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4 min article

Simple Delivery

If you're a private seller, Simple Delivery can help streamline every step of your postage experience on eBay, from listing your item to providing you with a prepaid label when your item sells.

Simple Delivery is the only delivery method available for private sellers who list eligible items on eBay.co.uk. The option to opt out is only available for specific items or categories. Please see our Seller Centre - opens in new window or tab page and the Opting out section below for more information.

How it works

When you're creating your listing, we'll recommend the weight and dimensions of your parcel, as well as the delivery service. If you think our recommended parcel size is incorrect, you can select a different size from the available pre-set options. If we can't determine the parcel size, you'll be asked to provide the details.

Before you list your item with Simple Delivery, make sure your item is eligible to be sent through this programme by checking the restricted or prohibited items.

When your item sells, you'll receive a prepaid delivery label and QR code and you can then post your item at the nearest drop-off location, or book a collection, if it's available.

Benefits of Simple Delivery

There are many benefits to using Simple Delivery, including:

  • You'll be protected if the item is lost or damaged from the point the item is scanned into the carrier's delivery network and until it's marked as delivered
  • We'll work directly with your buyer if they experience any delivery-related issues or if they don't receive their item
  • There are no transaction fees on postage
  • Tracking is automatically uploaded to your orders on your behalf
  • You don't need to have a printer to use the labels

If the item is posted with the prepaid label provided and scanned by the carrier within your stated handling time, you can also benefit from the following protections:

  • Your seller performance standards and service metrics won't be affected by late deliveries
  • You can request the removal of negative or neutral feedback about delivery using Seller Help - opens in new window or tab

Eligibility

Simple Delivery is available for eligible listings by private UK sellers listing on eBay.co.uk (including the eBay app).

To send your items through the Simple Delivery programme, your packaged item will need to meet the following size and weight requirements:

Carrier

Size

Weight

EVRI parcel shop drop-off

No side exceeds 120cm in length, the volume is no more than 245cm. (To calculate the volume, add together the two shortest sides and multiply it by two, and then add the length)

Up to 15kg

EVRi locker drop-off

Dimensions shouldn't exceed 66cm x 41cm x 38cm

Up to 15kg

Royal Mail parcel shop drop-off or collection

Dimensions shouldn't exceed 61cm x 46cm x 46cm

Up to 20kg

DHL collection

Dimensions shouldn't exceed 120cm x 80cm x 80cm

Up to 30kg

InPost locker or parcel shop drop-off

Dimensions shouldn't exceed 41cm x 38cm x 64cm

For more information about lockers, see InPost.co.uk - opens in new window or tab.

Up to 15kg

Eligible items are priced £750 or less (Buy It Now price or auction starting price). Some electronics, for example smartphones, with a Buy It Now price or auction starting price above £300 aren’t eligible for Simple Delivery.

Authenticity Guarantee listings priced £750 or less may be eligible for Simple Delivery. See our Simple Delivery Terms and Conditions - opens in new window or tab for more programme requirements.

Offering free postage

When you're creating your listing, you can choose to offer free postage. Under your Delivery options, go to the 'Who pays?' section and adjust the toggle to select:

  • Seller pays – you’ll pay for the label and offer free postage to your buyers
  • Buyer pays – your buyer will pay for the label at checkout

If you offer free postage, you'll be charged for a Simple Delivery postage label for a standard delivery service and the cost will be deducted from your account. You can find the cost of the label by going to the Postage labels - opens in new window or tab page in My eBay. If your buyer selects an express delivery service instead, they'll pay the full delivery cost and you won't be charged.

Getting your prepaid label

When your eligible item sells, you'll receive a prepaid delivery label and QR code - you don't need to purchase your own label. Here's how to get your prepaid Simple Delivery label:

  1. Go to the View Order Details page.
  2. Find the order and select Get prepaid label.
  3. You’ll then be given an option to save or print your label and QR code.

