10-28-2024 05:47 AM
When I was preparing my listing, I could choose USPS First Class Mail as an option for a collectible Hallmark tote bag. But, when the item sold and I started to prepare the shipment, USPS First Class is not one of the options for me to choose, even though the "Order Details" shows USPS First Class as the chosen option. Very frustrating. We chose to offer free shipping for this and other similar items because First Class was relatively inexpensive and offering free shipping would be an additional incentive for potential buyers to purchase the items. Now that an item has sold, First Class is not an option anymore. Very frustrating. What's the remedy? Additionally, where do I find where I can start a call to eBay agent? The automated assistant was no help at all.
Leon Book
tlc-mo
Cape Girardeau, MO
10-28-2024 05:53 AM - edited 10-28-2024 05:56 AM
A tote bag likely will not qualify for first class shipping.
The post office eliminated first class shipping for any small packages except for limited flat envelopes. They replaced it with Ground Advantage shipping.
You cannot use eBay shipping service for first class envelopes because it does not have tracking. You would need to take the package to the post office to have them print first class (and check to see if your package qualifies) or use stamps.
You should check with the post office before you use stamps to be sure that they qualify.
10-28-2024 06:04 AM
When the USPS came up with Ground Advantage, I did a bulk edit and changed all of my first class shipping to ground advantage.
10-28-2024 06:04 AM
I agree. It is very confusing.
The issue is that First Class Mail does not come with tracking. Sellers are not able to print labels on eBay because of this. You could take it to the post office to mail, but again, there is no tracking. So your selling metrics could take a hit for not having proof of shipment. The reason eBay still shows First Class as an option is for high volume Sellers whose metrics can absorb shipments without tracking.
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