Does eBay standard envelope not track all the time?

[ejravn]

I have some that are not updating at all even though I've seen feed back they have been received.  What is the best way to contact eBay regarding this? I'm leaning towards only using USPS Ground Advantage. Any suggestions. Even though the amounts are small on the eBay standard envelope, I'd like to make sure the buyer is getting their item and not wait weeks to get paid out.

[lakefor94]

Contacting eBay about ESE will be useless. ESE is a sub-standard delivery service provided for inexpensive items.

As a seller, I am responsible for the shipment to the buyer. I have to chose the appropriate carrier and service to make the buyer, pleased as punch, every time.

Others that sell cards might be along to provide feedback on ESE. 

[ejravn]

Thanks! That makes sense. New to selling so wanted to ask and vent. Also, still learning the process. The items I sold with ESE were inexpensive, so it was probably best option with those for those buyers. 

[wastingtime101]

eBay Standard Envelope (ESE) is a metered letter mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans. The clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it and you can't track it on the USPS website. The envelopes are scanned by sorting machinery at distribution centers along the way and tracking will appear on eBay.

Common reasons ESE labels don't get scanned include:
- Overpacking. Envelopes are too stiff. It's not recommended to use trading card top loaders or cardboard mailers.
- Using ineligible packing material such as a bubble envelope.
- Placement of label. Label should be placed in the upper right corner with approx 1/8"-1/4" clearance from edges. If it's placed too far from the corner (like in the middle of a long envelope) the machinery may not scan it.
- Placing items like coins in the center of the envelope. The center of the envelope needs to be the most flexible part.
- Printer ink is not dark enough, or label color is too bright (stick to white labels if you can).
- Regional issues with sorting machines, volume processing, picky USPS employees, etc.

With ESE, a 'delivered' scan generally occurs at the last sort facility before it gets to the buyer, so typically the buyer will receive their order a few days after the delivered scan.

If a buyer files a not received claim, you do have insurance coverage and the claims process is outlined on this page: https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=...

[bdmh-enterprises]

Sporadic scanning is normal, as they only get a scan when they are machine sorted along their route. No scans at all is usually indicative of a packaging issue causing the envelopes to get put with non machinable mail.

Do you use top loaders or cardboard mailer for sending? These are the most common culprits that are too stiff to be machined. I personally use semi rigid sleeve in #6 envelope with great success.

Also, always leave them for carrier pick up or use the blue box or letter slot at your PO. NEVER put them with packages or give them to a clerk (who might put them in w/ packages).

I would recommend studying the ESE page in the help section. I've sent thousands of cards and have a 99% scanned rate. It is IMO very reliable. As I like to say: they get my cards to the customer with the same efficiency that they get everybody's bills and cable offers to them.

[gpvett799 · Accepted solution]

Wastingtime101

                       I think this is the problem I have had ESE - Regional issues with sorting machines, volume processing, (picky USPS employees), etc. Picky USPS employee. I dont know of any way to get around that do you have any Ideas

[ejravn]

Thank you for the information! I have been using a 6”x8”  photo document mailer with a top loader. I’ll try the #6 envelope with the semi rigid on my next few. Will see how it goes!

[wastingtime101]

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@ejravn wrote:

Thank you for the information! I have been using a 6”x8”  photo document mailer with a top loader. I’ll try the #6 envelope with the semi rigid on my next few. Will see how it goes!

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That’s your answer. The mailer is too stiff and the top loader adds to the problem. If using a top loader you need to use a plain flexible letter envelope for best chance at success, with top loader secured on the left side and label on the right.