How to post a package with Australia Post: the dos and don’ts

This guide explains the dos and don’ts of sending parcels with Australia Post – from what you can and can’t send, to packaging tips and common mistakes to avoid.

How do you post a package with Australia Post

You need to get a product from your store or warehouse to your customer’s door, so you pop it in a box or satchel, write the address on the front, pay the postage and send it on its way. But sometimes, depending on what you’re sending, there may be a few more things to consider.

For example:

• Perfumes, essential oils and some types of lithium batteries can’t be sent by air transport.
• Some oversized or irregularly shaped parcels can’t be posted. 
• Perishable items, such as fruit or chocolate, are restricted and only allowed in some circumstances.
• Sending plants requires checking quarantine rules in each state.

It’s important to do your research and then manage your customers’ expectations around the types of shipping they can use for their purchases for the best delivery experience.

By planning ahead and really thinking about your packaging and shipping strategy, you could end up saving valuable time and money. Not only will packaging items correctly help avoid costly damage or returns, it also ensures a smooth delivery process – which leads to happy customers and, hopefully, more business.

To help wrap your head around the basics of posting your online store’s packages, here are some common dos and don’ts.

What are the dos of sending a parcel?

• Research the rules. Look up the shipping regulations for every item you plan to sell in your online store. To start with, check out Australia Post’s Prohibited and Restricted Item list and packaging guide (PDF 1.1MB), which spells out all the products that you’re either not allowed to send at all, or can only send with certain restrictions in place. If there’s anything you’re not sure about, you can call us on 13 76 78.
• Protect valuable items. If you’re selling more expensive items (such as jewellery, high-end electronics or precious stones), then it pays to protect them while in transit. Insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re covered if the item is lost or damaged. For example, our Extra Cover provides protection for items up to $5,000 in value¹.
• How to post a package like a pro. When you’re packing your items, make sure you cushion them carefully to prevent damage. Also, make sure to choose the right type and size of packaging for your item. Follow our top packing tips for things like glasses, artwork, perishables and sharp items.
• Validate customers’ addresses. Use a real-time address validation tool at checkout to make sure your customers are entering the correct address. This helps ensure your parcels reach the right destination, so you can avoid excess print and delivery costs.
• Label your parcels correctly. If you’re using MyPost Business, it’s easy to generate your shipping labels online. Then, it’s a matter of affixing them clearly to your parcels and making sure they’re scannable (so, don’t wrap a label around an edge or seam of a box, and don’t partially cover it with tape or strapping). Need help? Watch this video on labelling.
• Calculate your parcel costs accurately. Then you can pass those costs on to your customers accurately, or factor in free shipping options.
• Work with a reliable delivery partner. This makes all the difference in delivering a high quality delivery experience that leaves your customers wanting to shop with you again and again. 
• Manage your customers’ expectations. If you're sending perfumes, for example, you’ll need to make it clear at the time of purchase that there are volume limits for each parcel containing perfume, and that it needs to travel by road (which might mean a slower delivery if the package is crossing the country).

What are the don’ts of sending a parcel?

• Don’t rely on writing ‘Fragile’, ‘Handle with care’ or ‘Do not bend’ labels. While you can be reassured that the people delivering your items will handle them with care, there can be some risk when the parcel is in a mail bag or being processed through our sorting facilities. Pack fragile items carefully, wrapping each item individually and using the box-inside-a-box packing strategy to keep them protected. If you want to keep artwork or posters flat, then package them appropriately, using thick, unbendable card on both sides.
• Don’t send perishable items without checking. You can only send perishable items like fruit and chocolate in certain circumstances. Refer to the Prohibited and Restricted Item list and packaging guide (PDF 1.1MB) for a comprehensive rundown. If it’s allowed, wrap the product in a sealed plastic bag and use plenty of padding.
• Don’t use ribbon, string or rope on the outside of boxes. These are a potential hazard for sorting machines, and there’s the risk that your parcels will get entangled or damaged. If you want to make your parcels stand out from the competition, consider investing in your own branded packaging that’s purpose-built to withstand transport.
  

Final takeaway: posting parcels the smart way

Learning how to post a package with Australia Post isn’t just about paying for postage – it’s about knowing the rules, packaging items securely, and setting clear expectations with your customers. By following these dos and don’ts, your eCommerce business can ship more confidently, reduce the risk of delays, and deliver a better customer experience.

This article was originally published on 18 November 2022, and has been updated with new information. 

¹ Extra Cover provides you with cover for the specified value of your item (up to $5,000) if your item is lost or damaged while being carried by Australia Post. Available for posting items anywhere within Australia or select international destinations. See auspost.com.au/calculator for more information. T&Cs and exclusions apply, see auspost.com.au/extracover