Depending on the carrier, you may receive a label and a QR code, or just a QR code:

  • EVRi - label and QR code
  • Royal Mail - label and QR code
  • DHL - QR code for collection only
  • InPost - QR code only

For Royal Mail and EVRi, you can bring the QR code to a drop-off location and they will print the label for you. When you're creating your delivery label, you'll be provided with a link to the carrier's website with a list of drop-off locations. You can also book a collection when you're creating your prepaid Royal Mail or DHL label.

For InPost, you'll receive a QR code by email from InPost. You can also download the InPost app - opens in new window or tab to access your QR and drop-off code there. You can scan the QR code at any InPost Locker or participating shop to open a locker to drop off your parcel. Alternatively, you can enter the 6-digit drop-off code shown in the email to open the locker. Find out more about how to send items with InPost - opens in new window or tab.

If you don't have a smartphone, you can also use the 6 digit PIN code under the QR code with EVRi labels. Make sure to update your carrier preferences to select EVRi as your preferred carrier if you need this option in the future.

Booking a Royal Mail or DHL collection

If you have a Royal Mail or DHL label, you can book a collection on eBay. You'll need to book the collection before you create your prepaid label. Royal Mail and DHL can then collect your item and also bring the label for you if you don't have a printer. Here's how:

  1. Go to Orders - opens in new window or tab in My eBay.
  2. Select the order you'd like to book a collection for.
  3. Select Get prepaid label.
  4. Go to the Shipping Service section and select Book Now.
  5. Choose the date for the collection. You'll need to be there in person so make sure to choose a date when you know for certain that you'll be home.
  6. Select Book collection.
  7. Finalise your collection by selecting Get prepaid label. You'll then see a screen confirming the details of your booked collection.

Once you've booked your collection, you won't be able to change the date. If you miss your Royal Mail collection, you can book it again for another date on the Royal Mail - opens in new window or tab website.

Before your item is collected, make sure to package it securely so it arrives undamaged to your buyer. If you don't package the item correctly, the carrier may refuse to collect it. For tips on packaging your item correctly, see our packaging guidelines below and our Packing your sold items article.

Posting and tracking your items

Postage will automatically be combined if your buyer purchases multiple items from you and completes checkout in one transaction. If you're sending multiple items from one order, all items will need to fit in one package which meets the Simple Delivery package limits.

When your buyer pays for the item at checkout, they may be able to choose either a standard or express delivery option. If they choose express, your handling time will still be the same – this is the speed the item moves through the carrier network.

Tracking is automatically uploaded when you use the Simple Delivery label provided for you, and you can track the status of your item in the View Order Details section of My eBay or Seller Hub.

Tip
Simple Delivery is available for domestic deliveries to the UK and the Channel Islands. If your item sells to a buyer overseas and you use the Global Shipping Programme, you can use your Simple Delivery label to send your item to the UK shipping centre. Your buyer will be charged for the label, unless you've offered free postage.

Choosing your preferred carrier

You'll automatically be opted in to use all carriers that are available in this programme. If you would prefer not to send your items with a particular carrier, you can exclude them in your settings. Here's how:

  1. Go to your Postage preferences - opens in new window or tab.
  2. Select Edit next to Simple Delivery.
  3. Adjust the toggle next to the carrier you'd prefer not to use.

There are some important things to remember if you update your carrier preferences:

  • Excluding carriers may make your items available to less buyers and the delivery costs may increase
  • If you update your preferences, your choice of carrier will apply to all of your listings
  • If you need to have your items collected, you'll need to update your settings to exclude EVRi and InPost who do not offer a collection service through Simple Delivery
  • In certain cases, if your preferred carrier can't accept your item, we'll provide you with a label for a carrier you've opted out of in your settings. For example, if your parcel exceeds your preferred carrier's size or weight limits, we may send your item with an alternative carrier

For more information about carrier options and postage rates, see our Seller Centre - opens in new window or tab page.

