why is eBay standard shipping so bad?
It seems like buyer requests stating that they didn't receive their items are increasing and its due to a combination of the eBay standard shipping not having functional tracking and the USPS's inability to scan packages at facilities or at the time of delivery. is the only solution selling everything at the increased rate that is insured up to $100? It just doesn't always make sense to ship something at a higher price than the actual product.
6 comments
wastingtime101
·8 months agoHi @the-dirty-dirtz . 90% of eSE shipments receive delivery scans. The vast majority that don't come down to packaging not meeting USPS machinability and flexibility requirements.
If you're using top loaders they need to be the thin/flimsy ones to meet service specs. Many top loaders are too rigid and will cause scan issues. See more info below.
----------
eBay Standard Envelope (ESE) is a metered, machinable letter mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans. The clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it and you can't track it on the USPS website. The envelopes are scanned by sorting machinery at distribution centers along the way and tracking will appear on eBay.
Common reasons ESE labels don't get scanned include:
- Overpacking. Envelopes are too stiff. It's not recommended to use stiff trading card top loaders or cardboard mailers. Envelope should generally be flexible enough to wrap around a water bottle - as flexible as a greeting card.
- 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, just like you'd position a postage stamp. If it's placed too far from the corner (like in the middle of a long envelope) the machinery may not scan it.
- Securing items in the center of the envelope. The center of the envelope needs to be the most flexible part. It's better to secure single items off to the right (opposite side of label barcode).
- 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, picky USPS employees, etc.
With ESE, a 'delivered' scan generally occurs at the last sort facility before it gets to the buyer; sometimes the buyer will receive their order a few days 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: https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=5308
fm2000
·8 months agoYour envelopes are probably not flexible enough. That is what causes 90%+ of problems people have with ESE, including not getting any scans. If you are using top loaders, stop. They can't go through the letter sorting machinery properly. They need to be able to bend around a large coffee cup.
ESE works just fine, as long as the envelope is properly flexible. It is just metered letter mail, just like people's utility bills arrive every month reliably ESEs will arrive as well, if properly flexible. eBay does a poor job explaining this flexibility requirement to sellers. Make them properly flexible, and you will be fine. Sending low value items GA when ESE will work is just lighting your, and your customer's, money on fire (and remember, you also pay final value fees on that significantly more expensive GA shipping, whether included in the price or charged separately).
goodnu9
·8 months agoI use top loaders with no problems. It's where you place the top loader in a 4"x9" envelope.
HINT: It's not in the middle of the envelope.
wastingtime101
·8 months agoYes, I said that above @goodnu9 - thank you for confirming how important placement is! So many people are tripped up when they put items in the middle of the envelope.
tacsestatesalesmaine
·4 months agoI'm around 1-2% loss. I have been using top loaders dead center.
So if I have this right.
#10 envelope, label on the right side, top loader secured on the left side?
robbie31415
·8 months agoIts actually typically seller error.
ESE is metered mail.
If your envelope doesnt meet all the requirements then it will most likely not get a scan registered as it's not able to run through the machinery.