Requirements for Fedex Packages Shipped Using Ebay Labels

[americanartifacts]

I've been trying to get some help on a shipping adjustment for an Ebay Fedex label. The Fedex label cost $12.55 on Ebay. The adjustment was for $35.81, bringing the total cost to $48.36. The weight and dimensions were not changed, but the package was described as irregular. This was a plush Paddington Bear shipped in a poly mailer instead of a box.

According to one customer service agent this morning, the terms and conditions of Ebay's Fedex shipping contract state that everything must be shipped in a rectangular cardboard box or it could be subject to additional charges for irregular packaging. (The agent said these charges could also be imposed on items like shipping tubes.)

Many, many eBay sellers use poly mailers.  I would like to share accurate information with other eBay sellers including in a group that I co-lead.  I found a section in Ebay Help titled "How to pack irregularly shaped items" that includes packing tips but no mention of potential surcharges. It is possible that sellers can read the terms and conditions of the Fedex shipping contract, but in practice I suspect few do so. Does anyone have a link to a clear articulation of this policy?

Thanks.

[comics-scifi-collectibles · Accepted solution]

@americanartifacts  "shipped in a poly mailer instead of a box. "

That is the problem. A polymailer is non machinable, meaning it can get  stuck in sorting equipment.  

https://www.shipsaving.com/carries/carriers-surcharges-and-reasons

You can probably find this info on the Fed Ex site but this summarizes it nicely for Fed Ex and USPS>

https://www.shipsaving.com/carries/carriers-surcharges-and-reasons

This is a good summary for UPS>  

https://support.pirateship.com/en/articles/5604750-all-the-ups-surcharges  

If the item can't ship via USPS due to package size or weight then I use UPS, but never in a polybag.  

I only buy UPS labels from Pirateship.com.  They charge the same or better rates as eBay.   They will help you dispute if a surcharge is added incorrectly.  They also help with insurance claims if needed.