An Australia Post customer has sparked a heated debate online after he received a damaged parcel containing broken ceramics.
Edwin, a Melbourne local, shared images of the botched delivery — which show a beaten up cardboard box with “fragile” stickers all over it — to a Facebook group.
“OK. I’m kind of getting sick of what is absolutely rubbish handling,” Edwin said.
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Further images revealed the ceramics he had ordered were completely smashed.
Edwin says he imports and resells handmade tequila bottles, which are “very popular among collectors”, however, they need to be handled with care.
Edwin says Australia Post told him there was little they could do to help and the original sender was at fault because of the way the ceramics were packaged.
“They said it was due to the packaging … but the photo tells a different story,” he told 7NEWS.com.au.
Edwin claims this isn’t the first time the contents of a package have been damaged, and he says he has lost thousands of dollars because of it — with little response from Australia Post.
“My average ceramic bottles are $150 each, hand made and hand decorated,” he said.
“Still zero word from Australia Post.”
Edwin’s post sparked a debate online, with many reacting with horror to the state of the parcel.
“Looks like they played footy with it … that’s just disgusting to treat someone’s parcel with no respect for its contents,” one person said.
“Oh man now that’s disappointing,” another added.
However, others in the group said the onus should be on the packager to make sure the goods are safe during transport, not the delivery driver.
“Cardboard box … what do you expect?” one person questioned.
“The sender needs to learn how to properly pack what they post,” another said.
Australia Post told 7NEWS.com.au it has since been in contact with Edwin to apologise and has resolved this issue.
“On average, Australia Post delivers 9.5 million parcels each week, with the vast majority reaching their destination safely,” a spokesperson said.
“To help parcels travel safely through the network, we always recommend boxes are rigid and firmly packed, to avoid them changing size and shape in transit.”
For any delivery concerns, customers can get in touch via the AusPost app or by calling 13 POST (13 7678).
Tips for packaging
Australia Post shared some tips to help customers safely package parcels:
- Choose the right packaging. It should be durable and secured with heavy-duty packing tape. Items shouldn’t be too loose or crammed in too tight.
- Ensure your item won’t bend during transit. Rigid mailers are ideal for sending an item that could bend during transit.
- Fill empty spaces. Use shredded paper, tissue paper or void filler to ensure items don’t move around. This will protect it during transit.
- Visit your local Post Office for more advice.
Meanwhile, the national postal service has advised of Christmas sending deadlines.
It urges Australians who are sending to and from most destinations within Australia via Parcel Post to send their parcels by Monday, December 12, or if sending via Express Post by Monday December 19, to ensure the parcel arrives in time for Christmas Day.
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