Cost Adjustment Error

[shoveltusker]

I shipped a small (3 oz.) Gameboy Advance video game to a customer last month and just got hit with a cost adjustment fee of $8!  The post office said the package weighed 7 lbs. but I know for a fact the game was only a few oz. (and was sent First Class Mail).   I'll be disputing the charges but don't really trust that the USPS or eBay will help make this right.  I know I did nothing wrong here and that the error was on their end.  That game was a tiny little thing that easily made First Class Shipping!  Anyone else dealing with this or know an easy way to fight it?

[myjunqueyourtreasure]

Sounds like it may have become attached to another parcel.

Hope you can get this sorted out.

[berserkerplanet]

>>Anyone else dealing with this or know an easy way to fight it?

Have never has a USPS APV cost adjustment either up or down. There is an appeals process.

https://postalpro.usps.com/storages/2017-08/APV_FAQs_External_2017.08.17_v1.pdf

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Disputes/Appeals
What do I do if I disagree with the assessment by USPS?
 ■ If you disagree with the assessment, follow the instructions on the notice to submit a dispute.
   - You can open a dispute by contacting USPS by emailing verifypostagehelp@usps.gov

       or directly at 844-819-5187 between 7AM-7PM CT, M-F.
       - Please prepare to share the following, which can be seen on the notice of shortpaid charges:
              - Intelligent Mail package Barcode (Tracking) Number – last 4 digits
              - Revenue Assurance ID
              - Reason Code
              - Contact information (name, email, and phone number)

 ■ USPS may review all scan data relating to your piece in question, including image analysis, and, if such

     an error has occurred, USPS will work through the PC Postage entity to return the amount in question.

How long will it take USPS to review my dispute/how can I check the status of my dispute?
  ■ Most responses can be expected in 2-5 business days, and at most 15 business days.
  ■ The status of your dispute claim is available from your PC Postage entity and may be updated daily.

When will I receive my refund if I dispute my shortpaid invoice?
■ If your dispute is upheld you may be due a refund.
■ All payments are processed by your PC Postage entity on behalf of USPS. You will need to
    contact your PC Postage entity directly for questions regarding billing or your account.

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Any refund approved will come back to you via PayPal.

[*coins]

Hi, @shoveltusker .

I'm thinking this is probably something you will have to fight with USPS. I don't think eBay can do anything about it.

[cream_couture]

I have never heard of this before. I would fight it with providing the invoice and evidence of the packaging weight. I have all of my items scanned in at the post office and they weigh them there. Did that occur with your package?

[berserkerplanet]

>>I have never heard of this before.

It has been a thing since Aug 2017 when USPS started rolling out the APV system, and discussed ad infinitum here, other selling forums, and shipping related blogs.

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/USPS-APV-and-eBay-Label-Flow/m-p/27349421
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Announcements/USPS-Begins-Automated-Package-Verification-Changing-Unde...
https://postalpro.usps.com/shipping/automated-package-verification-system
https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-08/apv-faqs-external-2018.08.08-v1.pdf
https://www.usps.com/business/verify-postage.htm


>>I have all of my items scanned in at the post office and they weigh them there

Doesn't matter. If the downstream automated systems flag a pkg for weight, dimensions, or wrong packaging (FCP label on PM box) it will be charged (over/under paid), and if erroneous, appeal process is the route. Retail postage paid for at the counter is not post charged by the system (even if flagged due to automated system error or initial postal clerk error).

[cream_couture]

No matter how many times it has been discussed, still doesn't mean that I have heard about it before this post. I simply stated it was new info for ME. I didn't deny that it was occurring. So, your comment wasn't necessary.

It DOES matter if the item was weighed by the post office at time of drop off. And I asked the OP. The drop off receipt would be evidence of the packaging weight by the post office themselves; you know the evidence I mentioned to the OP for the fight that I suggested the OP put up (i.e. an appeal). 

[luxe_beauty_4_less]

I also got hit with one a couple of months ago on an item that was 3 oz.  I ship like 700 items a month and the adjustment was about $4 if i remember right.  We decided that it wasn't worth the effort to fight the USPS though.  I'm sure we underpay on occasion by mistake (.1 or .2 oz over what was paid for).  So, we figured it would all come out in the wash.  However, in your case, if you're a small volume seller, that $8 will hurt.  You should go through the process and let us know how easy it was.  

[shoveltusker]

Thanks!  I tried to fight the overcharge and I didn't win.  I had to pay over $8.  This is completely ridiculous because it was a tiny Gameboy Advance game which I'm 100% sure was only 3oz.  They said the weight was 7 lbs. 4 oz. which is insane and was obviously incorrectly scanned.  There was even a clear picture of the item on eBay which was associated with the overcharge.  I guess no one on their part even cared.  Just crazy to think that they can pull this off with thousands of people and get away with it.  Ug...