eBay

bestbrandstoday · ‎09-30-2023

Hello Fellow Sellers!

Quick and simple question:

I am ready to start selling an item that can be packaged in a simple envelope. This item will sell for around $5.00

If I provide shipping with tracking, it will cost an additional $2.50 per package. That as you can see will wipe out my profitability.

Are we required as sellers to provide a tracking number?

itsjustasprain · ‎09-30-2023

@bestbrandstoday wrote:
Hello Fellow Sellers!
Quick and simple question:
I am ready to start selling an item that can be packaged in a simple envelope. This item will sell for around $5.00

If I provide shipping with tracking, it will cost an additional $2.50 per package. That as you can see will wipe out my profitability.

Are we required as sellers to provide a tracking number?

No - although without tracking you will need to refund in full if the buyer says they did not receive it.

You didnt ask but... Is it really worth your time to sell a $5 item on Ebay? Your time spent doing it all must be worth something. A $5 sale less expenses does not seem to be worth it IMHO.

susanb1872 · ‎09-30-2023

I occasionally sell something that just requires First Class Letter. You don't need to provide tracking but it will affect your metric "tracking uploaded on time and validated". As long as you keep this metric at 95% you are OK. The only problem as mentioned by @itsjustasprain is if it is lost you will have to refund. I never had this problem but you are dealing with the USPS so who knows-it's a gamble!

44012 · ‎09-30-2023

I ship everything with tracking.

It seems that eBay wants the tracking at least from what I see sellers writing about their experiences in this forum. As @susanb1872 said, it does affect your metrics.

Learn how to price with the tracking cost included in your item cost or close enough that you are still making a profit. As @itsjustasprain said, maybe evaluate what you are selling to make sure it is worth it (I know you didn't ask but I think it is really helpful advice that was given.)

Good luck with your sales!

krazzykats · ‎09-30-2023

Can you make lots? Is it an item someone would want more than one of? Like 2For$, or 5For$ ?

KrazzyKats • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1998

robbie31415 · ‎09-30-2023

Shipping without tracking means

You won't be able to become TRS if you are interested in that

You will always lose INR cases.

You have higher chances of getting your account restricted.

mtgraves7984 · ‎09-30-2023

I always ship with tracking, and I sell light items. My buyers would pay that $2.50. But that's just me...

stainlessenginecovers · ‎09-30-2023

@mtgraves7984

Curious? Where do you get tracking for $2.50? Cheapest is GA pushing $4 (except for the 'few' categories that can use that 'special' envelope).

mtgraves7984 · ‎09-30-2023

@stainlessenginecovers wrote:
@mtgraves7984

Curious? Where do you get tracking for $2.50? Cheapest is GA pushing $4 (except for the 'few' categories that can use that 'special' envelope).

@stainlessenginecovers

Good question. I was referring to the OP's scenario... "If I provide shipping with tracking, it will cost an additional $2.50 per package." (Offering that the OP passes it on.) My own lightweight items cost more than $2.50, of course.

stainlessenginecovers · ‎09-30-2023

@mtgraves7984 wrote:
@stainlessenginecovers wrote:
@mtgraves7984

Curious? Where do you get tracking for $2.50? Cheapest is GA pushing $4 (except for the 'few' categories that can use that 'special' envelope).
@stainlessenginecovers

Good question. I was referring to the OP's scenario... "If I provide shipping with tracking, it will cost an additional $2.50 per package." (Offering that the OP passes it on.) My own lightweight items cost more than $2.50, of course.

Ok; I thought you knew a 'new' trick or something. Thanks

susanb1872 · ‎09-30-2023

You can still be a TRS : "To be a Top Rated Seller, 95.00% of your transactions must have tracking uploaded within your stated handling time, in addition to receiving a carrier scan." I do understand your dilemma, some things are just not worth the cost of tracking.