eBay

hughs_small_shop · ‎05-12-2019

Hello all! Had a quick question.

When I go to the USPS post office, I notice that bubbled envelopes cannot be shipped with tracking. However many times when I receive very small items, they come with tracking and in a padded envelope. Was just wondering if I was misinformed and you're actually allowed to have tracking on padded envelopes.

Sorry for the dumb question 😛

- Hugh

nobody*s_perfect · ‎05-12-2019

USPS automatically includes tracking for all packages. A bubble envelope would be considered a package if it is (1) over 3/4 inch thick; (2) rigid; or (3) uneven thickness, which usps defines as a variation more than 1/4 inch.

A bubble envelope that was even, flexible, and under 3/4 inch would be considered a "Flat" (AKA Large envelope), not a package. If it's not over 1/4 inch thick, it might even qualify as a letter.

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div_style · ‎05-12-2019

I use bubble mailers for 1st class parcels, with tracking, every day.

List more, sell more. Goodwill that other, uh, stuff.

Feeling sleepy? There's an app for that.

nobody*s_perfect · ‎05-12-2019

USPS automatically includes tracking for all packages. A bubble envelope would be considered a package if it is (1) over 3/4 inch thick; (2) rigid; or (3) uneven thickness, which usps defines as a variation more than 1/4 inch.

A bubble envelope that was even, flexible, and under 3/4 inch would be considered a "Flat" (AKA Large envelope), not a package. If it's not over 1/4 inch thick, it might even qualify as a letter.

no-plain-white-envelopes · ‎05-12-2019

t add a couple of packing peanuts in the bottom of the bubble mailer to get you the 3/4 inch thickness . also print your own label and buy a small digital scale here on ebay.

jeannicho22 · ‎05-12-2019

@nobody*s_perfect wrote:
USPS automatically includes tracking for all packages. A bubble envelope would be considered a package if it is (1) over 3/4 inch thick; (2) rigid; or (3) uneven thickness, which usps defines as a variation more than 1/4 inch.

A bubble envelope that was even, flexible, and under 3/4 inch would be considered a "Flat" (AKA Large envelope), not a package. If it's not over 1/4 inch thick, it might even qualify as a letter.

My post office states that a bubble envelope by virtue of the fact that is bubbled makes it a package. I use the thick envelope or package choice that includes tracking... Every day, all day long. Never had one returned

nobody*s_perfect · ‎05-13-2019

@jeannicho22 wrote: ... My post office states that a bubble envelope by virtue of the fact that is bubbled makes it a package. ...

It would seem possible for a bubble envelope to meet the criteria for a flat as illustrated in the USPS manual, i.e., flexible, not over 3/4 inch thick etc.:

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/201.htm#ep1096318

That's why it's so common for sellers to put a little padding in the envelope if necessary to ensure that it's over the 3/4 inch threshold. I keep a bar of hard foam and include a slice if indicated. Or just roll up the end of the envelope before taping.

unclepauliscoins · ‎05-13-2019

Hi, I recently had a Seller contact me about a coin I was selling. He also sells coins and offers free shipping on items between 3-4 Dollars. So I asked him how can he offer free shipping since most of my First Class Packages Bubble Envelopes cost between 3.76 and 3.94 Dollars depending what zone with tracking. He stated he uses the same envelopes put a 0.70 Cent stamp on it writes non-machineable on the envelope and ships it like that so his cost is 0.70 Cents NO TRACKING. I tried that on some of my low value items had 7 sales mailed them out same day or the next morning. Got a few feedbacks. Then I noticed I went from 100% down to in the 80's % for not uploading a tracking Number in my Seller Level just marked shipped on the item. I called ebay they stated Yes, I can send a package this way but your Seller Level will go all the way down to 0% for not uploading a tracking number and I am not sure if you not a top rated seller how much do they show your listings ? No sales since I changed it back to shipping with tracking.

jennieaa · ‎05-13-2019

unclepaul,

Sellers who do not do tracking don't care about TRS. What they 'save' in shipping covers or surpasses any TRS discount they may have received. It also means they likely self insure - if something gets lost they refund and move on. Some even have 2 ebay selling IDs - one with items that need tracking, one with items that do not get tracking.

As for placement - in some categories it doesn't seem to make a difference.

I sell in a categories that could go either way. I prefer my better packaging (for which I have received numerous positive feedbacks) and thus the envelope is too thick or stiff to be anything other than a first class parcel.

m60driver · ‎05-13-2019

Ebay's obsession with tracking is of course because they want to promote purchasing postage through Ebay where they get a small cut of that cost. I am forever condemned to the mere "above standard" rating due to the small number of military style cloth patches I mail out in envelopes for the cost of one stamp. Ebay has no mercy even when the sale would not happen without a very low shipping cost of one stamp.

jason_incognito · ‎05-13-2019

I print out the postage online and everything is good. I have never had a problem with USPS accepting a label on a bubble mailer.

Take it to the counter and try to ship it..... PRIORITY only because it is not a box!

I use bubble mailers, add extra bubble wrap and USPS still misses delivery scans because they end up in the stacks of mail and not separate to be scanned.....

"Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything" Colin Kaepernick the new face of NIKE

a_c_green · ‎05-13-2019

@jason_incognito wrote:
Take it to the counter and try to ship it..... PRIORITY only because it is not a box!

Not sure what you mean...? Of course you can use a bubble envelope for Priority Mail if you like. There's also the PM Flat Rate Padded Envelope that you can get from the PO for free, but if the shipment is very light and/or short distance, the PM FRPE price can be a ripoff.

For lightweight padded-envelope shipments (i.e. under 16 ounces), I just use my own padded envelopes and send them via First Class Package, which has free tracking included.

jeannicho22 · ‎05-13-2019

@nobody*s_perfect wrote:
@jeannicho22 wrote: ... My post office states that a bubble envelope by virtue of the fact that is bubbled makes it a package. ...
It would seem possible for a bubble envelope to meet the criteria for a flat as illustrated in the USPS manual, i.e., flexible, not over 3/4 inch thick etc.:

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/201.htm#ep1096318

That's why it's so common for sellers to put a little padding in the envelope if necessary to ensure that it's over the 3/4 inch threshold. I keep a bar of hard foam and include a slice if indicated. Or just roll up the end of the envelope before taping.

I do understand and agree, I'm just telling you what the clerks at my PO have stated. Most of what I send in the bubble envelopes is definitely not 3/4 inch thick but do have hard "bits" in the envelope.