Any current ESE eBay Standard Envelope issues right now w/Tracking Updates?
All of the envelopes I've dropped off since July 3rd have no tracking updates.
Is it just me or anyone else seeing this?
Trying to determine if they are sitting in a bin somewhere unmailed and/or if maybe just the data isn't ending up to eBay....
10 comments
tdl_collectibles
OP2 years agoTo close the loop on this, tracking never did show up on this whole stack of envelopes, but luckily I had no "lost item" cases and/or communication from buyers that they were lost.
Also eBay didn't ding me for any of them for Top Rated Seller status, so guess it is OK in the end..
tdl_collectibles
OP2 years agoSome good news I think. Just received a positive feedback on one of the envelopes in question, so must be a one-time blip and hopefully all will get caught up before my seller metrics are evaluated again.
thanks all for the helpful tips!!
wastingtime101
·2 years agoGood news! Hopefully tracking scans will come through eventually.
wastingtime101
·2 years agoIssues like these tend to be regional, but if you don't typically have problems then the holiday is likely the key factor here. Sorting facility may have gotten backed up.
If you've been using ESE for a while then the below probably doesn't apply to you, but I'll include it in case any other sellers reading are running into problems.
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eBay Standard Envelope (ESE) is a metered mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans and the clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it. The envelopes are scanned by sorting machinery at distribution centers along the way.
Common reasons ESE envelopes don't get scans include:
- Overpacking. Envelopes are too stiff. It's not recommended to use trading card top loaders or cardboard mailers.
- Placement of label. Label should be placed in the upper right corner with approx 1/8"-1/4" clearance from edges. If it's placed too far from the corner the machinery won't scan it.
- Placing items like coins in the center of the envelope. The center of the envelope needs to be the most flexible part.
- Printer ink is not dark enough, or label color is too bright (stick to white labels if you can).
- Regional issues with sorting machines, volume processing, etc.
With ESE, a 'delivered' scan generally occurs at the last sort facility before it gets to the buyer, so typically the buyer will receive their order a few days after the delivered scan.
If you find the tracking on eBay to be lacking, you can track the ESUS number on this site and sometimes find more info: https://parcelsapp.com
If a buyer files a not received claim, you do have insurance coverage and the claims process is outlined on this page: https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=5308
1786davycrockett
·2 years ago@tdl_collectibles
From what city and state did you mail the ESEs?
In what manner did you mail them ("Metered Mail" slot in the post office lobby; or USPS "blue box;" or handed across the counter to a USPS employee; or handed to a USPS driver; or mailed from a residential mailbox; or mailed from a business mailing service)?
Lots of variables are involved, as you can see -- as well as the July 4th postal holiday.
tdl_collectibles
OP2 years agoHi there! I use the metered mail slot inside the post office as I typically do at a smaller post office in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania area and have been doing so for over a year now with no noticeable issues.
Just seemed odd to have 3 days worth of cards missing so I was thinking it was a data issue on the eBay end but I'm hoping maybe it just the holiday being in between there as you suggest. Thanks!
1786davycrockett
·2 years ago@tdl_collectibles
You used the "metered mail" slots, which is the BEST method for sending out ESEs.
However. . ..
I'm thinking that the July 4th postal holiday was the main culprit.
Since July 4th fell on a Thursday this year, I suspect that a lot of the newer USPS employees decided to take a l-o-o-n-g holiday weekend (Thursday through Sunday), either using official vacation time -- or (for that large number of "newbies" that have been recently hired by USPS) -- unofficial and un-permitted "time off."
So your post office (as well as many others -- mine included!) is probably a victim of "employee shortages."
Unless some of those ESE mailings were critical, I would suggest giving them another day or so -- this is Monday, July 8 -- and see what develops.
And don't panic!
carberry
·2 years agoNorth Houston TX 👎
1786davycrockett
·2 years ago@carberry
As has been reported on multiple times on these threads during the past year, the Houston, TX USPS system is a disaster area.
Otherwise I don't understand your negative comment directed towards me.
carberry
·2 years agoNo negative directed toward you