ebay standard envelope
For most of what I sell, I use ebay standard envelope. Why is it that here lately 1 out of every 5 transactions, the tracking doesn't work? Why?
4 comments
For most of what I sell, I use ebay standard envelope. Why is it that here lately 1 out of every 5 transactions, the tracking doesn't work? Why?
shipscript
·3 years agoAn eBay standard envelope is a contracted shipping method that uses a proprietary ESUS code (not a USPS code) for tracking. As such, the envelope can only be tracked when it passes through major USPS sorting hubs that have appropriate equipment to scan that proprietary ESUS number.
There will be no acceptance scan and no true delivery scan, as local post offices and carriers are unable to scan the item. In some cases, the letter never reaches a hub that can scan the code, and may be delivered with no scan at all. If the letter is too rigid or bumpy, it may be non-machinable (can't travel around the tight bends of the sorting equipment) so won't enter the equipment that can actually scan the tracking code.
One buyer in Florida reported that their small packets traveled a direct path on their way down the state, whereas eBay ESUS tracking caused items to head off in a slightly different direction to get to the closest code-enabled sorting hub that was still 100 miles away from the destination. So eBay envelopes are typically routed from sorting hub to sorting hub in order to obtain a scan, and the last hub may still be a considerable distance from the buyer.
The last major hub that supports a scan may estimate a "delivered" response as the article re-enters the normal mail stream on its way to the destination. That final delivery could be hours or days off. I generally recommend that buyers wait at least 3 more days for delivery if the scan shows "delivered" when the item has not appeared. In most cases, that wait does produce results.
This site is pretty good at tracking ESUS numbers:
https://parcelsapp.com/en/carriers/easyship
For sellers whose items are not making it to the destination, make sure the envelope is flexible and not too bumpy. Stiff or bumpy envelopes can jam and be ejected from the high-speed sorters. I test my envelopes by checking whether they can curl part way around a coffee cup.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB7QOK1bd3U
1786davycrockett
·3 years ago@shipscript
"I test my envelopes by checking whether they can curl part way around a coffee cup."
An excellent idea, and a very good example of the convolutions to which the ESE is exposed during the USPS sorting process.
1786davycrockett
·3 years ago@wds_collectibles
Since the eBay Standard Envelope is officially USPS metered mail, it is important that it be physically mailed in the "Metered Mail" slot at your local post office, and NOT handed to a USPS counter employee or a USPS delivery driver, or simply mailed from your own mail box or the USPS "blue boxes." Delays in both delivery and machine scans may occur if mailed otherwise.
Also, are your ESEs flexible enough? Most of the issues occurring with the ESE seem to be arising from envelopes which do not bend easily.
spark-chaser1
·3 years agoThat's a really good question. I wish I was able to help you. Along the same line, however...
I notice that even when there is tracking, it is spotty and random. On top of that, a further issue I've had as a buyer is that one out of every three standard envelope shipments never reach me, prompting me to consider no longer buying items if I know they will end up being shipped in them.
I notice that it is once they reach my PO ( at my zipcode) but not my address, they are scanned as " delivered". The problem with that is, if somewhere along the route on the way to true "delivery" they disappear into never-never land, and I have no real recourse in recouping my money.
The tracking shows the " delivered" ( to the PO) scan and because it is within my zipcode, for all intents and purposes to the Bay and the seller its all good when it isnt- and I'm out of money yet again. An unfortunate flaw in the system. I'm learning the only way to win the game is not to play in the first place.
I'd rather pay extra for "real" tracking and a more solid method, anyhow.