01-25-2026 06:11 AM
Before the Mods move this to the shipping board, below is the current USPS disruption map that's affecting 38 of the 50 states. As a reminder, this typically results in back-ups that can last for many days and sometimes weeks. Prepare accordingly.
01-25-2026 06:16 AM
Someone posted yesterday that the winter storms could potentially result in more sales; however, it will be interesting to see how this works when those buyers discover their package may not arrive on time due to the weather.
01-25-2026 06:36 AM
Even if not located in the storms foot print ALL shipping across the board will be affected and I am sure ebay is sitting back gleefully counting the added revenue from penalties they will tag sellers with.
01-25-2026 06:57 AM
@vip2054 wrote:Even if not located in the storms foot print ALL shipping across the board will be affected and I am sure ebay is sitting back gleefully counting the added revenue from penalties they will tag sellers with.
What penalties are you talking about.
What I will do is if a buyer files a INR is refund immediately. Then if it gets delivered later the buyer gets the item free and the seller is refunded and absolved of all responsibility.
01-25-2026 07:04 AM - edited 01-25-2026 07:14 AM
Storm or no storm- There are always USPS delays.
Shipping price increases and shipping service decreases.
USPS increases prices and shipping totals decrease by almost 118 million packages in quarter.
The law of inverse ratios.
U.S. Postal Service Reports Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Results
Highlights OF Report
Total operating revenue was $19.7 billion for the quarter, essentially flat compared to the same quarter last year.
First-Class Mail revenue increased $69 million, or 1.0 percent, on a volume decline of 680 million pieces, or 5.8 percent, compared to the same quarter last year, with strategic price increases offsetting the declining volume impact.
Shipping and Packages revenue increased $52 million, or 0.7 percent, on a volume decline of 118 million pieces, or 6.9 percent, compared to the same quarter last year. Marketing Mail revenue decreased $50 million, or 1.4 percent, on a volume decline of 787 million pieces, or 5.7 percent, compared to the same quarter last year.
01-25-2026 08:54 AM
Thanks for the Information, Pretty much like I expected, But you can't prepare accordingly to what has already been shipped & is out there., I did let my customers know to expect delays & to please be patient.
01-25-2026 09:32 AM - edited 01-25-2026 12:27 PM
@bashort wrote:
@vip2054 wrote:Even if not located in the storms foot print ALL shipping across the board will be affected and I am sure ebay is sitting back gleefully counting the added revenue from penalties they will tag sellers with.
What penalties are you talking about.
What I will do is if a buyer files a INR is refund immediately. Then if it gets delivered later the buyer gets the item free and the seller is refunded and absolved of all responsibility.
Savvy buyers don't INR, because they know one better:
Some sellers will just refund no return needed. Others will accept the return, and the return is delivered and refund issued, but no return arrived.
01-25-2026 09:40 AM
I had two returns the other day....one postmarked October 29, 2025.
As usual, buyers did not contact me.