Shipping Question

[pappy-alaska]

I apologise if this has been asked and answered.  I am just getting back into selling trading cards on Ebay.  So much has changed over the years!  I charged a flat rate of $4 for shipping first class.  I purchased the shipping label thru Ebay at a cost of $4.13 for first class mail.  It included a tracking number.  I received a notice from the post office with my "returned" item that stated I could not send a first class mail with tracking and that I was in violation of their services.  The note said I needed to send it priority mail flat rate envelope, or send via certified mail as an add-on extra cost.  I had the card in a small cardboard envelope.  I notice that Ebay allows for standard shipping (regular envelopes) that has limited tracking services available.  Can anyone provide any insight into the shipping methods so my packages don't keep coming back to me?  Thank you very much.

[lisa5768]

Hi, the First Class shipping you purchased through eBay was for a First Class Package, not an envelope. Packages need to be over 1/4 inch thick. If your envelope was not then it is considered a flat envelope and does not qualify as a package. As you have found out they will charge priority mail postage. I got caught with a postage due envelope when USPS first started on-line postage, had a friend send me a document and used the first class package to get tracking. Had to pay the difference to get it and not have them send it back.

To make it a package add a piece of foam or bubble wrap so it is over 1/4 inch thick.

[slippinjimmy]

"Packages need to be over 1/4 inch thick"

Not correct

Here are the size requirements, the left column is for Retail Rates, the right for Commercial.

https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-are-the-Types-of-First-Class-Mail#weight_standards_retail

Scroll down for the package standards.

[chevymontecarlo88]

I do not ship first class envelopes so this is new to me. 

From what i read from lisa5768 post, was that Ebay Labels does not have the option of First Class letter vs. Package. (minimum size) In order to have it qualify within Ebay labels it must be 1/4" thick. 

Can you purchase a first class envelope through Ebay labels? (less than 1/4" width like example from OP)

[nobody*s_perfect]

eBay does not sell postage for regular First Class letters or flats (AKA Large envelopes).  They do have a special specific service which they call "Standard envelope" which is available only for 3 selected categories. It has a sort of tracking which is not quite as comprehensive as the tracing you'd get with regular package postage.

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/shipping/ebay-standard-envelope.html

[inhawaii]

I ship first class flat envelopes all the time with tracking. 

As long as you PAY for the package rate.

[chevymontecarlo88]

Thank you. That clears it up for me. 

[pappy-alaska]

Thank you all for your explanations!  This has been most helpful.  I did not realise the first class was for "packages".  All of your responses are greatly appreciated.