if you post items that are not recorded delivery, then do you write an item description on the PO receipt yourself or do you have the PO clerk write it on the receipt?

Some cashiers write the postcode on it if they are not busy. You could take a note yourself with a description and address in a cheap diary or notepad and staple them at the post office, but probably not worth your while.

OK thanks again. It does strike me as odd though that the PO's receipt is somewhat flimsy proof! I will give any buyers the option to upgrade to Recorded...

You can get some proof of postage cards from the PO where you write the name and addy of all the parcels you are sending - the postmaster then stamps and initials the card.
As for the contents of the parcels - when making a claim RM will ask for some kind of proof of contents eg an invoice.

Never offer the 'option' of Rec Del - it is for the seller's protection as the buyer is already covered with paypal and so don't need to pay the extra.
Rec Del still carries the same compensation limit as standard delivery so i only use it if I suspect a buyer might get 'funny' or if (same as said above) goes for more £10 - and I would rather not give a buyer an oportunity to claim non receipt. I have never had to claim from RM. I think some years ago a small item went awol and I just refunded the buyer and considered the claim not to be worth my while time-wise.

hi
i do the same, any item over £10 gets sent Rec Del otherwise i take the risk/s involved as a seller for under £10.
i have only had to claim once for a missing item

thanks for all your replies, it's good advice so I will bear it in mind!