Wanting to charge for a tracking number

[june_elizabeth1971]

Here's a new one.  I recently purchased a set of letters for my mailbox.  After 12 days they haven't shown up and seller didn't provide a tracking number so I could see where they are.  The seller said that he never provides a tracking number unless you spend $40.  He would "gladly" provide a tracking number if I paid him for it.  I informed him that when you sell on eBay and use their shipping services you always get a tracking number.  The seller argued and said eBay never provides a tracking number.  I've sold thousands of items on eBay and never once have I not been shown the whole details of the sale and shipping tracking numbers.  The seller shipped through USPS so there definitely would be tracking info available.   It's sellers like this that give eBay a bad name.  eBay should definitely ban anyone trying to sell tracking numbers. 

[jerseyboymusic]

If the seller shipped already, how can they NOW provide a tracking number?

At this point, open an INR. The seller will then need to show they shipped the order, or risk you escalating and forcing a refund

[1786davycrockett]

@june_elizabeth1971 

If the estimated delivery date has expired, open up an "item not received" case against the seller.

The seller will then be obligated by eBay to provide a tracking number -- at NO cost to you!

We just saved you $40.00.

[bonjourami]

I understand your aggravation, but sellers are not required to provide tracking. Truthfully, tracking is to protect the seller from inr's.

[toysaver]

He's likely drop shipping.  Tracking numbers are unique and can never be used for more than one transaction.  The transaction was his purchase from who knows where.  

[ybgood]

Depends on the COST.    keep in mind that usps charges a minimum of about $4 to ship anything with tracking.  Some items can go in just an envelope and ship first class mail (cheaper option) .   He should

have responded that due to the sale price of his item, he shipped standard first class mail which doesn't include tracking.   Give him enough time for a delivery (add a couple days to be fair) and if not received, then address the issue as item not received.

[bashort]

the seller is using first class mail to ship inexpensive flat low cost items at the lowest cost possible. 

The seller is responsible to get you the item and will probably just send another one if asked

[fern*wood]

It may have just been a confusing way to tell you that you would have paid for a more expensive method of shipping if you wanted tracking.  As mentioned earlier, they probably didn't ship with one that provides tracking which isn't required.

Back when I first started selling, I rarely used tracking because it did cost extra at the time.  

I've seen lots of complaints about sellers where some think the seller should be banned, but not providing a tracking number is a new one for me to ban a seller over.

[wpt05]

@june_elizabeth1971 

Get help with an item that hasn't arrived | eBay

How to report an item that hasn't arrived through My eBay

1. Go to your Purchases and find the item.
2. Select More actions beside the item and then I didn't receive it.
3. Check the box beside I'd like a refund or I'd still like the item.
4. Enter any additional information.
5. Select Send request.

Ask eBay to step in and help

We think it's fair to give sellers 3 business days to make things right. After that, you can ask us to step in.

We automatically close the request if there's been no activity and it's been more than 21 business days since you opened it.

Read our asking eBay to step in and help article to find out how to ask us step in if the seller hasn't responded or you're not happy with their resolution.

[bonanza125]

"It's sellers like this that give eBay a bad name.  eBay should definitely ban anyone trying to sell tracking numbers."

There is a chance here you are misunderstanding what the seller is saying to you. They could be saying they don't provide tracking for items like these which is under $40. If you purchased $40 in items then they would provide tracking. The items you purchased are letters for a mailbox. Are those letters flat stickers? Cause if they are light weight like another user said there is no tracking. This happens with me when it comes to sticker or even manuals. There is no way to provide a tracking number unless you sandwich them in between cardboard and make the package heavier.  If the value was low they don't bother with tracking. What other helpers said is true just file a case then. 

[bennotbill]

I assume the seller means that they only have tracking on more expensive $40 plus items, and understandably they don't bother spending extra to get tracking with cheaper items.

[albertabrightalberta]

@june_elizabeth1971 

Required or not, whether or not the seller ships with a tracking number is irrelevant.

The bottom line is that if you don't receive the item, the seller will have to issue a full refund (or a replacement). And without tracking, he'll have no way to prove both that he shipped it as well as that you received it so he'll lose an INR case. 

Just be sure to open the case within 30 days of the estimated delivery date (as shown on your order) and if the seller doesn't respond or deliver, have ebay resolve before time runs out . 

In the future, I also recommend checking the seller's feedback before making purchases. Would you have bought from this seller had you looked at the history? 

[kensgiftshop]

If it's the seller you left negative feedback for, they don't provide tracking numbers if the order is under $14.

You don't need a tracking number, you have the estimated delivery date that Ebay gave you.

If you don't have it by that date, next day, open an Item Not Received case.

[dhbookds]

The seller shipped through USPS so there definitely would be tracking info available.

Not if they mailed letter mail (first class letter)..........and with light adhesive letters, I can see that possibility. 

[thelongball]

Sure, they sent them with a first class stamp which has no tracking. To get a tracking # they would have to use Ground Advantage which is around $4.00. He isn't charging you for a tracking #. He would be charging you for the higher priced service which he obviously didn't include in his price. His mistake was only in the verbiage he used with you. 

    Amazing how many people have forgotten what a stamp is. We sent millions of things for a lot of years with stamps, and we never knew what day they were coming. But funny how all my bills always arrived on time without getting lost in the mail for the past 50 years. Never lost one of those letters. But now a days everyone jumps the gun saying Where is my package after 2 days. Its coming the same way your bills have for your whole life. Oh, I forgot everyone wants Auto Pay now so they don't have to wait 2 days for your money to get to them. We have just all lost one thing (not our mail) that's Patience. Entitlement is just a beautiful thing now a days.