Ebay Standard Envelope Scanning Issues
Hello, just wondering if anyone else is experiencing scanning issues with ebay standard envelope. I normally don't have an issue, the Indianapolis hub scans them, but since the 19th none of mine have scanned anywhere, so I have users reaching out asking why I haven't mailed their cards when in fact I have. If they had scanned at other hubs I'd chalk it up to an Indianapolis issue, but they are not getting scanned anywhere. Just checking to see if I am alone in this, thank you!
9 comments
neonholo
·1 month agoI’m pretty understanding when it comes to delivery issues. With eBay Standard Envelope, we all know the service isn’t perfect, and delays can happen because of weather, USPS processing, or other things that are completely out of the seller’s control.
For example, if a customer doesn’t receive their envelope even though tracking shows it was scanned by USPS, I totally understand their frustration because I’m a buyer too. I’ve even had a few rare cases where tracking didn’t update for almost two weeks, and then the envelope eventually showed up.
What doesn’t seem fair is when a seller does everything right, ships the item on time, and USPS has it, but the buyer leaves negative feedback because of a delivery problem. Some buyers don’t realize that once the envelope is in USPS’s hands, the seller has very little control over what happens next.
I’d really like to see eBay change how feedback works for eBay Standard Envelope issues, or delivery issues in general. Most sellers genuinely want their customers to get their items and have a good experience. We shouldn’t automatically be blamed for delays, missing scans, or other tracking problems that are out of our control.
I’m honestly surprised that after all these years and so many seller and buyer complaints, this still hasn’t been handled better. I’m sure eBay knows how often these issues come up. It would be great to see eBay make changes that better protect sellers from negative feedback when the problem is ultimately the carrier’s responsibility.
tobaccocardyahoo
·6 months agoThe scans for ESE are generated by the automated letter scanning equipment. If the sorter is out of adjustment , it will not be scanned. If you have printed too lightly, it will not be scanned. Could be a combination of these factors, or some communicators problem from the scanner to the USPS computers.
It starts as unreliable and goes to non-functional. Maybe the USPS will PM the sorter and it will scan again, eventually.
dtkraft
·8 months agoNone of my ESE packages from last weekend have scanned. They were dropped off to the same post office I have used for five years without issue. All of my Ground Advantage packages show scanned. I have sixteen ESE packages that show label created but not accepted. Nothing shows up for me to appeal yet so I am hoping there is just a delay in the upload process with eBay and I won't have to fight about this.
jljewell302
OP8 months agoIt’s the same for me, I think I have close to 30, none have scanned like they usually do in Indy. It’s making me nervous as I have buyers reaching out asking if I’ve even mailed them, and I have, but have zero proof since no scan. I don’t want to lose my seller rating if I have a bunch of request come in. I know there was an issue around this time last year with ESE, so wanted to see if others sellers are having issues or if it’s just me. I know there’s no guaranteed scan, but you’d like at least 1 hub would have scanned a card or two, I have cards going to both coasts and north/south of me. Thanks for the reply
christworks
·8 months ago@jljewell302 There are no guaranteed scans with ESE. Normally I have one or two. Sometimes none. I normally explain how it works in the listing or message buyers when they order; this way they aren't bothering me later on when they are likely upset.
As for why there may be more noticeable issues now, it may be due to the weather and the significant delays that are ongoing in many parts of the country. Mail is backed up in many areas. I've not had mail service all week. Even in areas where the storm did not directly impact USPS, the logistic effects may still be felt.
I would message any buyers who are awaiting an ESE that has not had a scan and simply let them know you are aware, and to contact you if they have not received their order by the last delivery date shown to them.
jljewell302
OP8 months agoThanks for your reply, I know there’s no guarantee of a scan, but I have over 30 cards out ESE and not a single one has a scan, that doesn’t seem normal to me especially when I rarely have a problem getting them scanned. I’ve had buyers reaching out and am just nervous of losing my seller rating if a bunch of claims come in. Hopefully I’ll start to see movement soon.
jerryk45
·6 months agoHere is why that doesn't work.
I just had a period in Feb 2026 where dozens of standard envelope orders were never scanned. Most were delivered as I received feedback. This is not a normal situation. My understanding is that some tracking info was lost and that eBay acknowledged this.
3 buyers, so far, have opened cases for non-receipt. The first was just closed by eBay. They refunded the buyer at my expense. The lack of any scan being the reason. I filed an insurance claim, but suspect that will also be denied due to the lack of any scans.
I also have no reason to assume that claims were not filed (fraudulently) after items were received. I have no reason to suspect any specific buyer, but I know that this happens (when the tracking will back them up). So the lack of updates over a period of weeks has consequences.
christworks
·6 months agoI'm not sure what you are referring to when you say, "here is why that doesn't work."
If you are talking about messaging buyers, that would simply be as a courtsey. It would not prevent a buyer from filing an INAD, whether they are honest or not. I never said it would.
shirla2005
·6 months ago3/12/26 - USPS system is experiencing widespread scanning failures, network changes, and high‑volume choke points that cause packages to loop, sit in hubs for 1–2 weeks, and show no tracking updates. These issues are now common enough that millions of packages are affected each year, and “Missing Mail” searches often don’t get meaningful follow‑up because the system can’t locate the item until it’s scanned again. Most delayed packages still arrive—even after 10–14 days of silence.
Never in all my years as an eBay buyer have I seen so many packages get stuck “looping” in the USPS system—sitting in a hub for a week or more without a scan, or sometimes never being scanned at all before suddenly moving again. USPS has basically trained me to expect that a package may take up to three weeks to arrive. During that time, tracking is usually silent. Then one day, the item just magically appears in my mailbox. I’m grateful when it does, but the process is exhausting.
I genuinely feel for sellers who get hit with “item not received” cases. They refund the buyer because USPS shows no movement, and then—right after the refund—the package finally gets delivered. The buyer ends up with both the item and their money back. What does the seller have? Nothing but frustration. We’re all at the mercy of USPS right now.
One recent example: I waited 14 or 16 days with no updates, so I filed a “Missing Mail” search on the USPS website. Days passed with no response. I finally had to open an “item not received” case through eBay. The seller was wonderful—great communication the whole time—and she refunded me. And wouldn’t you know it, the very next day the package showed up. I immediately used her return address, put cash and a note in a bubble mailer, bought a USPS Ground Advantage label, and mailed her the money. It was the right thing to do.
My point is simple: USPS’s severe delays are hurting both buyers and sellers. Sellers are refunding purchases that USPS eventually delivers, and buyers are put in the awkward position of receiving items after being refunded. I hope more buyers will do the honest thing and make it right with the seller when this happens.
USPS’s long delays and lack of tracking updates are affecting the entire eBay community. Hopefully they get things straightened out and return to the level of reliability we used to depend on.