Tracking not showing delivered and eBay support

[cowboycards512]

I have had multiple sports cards sales delivered and the seller leave feedback showing it was delivered, though the tracking shows it was never delivered. I used the eBay standard shipping envelope l.I contacted eBay support about this and was given little to no support.

The person I spoke continually would say, "uh" and "um" like she was trying to muster something up. All I was told was I needed to contact the buyer and ask them to send a message that the order was delivered. I then asked the support person what happens when they don't respond and do I have to do this with every single order? To which I got the typical answer from what she was reading and gave me the dimensions on the standard envelope that I've already been using and how to use it. I never once got a response to what I was supposed to do. I asked to be transfered to someone that understood what I was needing help with, to which she put me on hold and would not transfer me until I raised my voice that I needed actual help. I was then told I'd be transfered to a "supervisor" and after being on hold for quite literally over 15 minutes the system hangup on me.

Is there anyone here that can help me with what I'm supposed to do about items being delivered but not actually showing delivered?

[slippinjimmy]

If your buyer is happy then you don't need to be concerned about what eBay thinks. The scanning for ESE is very erratic, Delivery scans usually show up BEFORE actual delivery or they never show delivery at all.

[cowboycards512]

Right, my problem with it all is that now my funds won't be released until it shows delivered but never shows delivered. Support clearly could not understand what I was needing help with. I'd hate to be out the funds and a card. 

[slippinjimmy]

Yeah if you have new seller holds this is a problem. There is nothing you can do other than use a shipping service other than ESE (yeah I know, that means the shipping cost jumps from 70 cents to 4 - 5 Dollars).

Once you have sold a few more things and more time has passed the holds will go away. In the meantime eBay will release your funds in about 30 days from the payment date.

[cowboycards512]

Will they actually release my funds after 30 days even with tracking not showing delivered? I'm just so confused on how they can have such a flawed system and recommend it to everyone selling trading and sports cards but when one of us has a problem with their flawed system it's our problem not their's. Support told me I need to message the buyer and ask if the item was delivered and once or if they confirm it was delivered I can then call support back and they will then release the holds. None of this makes sense to me....

[ittybitnot]

I'm just so confused on how they can have such a flawed system and recommend it to everyone selling trading and sports cards but when one of us has a problem with their flawed system it's our problem not their's.

@cowboycards512 

You are new.  That is not a bad thing, but some things you need to know can always be found here by reading the posts. 

ESE is CHEAP.  It has crappy tracking.  You are basically relying on the integrity of the buyer not to file an INR claim.  At one time this was eBay's stance:  

From time to time, eBay standard envelope shipments unfortunately may not track all the way through delivery to your buyer. If your buyer opens an “Item Not Received” request, please work with them to issue a refund in a timely manner. In these cases, you may also consider raising a claim to recover your lost funds.

claim for no tracking:

https://www.pip-claim.com/PIPClaim/eBayIntClaim/CreateeBayClaim

Note that "work with the buyer" means to refund them.  Then file the claim.  

[cowboycards512]

I get im new and have a lot to learn and kinks to work out, I do. ESE just seems to be crappy all the way around and flawed. Seems the best bet is to just use a regular reputable shipping service and will actually track shipments and to not sell anything for cheaper prices... it's sad but it seems that is the best option now. I do appreciate everyone's help and input I just can't comprehend how such a messed up system is everyone else's burden to deal with and not eBay's....

[slippinjimmy]

Yes they will release your money at about 30 days, the hold is "until tracking shows delivery or 30 days" (not an exact quote).

It's only a burden if you make it so, you get what you pay for, if you want any semblance of tracking it's a bit of a miracle that you can get anything for such a dirt cheap price. If you want real tracking that actually works 99% of the time then Ground Advantage at about 5+ times the cost is the answer.

[the_diggers_den]

Here's the real issue! The tracking is terribly flawed. I've sold 100s of cards over the last month on my other account. Now the ones that say they weren't delivered, customers are getting their money back automatically through ebay, rather they got the card or not! This is a major issue. I'm losing money left and right as a sports card seller. People are exploiting this issue to get free cards!!! 

[cowboycards512]

I agree 100%. I've given up on the ESE. I'll charge more for shipping and hope stuff sells till maybe they figure this out.

[buyselljack2016]

@the_diggers_den 

There is eBay "insurance" with this low-end program.

As I read ......... it takes a few moments of your time but does allow you to recover some $$.

[buyselljack2016]

There is nothing to be figured out. It is what it is.  A low-cost, low-end service with insurance provided by eBay.

[bdmh-enterprises]

I send 100 or so ESE a month and my no delivery scan rate is about 5%. If you are getting a significantly higher rate then it is most likely something with the packaging.

My biggest recommendations are:

No cardboard mailers. Those aren't envelopes.

No top loaders. Use semi rigids. Top loaders are barely flexible enough.

#6 envelope. Smaller envelopes will prevent "not uniformly thick" problems.

It's not an inferior service, it's the same service that gets you your bills and cable offers delivered VERY efficiently. It does the same for my cards. Follow the rules and it works just fine.

Also, @the_diggers_den eBay has insurance on them if your buyer needs to be refunded on an INR claim. There's a link on the ESE help page. It's pretty easy and quick.

[the_diggers_den]

I don't use any loaders. I only put the cards in the thin card sleeves and the paper for the shipping invoice. The buyer doesn't need the insurance as ebay refunds every one of them. The envelopes I use are flexible. I made sure the post office clerk verified them before accepting them. They put them through a little 1/4 slot in a cardboard template they have. I've had to refund a few people last week and constantly have customers messaging me about the shipment. Some say I haven't dropped them off yet. Most say they haven't been delivered. One said they actually got it and the tracking still said undelivered. IDK. It's frustrating. You wouldn't happen to have a link to the envelopes you use would you?

[bdmh-enterprises]

The insurance is for YOU to reclaim the money you refund to the buyer.

I just use #6 plain envelopes from Sam's Club.

Even though the clerks appear to be okay with them, I would still recommend putting them in the PO's letter slot or a mailbox. It seems to help if they get well mixed with other regular letter mail.

It looks like you're doing everything right as far as packing.