Click & Collect via Simple Delivery

If your item is eligible, your buyer may also be able to select Click & Collect via Simple Delivery as a delivery option. This option will be available on your listing if EVRi and InPost are available carriers. Your buyer can then choose to pick up the item from a collection point or locker. All you'll need to do is post your item at your local drop-off and they'll deliver the parcel to the collection point or locker your buyer selected. If you'd like to offer Click & Collect via Simple Delivery, make sure your carrier preferences include EVRi and InPost.

Restricted or prohibited items

Items listed on eBay need to comply with eBay's policies, including our Prohibited and restricted items policy. Items posted with Simple Delivery also need to comply with the prohibited and restricted items guidance and packaging requirements set out below, as well as the policies of the carrier.

We recommend checking these policies and the guidance below before you print your Simple Delivery label and before you bring your parcel to the drop-off location.

Restricted or prohibited items

The following items aren't allowed to be posted with Simple Delivery:

  • Alcoholic beverages, regardless of alcoholic concentration
  • Animals, alive, dead, stuffed and any of their parts, including fur
  • Batteries, in particular lithium-ion (including those that are loose or contained in electronic devices), which are damaged or recalled, or any type of used battery. However, functioning batteries may be sent providing they are properly installed within the devices they power and are secured to prevent movement during transit. See also Packaging Guidelines.
  • Biological and DNA samples, including but not limited to organs, tissues, cells, bacteria, viruses, DNA, RNA, clinical waste, body fluids such as: blood, urine, faeces, saliva and sweat
  • Clinical and medical waste, including but not limited to contaminated dressings, bandages and needles
  • Currency, including cash, gift vouchers, cashiers or travellers cheques, negotiable instruments in bearer form, and bullion
  • Drugs, any medicinal, narcotic or psychoactive substance controlled under applicable legislation including medical tests and prescription drugs
  • Environmental waste, including but not limited to used engine oil
  • Explosive items, including but not limited to fireworks, flares, blasting caps and party poppers
  • Flammable items or items containing hazardous material, such as fuels, nail varnish, certain types of paint, and solvents. Items which are combustible and could react dangerously with other substances.
  • Funerary items such as human remains, including but not limited to ashes
  • Gases and pressurised containers, including flammable, non-flammable, toxic, and compressed gases. Pressurised containers, such as aerosols (that do not comply with the Packaging Guidelines set out below), oxygen tanks or fire extinguishers
  • General waste, including dirt, filth or refuse
  • Illegal items, which refers to goods which are illegal, the carriage of which is illegal, or the supply of which to the recipient is illegal
  • Legal documents, including but not limited to passports, tenders, share option certificates, identification, medical, travel, land registry or home ownership documentation
  • Magnetised materials
  • Matches, including safety matches
  • Miscellaneous manufactured articles, which includes goods made in foreign prisons
  • Oxidising materials or organic peroxides, including disinfectants, nitrates and hair dyes or colourants containing peroxide
  • Pesticides, includes weedkiller and any chemical used to kill pests and insects including fly sprays
  • Radioactive materials and samples, which are classified as dangerous goods, such as luminous dials from aircrafts
  • Scripts and subscription certificates, including but not limited to prescriptions for medical purposes
  • Stamps, any stamp or stamped document issued by a government or related official agencies, other than those that have expired for use or cannot be used to send items
  • Tobacco, all types of tobacco, including e-cigarettes
  • Valuables, such as jewellery, watches, and precious metals, including, but not limited to, jewels, watches, gems, precious metals, real pearls, silver, gold
  • Weapons and ammunition, including replica weapons (i.e., decorative, deactivated or air powered weapons), and ammunition

Packaging guidelines

The following categories of items have specific packaging requirements:

