Sending Items VIa Snail mail with a stamp and No Tracking only effects "Top Seller", right?>

[27teamswords]

From what I understand, items that are sent without tracking only effect a sellers ability to be listed as a "Top Seller" right? I know it's not advised and can potentially lead to INR cases but I needed to know what the "penalties" are, and what that means

FOr instance, what am I losing by not being a top seller? 

Or do I have it all wrong?. Please help explain for me

[soh.maryl]

Some one else will give you a more complete reply, but I just have to ask:  Are you willing to refund a whole lot of buyers when they open item not received cases?  Is it worth it to you?  

[mr.emk]

On your listings for coins, you can use the eBay standard envelope shipping.  This comes with tracking.  With all listings, I advise getting tracking, as stated above; you will be opening up a possible item not received problem.  

[bdmh-enterprises]

Yes, that will only keep you from becoming TRS and leave you unprotected from INRs. But on eBay anything that qualifies for letter mail can be sent using 'eBay Standard Envelope' for 1c less and with tracking so why would you want to? I will also note that the only items you currently have listed that qualify for letter mail are the single coins.

As for TRS, that gives you a small fee discount and (if you offer 30 day returns) the ability to reduce refunds if a buyer opens/damages an item and returns it.

[powell-collectibles]

There are plenty of sellers that ship with a service we’re tracking isn’t available. Some sellers even have tracking and don’t feel like uploading the numbers. I’d always recommend buying your labels on eBay or from a similar service when the tracking is free. If you are sending something with a stamp, and your INR rate is small enough, shipping without tracking isn’t an issue.

[27teamswords]

Thanks, the item in question is the Seeds. Ebay Standard Envelope no longer allows seeds to be sent. So my only option is without tracking. 

And yes, making $1 to me is worth the chance of INR since Im so poor , (lol) 

Also, what do you mean by "and (if you offer 30 day returns) the ability to reduce refunds if a buyer opens/damages an item and returns it."?? How does being a top seller effect that?

[powell-collectibles]

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@soh.maryl wrote:

Some one else will give you a more complete reply, but I just have to ask:  Are you willing to refund a whole lot of buyers when they open item not received cases?  Is it worth it to you?  

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It all depends on what you sell. It’s just about doing the math – a lot of items sold on eBay don’t support sending with tracking. An envelope and a stamp is the right solution for some items. It isn’t even close.

[powell-collectibles]

I didn’t even know, but seeds is the perfect example, and the one that I thought of for when it makes sense to just use an envelope and a stamp. Yep, I envision that a buyer is willing to pay less than what it would cost you in postage with ground advantage. Absolutely, if you are going to sell seeds, in most cases, it will be so much better to use a stamp and an envelope. Basically, the only way to make money.

[duffy4444]

   Yes, using USPS First Class letter or envelope with a stamp or two will only keep you from obtaining Top Rated Status. By itself, doing so will never drop you any lower than Above Standard. I'm at 53.9 in the Tracking Uploaded on Time and Validated metric myself, with no repercussions and smooth sailing.

    I also don't give a rat's patootie about TRS, as all I ever received for it many years ago was a cheesy paper "award". The loss of it has never affected my sales. IMHO, it's overrated. 

    I have sold over a thousand items with a USPS First Class envelope and a stamp or two. Over the years, I've only had 3 INRs. The money I've saved by shipping eligible items First Class way more than makes up for the rare INR refund loss. Simple math.

   However, I do send each buyer a cut-and-paste message that the USPS does not issue tracking for First Class Letter and Larger envelopes. That has the benefit of giving the buyer a heads up and cuts down on the INRs.

   Just be sure to follow the USPS guidelines on thickness, flexibility and weight of First Class.  

Cheers, Duffy

[tobaccocardyahoo]

Many of us cannot relate to selling items so inexpensive especially if they are sold for $1.47 including delivery.

Given the higher priced items you also offer, and the state limitations on the importation of agricultural products, we would reflexively recommend you remove your seeds from your offerings.

But that is your decision to make, if it creates no conflict with Ebay policies,

[ethylsgarage]

eBay charges its commission plus penalty rates based on your feedback. Get a bunch of INR or other complaints and you will pay more for selling on eBay because of the penalties. Your feedback also heavily influences your visibility in search. Drop low enough and you won't appear in anyone's searches without paying for promoted listings.

[12345jamesstamps]

'Sending items via snail mail with a stamp and no tracking'....so I send a lot of items that way.

Items getting lost...no

'snail mail' is anything with tracking....nowadays because everyone uses it...almost everyone.

My items get coast to coast in 3-4 days without tracking...

And my best time frame of an item sent to UK from San Francisco is 8 days as stated in a feedback by a buyer.

Tracking helps to be a Top Seller...if that means a lot to you...but anything can and will happen on a month basis where you might get knocked off for a month as a Top Seller.

There are so many obstacles of shipping that can have a effect on it.

I prefer 'repeat buyers' who say my items arrive fast...that's how I make my money.

I think you get 10-20 % off seller's fee...I do better with repeat buyers.

[bdmh-enterprises]

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@ethylsgarage wrote:

eBay charges its commission plus penalty rates based on your feedback. Get a bunch of INR or other complaints and you will pay more for selling on eBay because of the penalties. Your feedback also heavily influences your visibility in search. Drop low enough and you won't appear in anyone's searches without paying for promoted listings.

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This is absolutely untrue. Feedback plays ZERO role in fees or penalties from eBay. 

[bdmh-enterprises]

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@27teamswords wrote:

Thanks, the item in question is the Seeds. Ebay Standard Envelope no longer allows seeds to be sent. So my only option is without tracking. 

Are the seeds the tiny things? You definitely wouldn't be able to send the pods by letter.

I didn't realize they eliminated the seeds category. Probably too many people trying to send pea+ sized seeds..

You could send a couple and not affect TRS. IMO the fee discount is worth it.