Can I scan a USPS prepaid label using the USPS Self Service Kiosk ?

[toy-vet]

Can I scan a USPS prepaid label using the USPS Self Service Kiosk ?

Wanted to be sure before heading out with many boxes...Want to sure I can scan so it is in the EBAY system

[wastingtime101]

Yes, you can - I forget the exact selection on the menu to get you there, but I think it's something like Other Services.

[toy-vet]

Thank you. Great info. 

[collectibles-collector]

Hello friend, I just want to ask if that self scan count into an official one? Does it show up on tracking? Thank you!

[no_zero369]

@toy-vet 

NO!  Do not scan at the Kiosk!  That scan is considered a preliminary scan and the USPS does not consider they have any responsibility until it receives a scan in the back office.  (It says so on the screen as you are at the kiosk)

Think about it, IF USPS accepted the scan as official then you could scan an item and NOT place it in the bin or slot and then file an insurance claim. 

[mvls1]

Just wanted to provide further information my post office gave me. While you can scan your package at the kiosk, do not count on that for acceptance by the post office. The post office will not consider the package received UNTIL they themselves scan the package in their possession after it has been scanned at the kiosk.

Apparently the post office has this policy now because anyone could scan a package at a kiosk, get a receipt and then NOT deposit the package in the drop off bin. They could just walk out with the package and the receipt. That would leave the post office liable for fraudulent insurance claims for lost packages. So, no I would not rely on that kiosk receipt for proof of mailing. You may be in for a unpleasant surprise.

[no_zero369]

Here is a link to a prior post where the screen on the APC is shown.

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping-Returns/APC-A-Quick-Solution-to-Getting-a-Scan-at-The-Post-Of...

[wastingtime101]

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@no_zero369 wrote:

@toy-vet 

NO!  Do not scan at the Kiosk!  That scan is considered a preliminary scan and the USPS does not consider they have any responsibility until it receives a scan in the back office.  (It says so on the screen as you are at the kiosk)

Think about it, IF USPS accepted the scan as official then you could scan an item and NOT place it in the bin or slot and then file an insurance claim. 

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Yes, that's true, but the OP's concern was their eBay metrics. As far as eBay is concerned, that counts as an acceptance scan for metrics. What USPS considers accepted and in their possession is another matter.

Scan sheets work the same way. The carrier can scan it and it counts for eBay metrics, but USPS considers it a prelim scan, not a formal acceptance scan for similar reasons. A scan sheet can have 20 packages on it, but you hand the carrier only 18 packages.

I know this is an old post, but I just saw the replies on it.  @no_zero369 

[amst89]

The problem, however, is that USPS states they are no longer required to scan all packages (due to COVID). So there's a chance your package may not ever been scanned until it's delivered. The only real way to avoid all of this is to wait in line and see an employee OR scan at the kisok.

[nanashouseandgarden]

I have seen in another discussion that Ebay considers the kiosk scan as accepted  for the purposes of on-time mailing but USPS will not consider it alone in responding to an insurance claim.  So eBay yes and USPS maybe not.