Postal Letter

Australia Post: How long can an airmail parcel wait at the post office before being returned to the sender?

I bought an item on ebay from an American seller two weeks ago, but the seller was only able to post on Wednesday the 3rd due to problems with pay pal sending the funds. The parcel is being sent via airmail; however I am doubtful that the parcel will arrive by Thursday when I leave for a 2 1/2 week holiday. I will be coming back on the 29th January 2007. I know that Australia post keeps the parcel in the local post office when it arrives and leaves a slip telling the receiver it is ready to be picked up, but there is a time which they return it to the sender and charge postage for it. It is a relatively heavy item ~ 5kg and cost around $50 to send. How long can it wait before they send the parcel back? Is there anything I can do to prevent them from sending it back? Would it still be there if I went to collect it on the 29th?

Public Comments

1. I'm not sure but I think it's only about 2 weeks that they hold a parcel for. BUT!! If you are going away for more than 1 week, why not fill out a mail holding form and get the post office to hold your mail till you get back? This way, if the parcel arrives while you are away, they will hold it till you get back. There is a small fee for it (unless you are on a pension) but it would be well worth it to you do this.