Can't add tracking number to combined shipped orders...

[kinsman.trading]

So I occasionally get customers who will order multiple items and instead of adding them all to their cart and checking out, they will purchase each item individually thus creating multiple orders. Whenever this happens, I verify the addresses are all the same, then I ship all items in the same package and simply add the tracking number to each order. This not only helps me save a couple bucks, but usually puts the package weight into USPS Priority class and the customers receive their items sooner. Win win. However, I had two customers do this today and when I tried to add the tracking number I received an error message: "This tracking number is already associated with another active shipment." Anyone else having this issue or have any advice? I have requested a call back from ebay, but it's been over an hour since the estimated time and I don't really know what else to do.

[otow_18 · Accepted solution]

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@kinsman.trading wrote:

I had two customers do this today and when I tried to add the tracking number I received an error message: "This tracking number is already associated with another active shipment." Anyone else having this issue or have any advice?

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Create an alias tracking number for each additional item @kinsman.trading, like this:

Combined item #2 -- At eBay, enter the alias

420 + last 5 digits of item number + actual tracking number

and so on. For example, if the item number is xxx12345 and the tracking number is 998877zzz:

420 + 12345 + 998877zzz = 42012345998877zzz

Test each alias at the USPS.com website, to be sure they're valid.

[southern*sweet*tea]

This is how you have to combine:

Go to Awaiting Shipment. Check off the two orders.

Select Print Shipping Labels. A screen will pop up that says that you have orders that can be combined.

Select Combine Orders. Add in the weights and shipping info.

Generate label and print. The tracking number will populate for both items.

[pjcdn2005]

Are the eBay ID’s exactly the same? This usually happens when the buyer checks out each time as a guest so the ID will e slightly different each time.

[kinsman.trading]

Thanks so much, this fixed the issue!

[kinsman.trading]

Thank you so much for the response. I used a different suggestion which worked, however this also seems like a good fix and I will try this next time. Thanks again!