eBay tracking

[k9erec]

I have been using eBay postage for quite awhile because it is convenient. I find a huge issue with the tracking. It appears the tracking number issued by eBay is not a recognized tracking number with USPS. It is hit or miss whether the package will get scanned up to the point of delivery. I have found in many cases you can see the package was received by the PO and may show one or two other points in the PO system but never shows it being delivered. The buyer then files a “item not received “ and there is no option but to issue a refund. On several occasions I have issued refunds only for the item to be delivered. Should the seller as well as the buyer be protected once an item is accepted by the USPS. 

[1786davycrockett]

@k9erec 

If you are you referring to the "tracking" number on the eBay Standard Envelope (EIS), that number is not a USPS number, and is not recognized on the USPS Tracking program.  

It may receive an initial "scan" at the time that it is received at the first USPS Distribution Center (and NOT at the post office where it is initially mailed).  The ESE may also receive additional "scans" along the way (or not); and may also receive a final "Delivered" scan at the post office matching the ZIP Code of the buyer's address (but NOT the actual residence address of the buyer).  Or maybe it won't.

Final ESE delivery may be up to a week (or so) after the final "Delivered" scan -- depending upon the delivery schedule of the buyer's post office (which has become more and more sketchy over the past several years).

Otherwise, the tracking numbers used on other eBay shipping labels is definitely the official tracking number recognized by USPS.

[k9erec]

Just spoke with eBay staff. I was told that if you are using eBay postage and the item is initially scanned in the USPS system then as a seller you have met eBay’s rules and they will step in and assume responsibility. We shall see 

[dhbookds]

just for info.......here's the help page:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=...

[1786davycrockett]

@k9erec 

"Just spoke with eBay staff. I was told that if you are using eBay postage and the item is initially scanned in the USPS system then as a seller you have met eBay’s rules and they will step in and assume responsibility. We shall see "

The key phrase is "and the item is initially scanned in the USPS system."

The package needs to receive an initial USPS scan, which means either standing in line at the post office, or using the self-scan kiosks in many USPS lobbies.  Many post offices around the country in the past few years have been reported for NOT making the initial scans; and there have been many instances reported on eBay of packages not receiving scans, which have been dropped off in the "blue boxes," or left for carrier pick-up, or dropped off at a post office counter without waiting for a scan.

So it is very important to actually witness that initial scan.

And, as previously mention, the ESE does not include USPS Tracking numbers.