gemini0928: thanks for the additional info. i gather that things must be different depending on where a person is. either that, or the seller i am dealing with just doesn't know (?). you guys have been so helpful and i really thank you all for the responses. i'll remain positive about it and hope for the best!
Ro,
The seller simply does not know. All services are available from all post offices, unless this guy is way out in the outback with miles of desert around him...but if that was the case he wouldn;t be on the internet let alone selling on eBay or dealing cards! The best method is what has been stated by a couple of people a few times
nenjabin: yeah, that is what i am guessing too ..didnt realize this thread would turn out so interesting, but i am learning a lot, and you aussie guys ;-) are awesome :-D.
Regular: $1.07 typically, but can be up to $1.90 or $2.70-$3.30 for Exquisite.
Registered: Regular + $10.35 registering fee.
No such thing as Registered + Insured. Can't happen.
Global Priority: ~$11.00
Express: $25.95 + Insurance.
Regular airmail $2.05 (2-3 weeks) [deliv. confirmation available for $4-5]
Registered letter $9ish (2-3 weeks but you're not supposed to send anything other than documents, it's an offence to send merchandise) - this has a tracking # but it's not 'online' trackable.
International express letter <$10 (but again I think you're not supposed to send other than documents and it's not online trackable)
Insured parcel $16ish (2-3 weeks - not trackable unless you make a claim that it didn't arrive through aus post)
Express Courier International $45ish (5 days, online trackable)
I concur with you. That is all correct, except the Internaional Express letter. The tracking only says that is has been accepted and processed. It will not be tracked to its destination.
For paypal purposes, the only one with Online tracking is Express Courier International ($45) or Internetional Express Parcel ($50).
Why does it cost so much? It is because for the Int Exp Parcel the minimum weight is 2kg, so even if you ship one card (50gm) you get charged for 2kg rate.
You are actually not supposed to send merchendise in Registered letter or Express Letter.
I concur with you. That is all correct, except the Internaional Express letter. The tracking only says that is has been accepted and processed. It will not be tracked to its destination.
For paypal purposes, the only one with Online tracking is Express Courier International ($45) or Internetional Express Parcel ($50).
Why does it cost so much? It is because for the Int Exp Parcel the minimum weight is 2kg, so even if you ship one card (50gm) you get charged for 2kg rate.
You are actually not supposed to send merchendise in Registered letter or Express Letter.