eBay

bluekrystal1987 · ‎04-09-2024

Who has the issue with their local post office refusing to scan in items and making you drop them in a box? I have tried multiple times to have the clerk scan in my items and they get snippy and state that because "we" (USPS) give you (eBay sellers) discount shipping you need to drop off without scanning in. Mind you, they have no idea who I am, what I do, or what type of pricing I pay. I am trying to find the policy within the USPS that corroborates this and haven't found anything. This issue has led to multiple items being considered late shipment and I am just about fed up with having to defend myself for something that shouldn't even be an issue. If I didn't print my label and used the QR code... they would have no choice but to accept the package, thus I am being penalized for making their job easier. Someone shed some light on this without telling me to use the QR code.

yuzuha · ‎04-09-2024

@rosszonebricks wrote:
Tip: Use the SCAN form so the clerk only has to scan *once* for ALL your packages. You'll get a lot less push back if you have the SCAN form along with your packages.

Also, USPS policy is that they will NOT do scans for more than five packages, so there's a real reason to use the SCAN form if you're dropping off a bunch.

yuzuha · ‎04-09-2024

@chevymontecarlo88 wrote:
From what i understand, the self service Kiosk does offer scans of your package but it is not the same as the clerk scanning the item. When the clerk/postal courier scans your package, it is officially in USPS possession. That being said, I have used the Kiosk when the line is to long and never had an issue with a missing package.

I use the kiosks exclusively. The kiosk scans count as an acceptance scan for the purposes of your eBay metrics.

farmalljr · ‎04-09-2024

I'm not going to read the whole thread before responding. USPS is OBLIGATED to scan your packages if you stand in line for the scan.

IF they are refusing, FILE A COMPLAINT online with USPS. If the clerk has a name badge, INCLUDE their name in the complaint. Every single time they do not scan and give your grief, FILE A COMPLAINT online. You will quickly see the issue resolved. Postmasters have to answer to the higher ups about complaints.

adamcartwright · ‎04-09-2024

Yes, I was talking about the top of that rectangle that says "United States Post Office ... a preferred shipping service on ebay"

showmecurrency4u · ‎04-09-2024

do not listen to the people that tells you put the packages in a drop box. when you do his you are setting yourself up for late shipment defects and many other problems. if unlucky you will not be selling long on eBay.

gamersbaystore · ‎04-09-2024

You can avoid all this baloney by simply changing your handling times. I have 3 days handling times on most every item I sell just in case there's a delay for any reason.

As others have noted, you can scan the packages yourself using any self-service kiosk, and ebay counts these scans as acceptance scans. Try to find a location that has one.

a_c_green · ‎04-09-2024

@adamcartwright wrote:
Yes, I was talking about the top of that rectangle that says "United States Post Office ... a preferred shipping service on ebay"

That line doesn't appear anymore. There's just a one-line attribution to its Pitney-Bowes source and Commercial pricing, nothing identifying it as an eBay mailing specifically.

mondex · ‎04-09-2024

Your post office sounds bad. Mine has never said anything about scanning stuff in, but I rarely actually go there. I get packages picked up everyday instead. It's free, much easier, and saves time. If you didn't know about this option, go to the USPS website, go to the "send" menu and select schedule a shipment. Fill in the information. You can have your mail carrier pick up the packages from your porch or mailbox. If you live in an apartment building, it may be slightly different, I'm not sure. The only risk is if you live in an area with a lot of foot traffic where someone might easily snatch a package off your porch, but if you can obscure them a little (put them in a bin or bag you can't spot from the sidewalk, etc) then in most places that shouldn't be a problem.

broto_64 · ‎04-09-2024

@monica-sells wrote:
Usually, your observations and remarks are pretty "spot=on"...but I am falling of my chair laughing at this:
"...It generally slows down the service of customers buying stamps, money orders, sending packages that need to be weigh and such by customers..."

