Avoid this frequent blunder with Australia Post—you won't believe what happened to this woman's letter!

Navigating the postal system can be a tricky business, and Australia Post customers are being urged to pay close attention to how they package their items for mailing.

This comes after a Melbourne woman reported that her letter arrived with its contents missing, sparking a conversation about the common mistakes people make when sending items through the post.



The woman in question received a letter from a friend's daughter, who had sent her two handmade bracelets in anticipation of an upcoming Taylor Swift concert.

The bracelets were placed inside a Smiggle envelope, but when the letter arrived at the woman's home, the bracelets were nowhere to be found.

Confused and ‘gutted’ about the missing handmade gifts, the woman turned to social media for advice.

She pointed out a black scribble on the back of the envelope, which she suspected might be the work of an Australia Post worker. She also assured that her letterbox was 'locked and secure’, ruling out the possibility of theft after delivery.


Screen Shot 2024-02-20 at 10.37.27.png
The Smiggle envelope with the missing handmade bracelets.
Credit: Reddit / u/watcheslistenslearns



While the exact fate of the bracelets remains a mystery, with Australia Post assuring that they are working to locate and return the items, many social media users were quick to highlight a potential error.

‘The bracelets may have been too thick for the sorting machines?' one user speculated, suggesting that the items might have been manually removed.

Another user advised, 'You shouldn't send anything besides paper in envelopes because letter sorting machines tend to push anything solid out one end, or the object inside wears through.'

This advice is particularly pertinent for those sending small, valuable items like jewellery.

Despite the absence of visible rips or damage to the envelope, it's plausible that the bracelets slipped out if the envelope wasn't sealed properly.

Australia Post confirmed that several bracelets were found at a Melbourne sorting centre, but it's still unclear if they belong to the woman in question. The origin of the black marking on the envelope also remains unknown.



Australia Post has taken this opportunity to remind customers to ensure all items are packaged correctly to guarantee safe arrival.

Regular envelopes, suitable for sending flat, flexible items like letters, cards, or cheques, may not be the best choice for bulkier items.

'Australia Post would like to remind customers that regular letters, which use our standard $1.20 stamps, have a maximum size and weight, so we can quickly and efficiently process letters through our sorting machines and deliver to customers,' a spokesperson said.

'Regular letters are designed for sending letters and paper products'.

The Melbourne customer has been urged to contact Australia Post to verify if the bracelets found are indeed hers.

'If customers have any questions about the best way to send items, we encourage them to either visit our website, speak with their local post office or call 13 POST'.



This incident brings to light the importance of proper packaging when sending items through the post.

In a previous incident, a customer complained about a broken item upon arrival, despite the word 'fragile' being written across the postage bag.

It was suggested that Australia Post uses sorting machines to sort freight automatically before they're delivered, which may not recognise 'fragile' labels.


Australia Post did not elaborate on its processing systems but said: ‘To help ensure items arrive safely, parcels should be packed in appropriate, sturdy packaging that’s suitable for what’s inside.'



For many seniors, the postal system is a familiar and trusted method of communication.

However, as this story illustrates, it's essential to understand the best practices for sending items through the mail.

When sending letters, it's crucial to remember that standard envelopes are designed for flat, flexible items like paper.

If you're sending something bulkier or more valuable, consider using a padded envelope or small parcel. These provide more protection and are less likely to be damaged by sorting machines.

If you're sending something fragile, it's worth investing in bubble wrap or other protective packaging.

While writing 'fragile' on the package can help, it's not guaranteed that all postal workers or machines will notice or heed this warning.

Finally, always ensure your items are securely sealed within their packaging. This can help prevent items from falling out during transit, as may have been the case in the story above.



By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure your items reach their destination safely and intact.

And remember, if you're ever unsure about how to send an item, don't hesitate to ask for advice at your local post office. They're there to help!

Key Takeaways:
  • Australia Post customers are reminded to correctly package letters and bulky items to prevent losing contents during mail sorting.
  • A Melbourne resident reported losing two handmade bracelets sent in a Smiggle envelope, which was meant for the upcoming Taylor Swift concert.
  • The occurrence of misplaced items may be due to the limitations of letter sorting machines, which can push out or cause items to wear through envelopes that are not properly sealed.
  • Australia Post emphasises that regular envelopes are suitable for flat, flexible items and advises customers on correct packaging methods to ensure safe arrival of goods.
Have you ever experienced a similar situation with Australia Post or any other postal service? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
 
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Reactions: Ezzy
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Hardly rocket science.
If we want things to arrive in tact, package them properly.
Front line workers at the post office counters are very helpful, and, in my experience come up with cost friendly solutions.
I must mention, the scribble on the back of the envelope looks a lot like graffiti tags I have seen around our town. Hmmmm.
 
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Reactions: maherdj and AlanQ
Really I don't see this as a news worthy story

Who doesn't know that you only send letters or cards in that size envelope.

Those smiggle envelopes do not stick properly.Did a child send it by herself ?

I've lost parcels in the post. My sister inlaw also had sent Easter candles from Greece for my son ( her Godson) when they arrived the parcel had been opened and candles broken . A note was placed on it stating they broke the candles to make sure there was was nothing in them. No apology or anything else.
Maybe I should have taken that to social media
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: AlanQ
This seems a common occurrence with A P, I have received a number of mail with this type of texter writings. I have never complained or worked out what the writing was for.
 
Really I don't see this as a news worthy story

Who doesn't know that you only send letters or cards in that size envelope.

Those smuggle envelopes do not stick properly. Did a child send it by herself ?

I've lost parcels in the post. My sister inlaw also had sent Easter candles from Greece for my son ( her Godson) when they arrived the parcel had been opened and candles broken . A note was placed on it stating they broke the candles to make sure there was was nothing in them. No apology or anything else.
Maybe I should have taken that to social media
Wake Up Woman , get OUT of your Own BUBBLE.
 

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