We have started having an issue over the last two weeks, where our tracking numbers are being rejected with the error : "Tracking number added is already used by a different seller."
At first it was two orders on the same day. We opened a case with ebay regarding it. Then we had a couple more orders last week on different days with same issue. So, we contacted our Shipping SAAS (Teapplix) support. They were aware of the issue. They said that USPS has started recycling tracking numbers that are less than 6 months old. Previously they only recycled them once they were more than 6 months old. So, what is happening is that ebay is comparing the tracking numbers to tracking numbers they have on record that are less than 6 months old and getting a match and then rejecting the newer tracking with the already being used error.
We had 13 orders like that today and opened another ticket. Supposedly our previous ticket was escalated to the "tech team" for further review, but there has been no response. The representative today seemed to understand the info I provided and is noting the orders so that they don't hit us as defects. But, I wanted to post here to see if this is happening to other sellers too so that we can get some traction behind it to get eBay to fix the time period they are using to say a tracking number is already being used. Seems like they should be able to compare creation dates on the tracking number to avoid this issue, since the new tracking are recent and there is not other tracking history when you track the number on the USPS site.
This is bad for buyers because the orders will not update tracking status and tell them when their packages have been delivered. So many buyers rely on that, I know I do when I order so I know to go look for my package. We do email the buyer and a note to the order about the issue and providing them the tracking number, but that requires them going to USPS site to track and possible sign up for text or email updates.
Please comment if this is affecting you too.
EDIT: Created a new version of this topic in the "Report eBay Technical Issues" under Buyer/Seller since this is more a technical issue.