I have stood in lines (up to 20 people long) and observed clueless customers...
5 minutes to pick out a stamp style
5 minutes to argue with a clerk about USPS prices for different services
5 minutes for taping an unsecured box for mailing...
5 minutes for explaining you can't ship a FedX label from here....
5 minutes explaining Ground Advantage and Priority Mail time/price differences....
7 minutes for a money order....

don't even try to get me started on "this address is wrong" or "look it up on my phone"

my point is....drop off for an acceptance scan is probably a welcome sight for these overworked clerks after dealing with ignorance and unpreparedness (is that a word?)...
(they are always nice to me anyways)
as far as 'weight/dimension" errors, it is not detected at the scan acceptance (as I understand it)...we (the sender) get billed after the fact for miscalculations.....the receipt shows the weight, but not the size...(unless your box has a size scan code on it)

ever since I had 6 orders not showing any scans prior to delivery (all same day, all put in the lobby bin, but they were all delivered) and taking the hit on my metrics...I stand in every line....

Exactly...

And here are the whole usual bunch of ebay sellers also standing in line...

Minutes wasted all because they have shipping anxiety and "need" the USPS clerk to scan the packages in front of them...

This to me is another way in which sellers are not valuing their time very highly.

With profit margins as tight as they are, who can really waste time waiting in line for however long, all for some scans...?

I put mine in the mailbox at the end of my driveway.

Have occasional chats with the mail person when they drive past.

I am usually pretty good at convincing my mail person that it's the best way, rather than standing in line, since all the packages are sized and weighed and the labels are prepaid, and I include a SCAN sheet.

Rarely a problem.

Takes a whole lot less time.

Jumbo size mailbox, key word there, it is the largest mailbox allowed by regulations.

Gibraltar makes them, a medium size priority box fits inside with room to spare.

They're around $50, smaller parcels I can fit all sorts of packages in there, it is a HUGE mailbox.
I get the grey one because it's cooler inside (than black) in direct sunlight.

Takes about an hour to remove the old one and install the new one.

Never stand in line at the post office again.

erikstuff · ‎04-09-2024

A few years back there was an article about an Ebay seller (Washington state) who mailed a load of packages of high-value baseball cards in the drop box. About a week or two later he stated getting notes from his customers asking where their cards were. He had to issue dozens of refunds. Then (to add insult to injury) a few months later he saw the stolen cards for sale... on Ebay. They were graded and were numbered. If I recall correctly... the thief even used his photos and copied his ads. The "new" seller was located in a nearby town and apparently just walked out of the post office with them. I don't know how that case was resolved. I would NEVER use the drop box.

broto_64 · ‎04-09-2024

@sextons-sweet-deals wrote:
you crack me up in a good way!

I have seen the same thing with people who are anywhere from their teens and into their 70's that act like they have never been in a USPS office and have no idea what to do.

Ebay sellers aren't exactly shining much brighter since they are supposedly seasoned veterans in the shipping department... Just the fact they must have them scan the packages ... Is in fact a good part of the reason I refuse to stand in line at the Post Office, who are we kidding here, they will scan the package(s).

Why this anxiety?

IF...

And it rarely happens but IF I must stop at the Post Office to drop off a parcel I leave it on the counter that's designated for that, never had a problem with that either. Because they will scan it.

No waiting in line, just have to be very non-chalant and matter of fact about it.

Of course if a seller goes there every single day yes I would assume it is possible they get tired of that.

It may even be possible they detect some seller's arrogance toward the "noobs."

If so that is likely to cause trouble as well.

Just have to be very non-chalant and matter of fact about it.

ekmadonna · ‎04-09-2024

The clerk is full of YOU KNOW WHAT, It is by far the SIMPLEST and QUICKEST part of the job they do all day long. takes seconds. I would politely demand that she scan and PRINT YOUR RECEIPT! Speak with a Supervisor, Take the Survey for her on the bottom of receipt and report her. EVERY TIME! If you can get her to scan the packages. And go to a different Post Office if another is close by.

dbfolks166mt · ‎04-09-2024