I know this is a private issue, but as a supplier i will chip in here.
Auspost is a joke... even if you send something registered there is no guarantee it will arrive ( Auspost direct quote)... even if you send with tracking, there is no guarantee it will arrive ( Auspost direct quote again)... all tracking does is give an indication of where the package gets lost.
If you send a parcel overseas with insurance, tracking etc... it is only valid to the border of Australia... once in the overseas country, tracking becomes their responsibility... all Auspost will tell you is that it got on the plane... THATS IT.
When you send something and it fails to arrive within a week, that doesnt mean it is lost... Auspost give no time frame for delivery.. they take no responsibilty here. It is in fact quicker to have parcels sent from UK to Brisbane than it is from Melbourne.. and that includes customs opening and resealing.
So lets say that a parcel doesnt arrive within a week that was registered post... how long do we wait to see if it turns up? can take 4 weeks... all registered post does is give a number for sending and MOST of the time cross that number off when delivered... the bit in the middle counts for shit.
Dont shoot me down in flames here, but pinball people can be tricky buggers... if i quote shipping via Auspost and then courier which is MUCH better to send with... they complain that costs are too high, but want benefit of courier at Auspost prices or vice versa.. or can i do a deal on shipping etc..
I charge no price for making a box and packing... or any charge for buying courier costs up front.. or for driving to post office if thats the case.
What im trying to say here is that even though you do your best to supply.. sometimes things go tits up... its a fact of life
I must be lucky I send and receive heaps of stuff via Aussie Post and mine always arrives and quick either local or International.
Peter