Skip to main content
3 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.

From 15 April, we’ll gradually introduce Simple Delivery as 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 letter-sized items in specific categories that are priced £10 and under. 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.

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 several 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
  • You’ll typically get your funds 2 days after delivery has been confirmed when you use our prepaid labels
  • 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:

  • 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 requirements:

  • Weighs up to 20kg
  • Dimensions:
    • For an 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
    • For a Royal Mail parcel shop drop-off or collection – dimensions should be up to 61cm x 46cm x 46cm
    • For locker drop-off – dimensions shouldn't exceed 66cm x 41cm x 38cm
  • £750 or less (Buy It Now price, auction starting price or reserve price)

Bulky items and Authenticity Guarantee listings are currently excluded from 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.

If you don't have a printer, you can bring the QR code to a drop-off location and the carrier 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.

If you don't have a smartphone, you'll also receive a 6 digit PIN code with EVRi labels. The option to use a PIN code is only available with EVRi labels so make sure to update your carrier preferences to select EVRi as your preferred carrier.

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. For tips on packaging, see our Packing your sold items article.

Collection is available for items sent through Simple Delivery with Royal Mail labels only. You can book a collection on the Royal Mail - opens in new window or tab website after you create your Simple Delivery label.

Tracking is automatically uploaded for you and you can track the status of your item in the View Order Details section of My eBay or Seller Hub. If your item can't be delivered to the buyer, it'll be returned to you.

Tip
Simple Delivery is available for domestic deliveries to the UK and Channel Islands only. 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.

Available carriers and delivery options

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.

It's important to remember that excluding carriers may make your items available to less buyers and the delivery costs may increase. Also, if you need to have your items collected, you'll need to update your settings to exclude EVRi.

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 Simple Delivery Seller Centre - opens in new window or tab page.

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.

Click & Collect

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 is the carrier. Your buyer can then choose to pick up the item from an EVRi collection point or locker. All you'll need to do is post your item at your local EVRi 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.

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
  • Batteries, in particular lithium-ion (including those 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
  • Drugs, any medicinal, narcotic or psychoactive substance controlled under applicable legislation including medical tests
  • 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
  • Magnetised materials, with a magnetic field strength of 0.159A/m or more at a distance of 2.1m from the outside of the package
  • Matches, including safety matches
  • Miscellaneous manufactured articles, which includes goods made in foreign prisons, except those imported for non-commercial purposes of a kind not manufactured in the United Kingdom, or those in transit
  • 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
  • Sharp or pointed items, including, but not limited to, knives, scissors, axes alongside gardening and household tools which have blades or sharp edges, for example, shears, secateurs, saws etc.
  • 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
  • Fragrances must be properly packaged and sealed to prevent leakage. They must be 1000ml or less and be contained within leak-proof packaging

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 EVRi Prohibited and Restricted Items - opens in new window or tab and Royal Mail Prohibited and Restricted Items - opens in new window or tab.

Returns and refunds

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 after 30 days
  • 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. Make sure to send your request within 14 days of your item selling

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
  • Once the label is created you can reprint it if you need to, but you can only use a Simple Delivery label once

Opting out

From 15 April, Simple Delivery is the only delivery method available for private sellers who list eligible items on eBay.co.uk. We'll be introducing this change in phases over the coming weeks.

The option to opt out and select Custom postage instead will only be available for letter-sized items in the specific categories below that are priced £10 and under. The £10 limit applies to the item price only and excludes the Buyer Protection Fee.

Categories

  • Antiques (e.g. Maps)
  • Art (e.g. Photographs)
  • Baby (e.g. Car Window Signs & Decals)
  • Books, Comics & Magazines (e.g. Bookmarks)
  • Business, Office & Industrial (e.g. Office Supplies & Stationary, Adhesive Tapes)
  • Cameras & Photography (e.g. Memory Cards, Drone Accessories)
  • Clothes, Shoes & Accessories (e.g. Hair Accessories, Wallets)
  • Coins
  • Collectables (e.g. Trading Cards, Card Games, Badges & Patches, Postcards)
  • Computers/Tablets & Networking (e.g. Cables & Connectors, Components & Parts)
  • Crafts (e.g. Scrapbooking, Beads)
  • Dolls & Bears (e.g. Clothing & Accessories)
  • Events Tickets
  • Everything Else (e.g. Information Services, Grave Ornaments & Memorials)
  • Films & TV (e.g. DVDs, Fridge Magnets)
  • Garden & Patio (e.g. Seeds & Bulbs)
  • Health & Beauty (e.g. Nail Art, Temporary Tattoos)
  • Home, Furniture & DIY (e.g. Cards & Invitations, Ornaments)
  • Jewellery & Watches (e.g. Bracelets & Charms)
  • Mobile Phones & Communication (e.g. Cables, SIM Cards)
  • Music (e.g. CDs, Memorabilia Stickers)
  • Musical Instruments & DJ Equipment (e.g. Parts & Accessories)
  • Pet Supplies (e.g. Tags & Charms, Collars)
  • Sound & Vision (e.g. Batteries, Turntable Parts)
  • Sporting Goods (e.g. Tennis Grips)
  • Sports Memorabilia (e.g. Trading Cards, Pins, Magnets)
  • Stamps
  • Toys & Games (e.g. LEGO ® Building Toys, Card Games)
  • Vehicle Parts & Accessories (e.g. Exterior Decals & Vinyls, Repair Manuals)
  • Video Games
  • Wholesale & Job Lots (e.g., Greeting Cards & Stationery)

This list doesn't include all sub-categories where Custom postage is an option. You can see if your item is eligible for Simple Delivery 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.

Was this article helpful for you?

Related help topics

See other articles in: