shipping a single collector card
I was wondering what the most cost effective method can be used to ship a single collector card that includes tracking is. Does using an eBay envelope work well?
4 comments
I was wondering what the most cost effective method can be used to ship a single collector card that includes tracking is. Does using an eBay envelope work well?
fbusoni
·1 year ago@mar-944401
Is the card valuable enough that you do not want to lose the money you made?
If so, don't skimp on shipping.
I recently started paying .33 cents more to ship books ground advantage versus media mail. That way I am covered up to $100 if the book gets lost in the USPS system (which happens occasionally).
1786davycrockett
·1 year ago@mar-944401
If you want actual verifiable USPS tracking, you are probably better off shipping your cards at USPS Ground Advantage rates, in a sturdy photo mailer envelope.
USPS Tracking is far superior to using the eBay Standard Envelope (ESE), which is cheaper, but the "tracking" function is haphazard -- sometimes it only receives an initial acknowledgement scan at the next USPS Sorting Center; and sometimes they only receive a final "Delivered" scan at the post office matching the ZIP Code of the buyer's address (but not the buyer's residence itself); and sometimes nothing at all.
I guess it depends upon the value of the card -- both to your buyer, and to you.
wastingtime101
·1 year agoeBay adds an informational note near the top of the tracking window on ESE shipments, pictured below.
Spotty tracking generally isn't too much of an issue since ESE is insured, and this is also why the limit for a single item is $20. Pretty amazing coverage if you ask me, when you're shipping at such a low rate.
I'd say the biggest factor in deciding whether or not to use ESE on a trading card under $20 is how the seller wants to pack. If they are insistent on using a top loader and/or a stiff mailer, then ESE isn't the best option.
wastingtime101
·1 year agoDoes it work? Yes. Does it work well? Depends how well you follow the packing requirements.
Here's a general overview on the service:
Review this page for packing requirements (size, flexibility, label placement, etc) and a downloadable list of eligible categories (qualifying items must be listed in a qualifying category):
https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/ebay-labels-services/ebay-domestic-shipping-services/ebay-standard-envelope
And also read this page:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=5308
Review this page for some of the fine print (like items over $20 don't qualify, for example):
https://pages.ebay.com/sell/standarddelivery/termsofservice.html
If you don't see ESE on the listing form you may need to adjust package dimensions to 11x6.
If you cannot access ESE when purchasing a shipping label, it's possible:
- Your package dimensions/weight are above the service limits.
- Your item was listed in an ineligible category.
- Your item was above the $ limit. When you use auction format, if the auction goes over $20 and you offered ESE, the buyer can still choose it at checkout, but you will not be able to purchase an ESE label due to the item's value.
- Your buyer entered Puerto Rico in the country field. If that happens, let the buyer know ESE is a domestic service and it cannot be purchased when PR is entered in the country field. You can cancel the order using "problem with buyer's address" and advise them to repurchase with a revised address: they need to enter PR as the "state" and United States as the country.
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
Remember, this is a metered letter mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans and the clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it. Drop these envelopes in your PO's metered mail slot if they have one. The envelope will be 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.
- Using ineligible packing material such as a bubble envelope.
- 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.
- Envelope was too lumpy - should be more or less uniform thickness.
- Printer ink is not dark enough, or label color is too bright (stick to white labels if you can).
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 day or two after the delivered scan.
If a buyer files a not received claim, you do have insurance coverage and the claims process is outlined on this page.