  • Aerosols must be securely packaged in a box, limited to a maximum of 8 aerosol cans per box and the Limited Quantity decal is displayed on the outside of the box (100mm x 100mm decal where packaging allows). Aerosols of more than 100ml can only be accepted where there is no UN number, as per ADR Limited Quantity requirements
  • Batteries must be securely packed to prevent short circuits and accidental activation, have no damaged or recalled units, be limited to 4 cells or 2 batteries, weigh no more than 5kg, and must display the Lithium Battery Mark
  • Food items (Perishable and Non-perishable) must be packaged according to safety standards to prevent spoilage. Use insulated packaging and cold packs to maintain appropriate temperatures throughout transit for perishable items. Non-perishable items should be securely packaged to avoid damage. Perishable items include but are not limited to plants, seeds and plant derivatives
  • Furniture must be properly packaged to avoid damage in transit
  • Liquids must be properly packaged and sealed to prevent leakage. They must be 1000ml or less and be contained within leak-proof packaging
  • Sharp or pointed items, including knives, scissors, axes and gardening or household tools which have blades or sharp edges, must be sent using age verified delivery services only. See our Knives and bladed items policy for more information on packaging requirements

Bulky items collected by DHL should be packaged carefully to make sure there are no issues when they collect your parcel. See DHL’s packaging guidelines - opens in new window or tab before your item is collected.

This is not exhaustive guidance. For more detailed information on items prohibited and restricted by each carrier and to ensure your item is eligible to be sent through Simple Delivery, see the following:

Returns and refunds for unused labels

If your item can't be delivered to the buyer, it'll be returned to you. If you need help with returns, visit our Manage returns, missing items, and refunds for sellers article for more information.

If you don't use the Simple Delivery label provided, you or your buyer will be refunded, depending on who paid for postage.

  • If you selected 'Buyer pays’ when you created the listing, your buyer will automatically be refunded for any Simple Delivery label that isn’t used
  • If you selected ‘Seller pays’ and offered free postage on your listing, you'll need to fill out the Request a refund for Simple Delivery form for the label that wasn’t used. You can request a refund up to 14 days after receiving the label

Fees and charges

There's no extra cost for using the Simple Delivery programme. You also won't be charged transaction fees on the delivery costs for the postage label provided to you as part of Simple Delivery. See our Fees for private sellers article for more details.

Unless you've offered free postage, your buyer is charged for the delivery cost at checkout and the amount is then paid to eBay for the label. If you decide not to use the prepaid label, you'll need to purchase your own label instead at your own cost.

If you don’t use the parcel size that was recommended when you created your listing, and your item exceeds the maximum size and weight of the label, you may be responsible for the extra costs to send your item. This includes the cost difference between the parcel sizes and an administration fee of £1, including VAT.

Troubleshooting tips

If you experience any problems with a Simple Delivery label, the following tips may help:

  • If the buyer's name or the first or second line of the buyer's address is incorrect, you can edit this information before you print your label
  • If the buyer entered the wrong town or postcode, you can cancel the transaction and ask the buyer to repurchase the item with the correct address
  • If your item isn't accepted by the carrier, check that your parcel meets the programme requirements, package limits and complies with the relevant policies. If it does, try another drop-off location, if possible
  • If you have an EVRi label and you experience an issue with the QR code, you can also use the 6 digit PIN code provided to create your label
  • If you have an InPost label and you experience an issue with scanning the QR code, you can enter the 9 digit drop-off code provided to open the locker compartment
  • Once the label is created you can reprint it if you need to, but you can only use a Simple Delivery label once
  • Your Simple Delivery label is valid for 7 days after you have created it

Opting out

The option to opt out and select Custom postage is only available for items in specific categories that are priced £20 and under. This includes items which are typically letter or large letter-sized and 100g or under. The £20 limit applies to the item price only and excludes the Buyer Protection Fee.

You may also see the Custom postage option for some items that may be prohibited or restricted for the programme.

You can see if your item is eligible for Simple Delivery, or if you have the option to choose Custom postage, when you're creating your listing.

When your eligible item sells, you'll receive a prepaid delivery label and QR code - you don't need to purchase your own label separately.

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