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MORE POSTAGE INCREASES

The Australia Post has seen fit to increase their prices yet again - this time there has been some
massive increases, especially for “near” destinations.
The cost to send a parcel from Geelong to Melbourne (and no doubt other similar distances) has
increased dramatically. Previously, it was possible to send a parcel in your own box and up to 20
kg in weight from Geelong to Melbourne for $11.40.

I recently sent a reel of 35 mm film weighing 3 kg and the cost was $18.50 - a 60% increase. All
increases have well exceeded the current CPI.

AP have been promoting their new “If It Packs - It Posts” parcel arrangement, in which you can
send up 5 kg at the listed rate, restricted only by size. Now, the same rate applies, for local as well
as for Australia-wide delivery. In every example I have tried using the AP on-line calculator, the
new rates mean substantial higher postage costs.

Of course the increased rates wont mean any better service - we can expect to see a continuation
of delayed and / or lost items in the mail. This problem has become more prevalent in recent
times. One item of interest is that AP are saying parcels now come with tracking at no extra cost
and a compensation of up to $100.00 for lost items (full details of how this works were not
disclosed).

REEL DEALS POSTAGE COSTS:
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There will be about an 8% increase in local postage costs from 1 January, which we can absorb.
However, the postage increases for New Zealand, UK and the US will mean that we have to
increase the subscription rates to those countries, on a cost recovery basis - see subscriptions page.
I have recently sent a letter to my local (ALP) Federal Member, giving a number of examples of
just how much we are being screwed by AP for what is a mediocre postal service. I have asked
him to push for a full parliamentary inquiry into Australia Post. I wont hold my breath!

Update:
The above was written about four weeks back - No response from the MP, not even an acknowl-
edgement of receipt (these people have staff, paid for by US), and I am currently waiting for three
SD cards posted from Melbourne over a week ago.
If It Packs, It Posts flat postage rates
If your item fits in any of our “If It Packs, It Posts” packaging sizes (Small, Medium,
Large or Extra Large) and weighs less than 5kg, we’ll post it to anywhere within Australia
for a flat postage rate, based on size.

Parcel Post Pre-paid Satchel Previous Rate
Small $8.95* $9.20 $8.55 (500g)
Medium $12.20* $12.45 $11.35 (1kg)
Large $15.35* $15.70 $14.55 (3kg)
Extra Large $18.50* $18.95 $17.55 (5kg)
*Price is postage only - using your own packaging.

REEL DEALS December 2019 11