MyPost Business vs eParcel Contract: Which sending option is right for you?

While many businesses start with MyPost Business, there comes a point when switching to an eParcel Contract makes sense for improved efficiency, customer experience and cost savings. So how do the two sending solutions compare and when should you make the move?

What’s the difference between MyPost Business and eParcel Contract?

Before we look at the differences, let’s go through the similarities.

Both MyPost Business and eParcel Contract integrate with eCommerce platforms like Shopify to bring efficiencies to your parcel sending. Also, both help you save money on postage.

The key difference is they serve businesses with different needs and often at different stages of growth.

• MyPost Business is a simple solution with no minimum volume requirements, ideal for businesses just starting out or sending less than 2,000 parcel a year – which is roughly 170 per month
• eParcel Contract is a contract-based solution for businesses with more complex delivery needs and sending over 2,000 parcels a year

Let’s dive into the details.

What are the benefits of MyPost Business?

For small businesses with low delivery volumes (less than 170 parcels a month), MyPost Business offers a simple and accessible way to send parcels within Australia and overseas.

Easy to set up and start sending

There are no eligibility requirements or minimum parcel volumes making it ideal for startups and scaling businesses.  

Tiered discounts as you grow

You’ll unlock increasing discounts as your sending volume grows over time.

Flexible drop-off and collection options

Drop parcels at a Post Office, Parcel Locker or Street Posting Box, or book pick-ups when needed.

Print labels and access savings at the Post Office

Use your MyPost Business account at the Post Office to access savings or print your labels there if you don’t have a printer.

eCommerce platform integration

Integrate your MyPost Business account with eCommerce platforms such as Shopify to automatically create all your shipping labels and send tracking notifications to your customers.

Global reach

Send to 220+ destinations around the world, with a choice of two delivery speeds.

Best use cases for MyPost Business

MyPost Business is a strong fit if you are:

• Launching a new eCommerce store
• Running a boutique brand or a majority bricks and mortar store, with low online order volumes
• Still testing your delivery setup

What are the benefits of an eParcel Contract?

While MyPost Business is a great option for most eCommerce businesses when they start, an eParcel Contract can become a better fit as your business scales.

Contract-based rates

Pricing is tailored to your sending volume and business needs – giving you more certainty when planning your sending costs for the year ahead.  

Improved efficiency and flexibility

Process and dispatch orders in bulk to reduce manual work and request multi-parcel consignments (multiple parcels going to the same person).

Free pick-ups

Order regular parcel collection from your business and save your team trips to the Post Office.

Advanced returns experience

Offer your customers a choice of 4 parcel returns options, as well as printer-less returns¹ and 20,000+ drop off locations.

More integrations and automations

Easily integrate with 130+ eCommerce partners and a full suite of APIs to automate your processes and save time.   

Global reach

With both eParcel Contract and MyPost Business, you can send to 220+ destinations around the world, with a choice of two delivery speeds – if international expansion is a priority for your eCommerce store.

Best use cases for eParcel Contract

eParcel Contract is ideal for businesses that:

• Ship consistently high volumes (2,000 parcels a year or more)
• Want to improve sending efficiency and reduce admin
• Need better parcel returns experiences
• Are focused on improving margins
• Need flexible features including Signature on Delivery and Transit Cover³
• Send wine and alcohol deliveries

How does pricing work for MyPost Business verses eParcel Contract?

With MyPost Business you start saving when you spend $50+ each week. Then watch your savings grow as your spending increases and you move through five savings bands.² You can save up to 40% on domestic sending and up to 35% on international sending.

With eParcel Contract you can access competitive contract rates. Pricing will depend on your annual sending volume. To request a call about a eParcel Contract, fill out the form.

Is MyPost Business good enough for a growing online business?

For most business owners, the answer is yes. MyPost Business automates repetitive tasks like label creation and sends confirmation and tracking updates directly to your customers.

However, as volumes grow you might need batch processing, more automations and delivery flexibility. That’s where eParcel Contract comes in.

How do I know if I’ve outgrown MyPost Business?

You may be ready to switch to eParcel Contract if you’re seeing:

• Parcel dispatch times slowing down as volume increases
• Labour costs increasing as a result of manual fulfilment processes
• A high volume of returns
• Growing pressure on margins from sending costs

A practical rule of thumb: if you’re consistently sending 150–200+ orders a month, it’s time to assess upgrading to eParcel Contract.

Should fashion and beauty brands move to an eParcel Contract earlier?

In many cases, yes. Retailers in the fashion and beauty categories often experience frequent sales spikes from sales and launches, higher return rates and fast delivery expectations.

By switching to eParcel Contract, businesses in fashion and beauty can:

• Streamline fulfilment and delivery during peak events
• Provide a better returns process with customised returns platforms  
• Create a consistent brand experience across your customers’ journeys, for example tracking emails and returns

Final thoughts: choosing the right sending option for your stage of growth

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a clear progression.

Starting out? Choose MyPost Business if you’re still growing, testing demand or managing low-moderate order volumes.

Scaling up? Move to eParcel Contract if you’re consistently hitting 150–200+ orders a month and need to improve efficiency, margins and customer experience.

¹ Only available at select Post Offices. Visit our Post Office locator to search for your nearest outlet offering Print at Post.

² MyPost Business savings bands are based on your spend on products and services over specific periods using your MyPost Business account, with certain exceptions. Savings are calculated on standard postage rates (PDF 642kB), and apply to MyPost Business products, with certain exceptions. For more information, read the MyPost Business Rates and Savings Guide (PDF 642kB) for the spend requirements of each savings band and for a full list of MyPost Business products, including the lists of exceptions. ​ 

³ Transit Cover is available for parcels valued up to $5,000. There is no cover for valuables which contain cash, gold, jewellery, precious stones or negotiable securities, any other substance or thing the carriage of which is prohibited by Law or under the Australia Post Terms and Conditions.