buyer' s request for labeling package
Just got this message on a book. They are international. I've never been clear about what ebay does to EIS packages. Do they open and repackage? Or do they just forward the package as is?
Please ensure that parcel is labelled NO AUTHORITY TO LEAVE - TO BE DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO ADDRESSEE IF PARCEL DOES NOT FIT INTO MAILBOX.
15 comments
fm2000
·5 months agoSometimes they repackage items. Sometimes they don't. They repackaged a big heavy hardcover book I sent someone to Canada a few years ago, instead of my specialty box and bubble wrap it showed up in a polybag with a broken spine. Thankfully the guy who bought it was totally chill about it and eBay gave him a refund out of their pocket. (I wasn't as chill about them improperly repacking my item and making me look bad and disappointing my buyer, but I digress...)
By the verbiage it sounds like it is going to Canada, Australia or another Commonwealth country. I'd just scribble it on there, can't do any harm, not a message that would trigger issues domestically. It is eBay's problem if they repackage it and/or it doesn't arrive properly.
meme6253
·5 months agoNever seen that one before, Don't know if EIS repackage or not, Is there a way you can contact that department to find out?, Otherwise you may not be able to fulfill that request.
slippinjimmy
·5 months agoIf the OP had a pencil, pen or marker it's pretty simple to fulfill that request.
Whether it will do any good it a different matter.
projektauto
·5 months ago"eBay is responsible for everything related to the international component of your purchase. This includes setting international shipping costs, managing international transit and other logistics.
eBay also manages returns, refunds, and other claims. Any questions or concerns you may have after the sale should be directed to eBay’s customer support team." -EIS Policy
We get asked to write a different price on the "invoice" or put certain wording/labels on the box. We don't. Also, EIS items get repackaged all the time.
Why tell an EIS customer you will do anything special for them beyond what you have complete control over? You'll have an angry and confused buyer later by agreeing to anything like that. When EIS customers have special requests, we don't say no, we just kindly redirect them to eBay customer service. Let eBay tell them no.
So far, this strategy has kept us out of a lot of trouble. Customers have been understanding.
EIS has delivered many of our items badly damaged. Heavy engine parts loose in a new box. Body plastics crushed and broken in poly-bags. Expensive electronics lost in the mail. What's funny is I often see the EIS handled INAD/INR items show up for sale again later on the eBay store called ShipCycle. They just clone our listings/photos and sell it again.
What eBay has done well here is follow through on the protections from EIS orders. Never had an issue with EIS feedback removal, and you never have to deal with the refunds/returns.
ryry-jj
·5 months agoI'd say, I have no control over that once the item reaches the eIS hub. They would need to contact ebay about any fees and abilities associated with special handling, as you also have no clue who will handle the package internationally. I might also tell them, once they are notified of shipping from the eIS hub, they may then know the carrier being used and be able to go on-line at set up special delivery requirements
inhawaii
·5 months agoI would gladly honor that request.
1786davycrockett
·5 months ago@keziak
If EIS repackages the item for another mailing service, whatever you might write on the exterior of the package may be concealed by the new exterior packaging.
I would contact the buyer, and advise them that their special handling requirements are outside of your shipping expertise (due to the third-person handling at EIS), and offer them the opportunity to cancel the order.
Alternatively, if the buyer still wants the book, you might suggest to the buyer that they forgo the special handling instructions.
keziak
OP5 months agoBy the time an international package is covered with labels there may well be a chance than my note on the front will be obscured. I think that is a good tip to tell the customer that. thanks
slippinjimmy
·5 months agoWhy would it be "covered with Labels?"
EIS will cover your 4x6 with theirs, the last mile carrier might add a small sticker, that's about it.
onefootflipper
·5 months agoI have had items completely repacked by EIS. I sent a collectible sealed boardgame in a decent size box with bubble filler, the buyer received it in a polybag.
slippinjimmy
·5 months agoStill don't see how this would lead to "covered in labels"?
In any event if the OP adds the tag line to the package and EIS repacks the note will go away. So what, the OP did as asked which is all they can do.
Even if EIS does not repackage there is no guarantee that the last mile carrier is going to follow those instructions.
onefootflipper
·5 months agoEspecially in a non-english speaking country.
simba6
·5 months agoEven it it's written on there, hard to say it the delivery person will even read it. Scan , toss and run I suspect.
chapeau-noir
·5 months agoI've had various requests like that down through the years - I just write them on the package under or beside the label.
slippinjimmy
·5 months agoThe answer is probably "it depends".
I expect they open (and maybe repack) if they have any reason to need to see the actual product. Perhaps if they receive a way oversized package?
A book that is packed like a book with proper country of origin in the listing is not likely going to be examined or repacked.
In any event just add the info the buyers wants and send it off, there is really nothing else you can do.