Using Ebay return label postage (Ground Advantage) with Priority Packaging
Can someone show me where it states that using an ebay return label postage allows you to use priority mail packaging to return the item? I can't seem to find it around any more and I have a current buyer who got denied by the USPS employee they dropped it off to. I hardly get this issue from buyers as I tend to get quite a few items returned using priority mail packaging just fine with GA return labels. Thanks
11 comments
wastingtime101
·11 months agoThe buyer cannot use brand new Priority packaging, but they can reuse Priority packaging if that's how the item was originally shipped.
Buyer should ask to speak to the postmaster and point out it's a Return Service label and they are permitted to reuse the original packaging.
Any clerk that denies the package is wrong.
xadexane
·11 months agoIt's a post-paid RETURN SERVICE label, which has a different spelling than a prepaid shipping label.
That's what I've told the retail clerk -- "It's a return service" -- when it tries to deny the label, explaining that USPS will weigh and measure the return label later, to bill the correct postage* as it's not yet paid.
What happens later though, is eBay will be billed an average price, the same fixed postage whether the label weighs 1 ounce or 70 pounds, affixed on a plain envelope or a Priority Mail Express International box, in accordance with their Package Returns contract as the USPS permit holder.
*This is the key point for the retail clerk: The return service label is not yet paid
inhawaii
·11 months agoFrom my understanding, If it's a "P" label it has to go prioriy mail. If is a "G" it has to go ground advantage.
gurlcat
·11 months agoI had to return a Medium Flat Rate box a couple weeks ago, and the seller didn't voluntarily issue me a label so eBay did, and it had a 'G' but also said 'Return Service'. -It zipped back to the seller's address in only 3 days. Kinda funny because it took 9 days to reach me in the first place, with a Priority label.
mam98031
·11 months agoIt shouldn't have happened.
iamalwaysright
OP11 months agoBut unfortunately it did and I'll bet the buyer is waiting for a response from me. I'd be nice to have something to back me up when I tell him he should be allowed to use Priority Mail packaging for the return label. You know, just to show the buyer I'm not trying to scam him or anything. I'm not sure how to handle this as maybe I should just tell him to use a different packaging, which might also upset the buyer.
@kyle@ebay Do you or any other blue know about this and might be able to point me to where I can show the buyer a link?
mam98031
·11 months agoYou have some very good experience dealing with problems as they come along as a seller. I think you often cut yourself short. Just be kind and let the buyer know that they should not use Priority or Express USPS packaging UNLESS that is the method of shipment they are doing as USPS doesn't want this.
When we issue return labels to a buyer, buyers are suppose to ship the item back via the method on the label. But one thing I would caution you about is YOU are the one actually responsible for that package. Whomever the seller is that issues the return label, they are responsible for that package while it goes through the carrier. So technically USPS could warn you about this. I can't imagine it would be anything but a warning.
slippinjimmy
·11 months agoIf you are talking about eBay Return Labels then you will probably never know what USPS charges eBay should a return be packaged in a Priority box. You might be able to figure it out when eBay bills you for the return. (perhaps eBay just absorbs any upcharge if one is applied).
I don't know much about that part of the return system, I've only had one return in the last 15 years and I provided my own label rather that use one from eBay.
fern*wood
·11 months agoI have always heard the return postage service has different rules, but I don't know where they are. It seems the paid return postage covers the package regardless of what it's shipped in, weight or dimensions.
iamalwaysright
OP11 months agoYes I'm referring to this, ebay postage labels that are specifically called "Return Labels" and not the usual every day postage labels you use to ship to a buyer. One difference between the two is that you will not get charged the price of the Return Label until it is scanned into the USPS mail system, whereas for a regular label you get charged when the label is created. The Return Label postage literally says "USPS Ground Advantage Returns" on it, I'm assuming to let any postal handler know that the package is a returned item.
I recall in the past that Return Labels are allowed to be shipped with Priority Mail packaging (maybe even Express packaging). My assumption is in case the buyer destroyed the original packaging, USPS probably doesn't want to inconvenience them (who already received the item thru USPS) to have to scrounge around for viable packaging to return the item. Or maybe it was a deal with ebay and USPS, I don't think we ever found out. @fern*wood I agree that I think there is also some leeway on size and dimensions in the event the buyer ends up using a way bigger and heavier cardboard box or something.
The problem is I'm unable to find any verbiage that supports this so I can tell my buyer to just try to give it to a different postal employee. Does anyone know? Thanks.
bonanza125
·11 months agoIt states right on the packaging that anything priority mail as in box or envelope must have priority mail postage. Ground Advantage is not the same service nor postage as priority mail so yes a USPS employee can deny a package which has Ground Advantage label on a Priority mail package and return to sender or deny the package all together at the post office. Lets just say if you had no issues before you were lucky cause you could have been held responsible for postage due and guess what they will charge you full retail price on priority mail for it.