Shipping freight collect with DHL
As a private customer, you can also take advantage of the “freight collect” additional service from the parcel service provider DHL. Your package will then be sent free of charge for you as the sender, as the postage costs will be borne by the recipient. So that you don't get a nasty surprise in the end, you should pay attention to a few important notes if you want to send "freight collect".
What you need:
- DHL parcel label
Notes on the "send freight collect" service
- If you send a package with DHL as "freight collect", the postage costs will be collected from the recipient. However, the costs for the recipient are much higher than if you frank the parcel normally.
- An "unfree" package costs the recipient a flat rate of 15 euros. It does not matter whether it is a letter-sized package or a 20 kg package. The “roll” dispatch form can also be posted as a “non-prepaid” consignment. Bulky goods can also be sent as "freight collect". Here, however, the postage flat rate is 38.80 euros.
- The “freight collect” shipment cannot be combined with any other service such as “cash on delivery” or “registered mail”.
- If the recipient refuses to accept the "freight collect" package, DHL will send the package back to you. You will be charged the entire postage costs. Whoever orders the service is also obliged to ultimately pay for it.
- If you then refuse to accept the "unfree" package because you are not prepared to pay the increased postage, DHL will store the package at a central point. These storage costs are also at your expense.
- After some time, if the package is not redeemed, it will either be disposed of by DHL or - if the content is higher - auctioned. However, your accrued costs remain or will be charged.
- For this reason, many online shops have included the phrase "unfree shipments will not be accepted" in their terms and conditions. However, according to the latest case law, this statement is anti-competitive and can be warned. According to this, retailers have to accept the "freight collect" shipment, but can re-invoice you for the additional costs. With a normal package of 6.90 euros that would be 15 euros - 6.90 euros = 8.10 euros.
- Conclusion: You should consider very carefully whether you want to send a package “not prepaid”. Be sure to ask the recipient beforehand whether he will accept the "unfree" shipment. Most of the time, the dealer will propose their own approach for the cost-effective reversal of an order.
- "Unpaid" items can only be posted in the post office. They cannot be sent to and from packing stations.
What does "return unfree" mean?
Especially in online trading, it often happens that shipments to the sender are unfree ...
Send the package to DHL
- Pack your package according to DHL's guidelines.
- Obtain a package label. You can get it directly from your post office. The stickers are usually on display in the counter.
- Enter your sender on the left and the recipient address on the right.
- Stick the completed parcel label onto your parcel by removing the film on the back.
- To be on the safe side, write the word “not free” directly on the package with a pen next to the sticker.
(In the past there was a separate checkbox for "not free" on the parcel labels - this is missing on the newer notes.) - Go to the counter with your parcel and say when you drop it off that you would like to hand in this parcel as a “freight collect shipment”. The DHL employee will stick his own notes on the package and give you proof of posting. Keep it in a safe place, because with the tracking number contained on it, you can track the shipment at any time on the Internet or over the phone.
Status: August 2011
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