ESUS Tracking Issues

[josh.logan.21]

Why doesn't eBay let us know who the third party shipping company is that they use for their ESUS plain white envelope shipping option?  Unless I have missed this information, as a buyer or seller once a purchase has been made I have never seen the tracking information update once the item is shipped with the carrier information.  I have seen it, very seldomly, update once the item is delivered to show "delivered to zip code" or something along those lines but the overwhelming majority of time there is zero updates as to where the item is while in transit.  I realize that it is USPS who is ultimately delivering the envelope however with this other companies tracking number being the one provided, USPS is essentially helpless to assist when issues arise.  Am I the only one who sees the glaring issues with this?  We aren't even given a company name to search in order to call their customer service to determine where the item is when it has not arrived by the anticipated delivery date.  While I appreciate and understand the desire for some sellers to use this option, to me (as both a buyer and seller on eBay) the additional $3-4 to ensure that your item is able to be tracked step by step and delivered with no questions about when it will arrive or what to do if there are any issues, far outweighs the cost savings.  Repeat business is what any seller relies on, this requires excellent customer service and utilizing the tools available to provide customers with the best experience possible so they will purchase more items from you in the future.  In my opinion, this shipping method is a very slippery slope for sellers because buyers will not care whose fault it is in the end if their item doesnt show up.  They will blame the seller and hold them responsible, as they should.  I really wish eBay would either use a company that has legitimate tracking capabilities or do away with this shipping option completley.  It causes more buying and selling problems consistently compared to the minimal monetary savings it offers.  This is extremely frustrating as I am on the buying end this time and no one has any answers as to where, when, or even if my item will arrive.  Does anyone know a way to contact this mystery courier to determine if the item was actually received since I am not able to get this particular seller to respond to my messages?  Or is there a way to track the package with actual locating information and not the standard "origin processing" and then nothing else?  Thanks for any help.

[wastingtime101]

It is with USPS 100% of the time.

If you find the tracking on eBay to be lacking, you can track the ESUS number on this site:
https://parcelsapp.com/en

Remember, this is a metered mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans and the clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it. Instead you should drop these envelopes in your PO's metered mail slot. The envelope will be scanned by sorting machinery at distribution centers along the way.

Common reasons ESE envelopes don't get scans include:
- Overpacking. Envelopes are too stiff. It's not recommended to use trading card top loaders or cardboard mailers.
- Placement of label. Label should be placed in the upper right corner with 1/8" clearance from edges. If it's placed too far from the corner the machinery won't scan it.

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 day or two after the delivered scan.

[josh.logan.21]

This is actually very enlightening.  I did not realize this was a metered mail shipment, that makes this much more clear as to why this happens so frequently (from my experiences).  Thank you again for that information.  

**Now I'm just complaining, lol.  With this now known, I wish they would just do away with this shipping option.  The minimal scans that metered mail goes through while in transit opens up a huge opportunity for mistakes to occur.  I guess that is the risk you take, but as a buyer I would like the option to pay the $4 extra for proper tracking.  I know you occasionally have the option to choose what shipping option you want but that is pretty rare from my experiences.  Regardless, I really appreciate the insight 🙏🏻 

[wastingtime101]

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@josh.logan.21 wrote:

as a buyer I would like the option to pay the $4 extra for proper tracking.  I know you occasionally have the option to choose what shipping option you want but that is pretty rare from my experiences.

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Most sellers know their buyers prefer cost savings. If the upgrade is important to you, ask the seller if they're willing to offer the pricier option before you purchase. Sellers willing to upgrade can add Ground Advantage to the listing before you make the purchase.

As a seller I'd have no problem offering Ground Adv if a buyer was willing to pay even if traditionally I offered eBay Standard Envelope exclusively.

[richard1rst]

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@josh.logan.21 wrote:

This is actually very enlightening.  I did not realize this was a metered mail shipment, that makes this much more clear as to why this happens so frequently (from my experiences).  Thank you again for that information.  

**Now I'm just complaining, lol.  With this now known, I wish they would just do away with this shipping option.  The minimal scans that metered mail goes through while in transit opens up a huge opportunity for mistakes to occur.  I guess that is the risk you take, but as a buyer I would like the option to pay the $4 extra for proper tracking.  I know you occasionally have the option to choose what shipping option you want but that is pretty rare from my experiences.  Regardless, I really appreciate the insight 🙏🏻 

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NO NO NO When you go to print your label on eBay you ALWAYS have a very wide selection of options including those that have "traditional" tracking. You are NEVER required to use whatever eBay highlights.

And I disagree with doing away with it. I have been using since it became available to me on Nov 1 and in 2 1/2 months I have only had one problem (a late delivery), which as time passes may resolve itself.

[worldcoinauctions]

I've probably sent over 1000 ESEs in standard #10 envelopes. A few vanished and did not get to the customer, I refunded, then after the required time requested refunds from ebay. No problems. Don't overload your envelope. Cards go in penny sleeves, not toploaders. Coins are in 2x2s, then a 3x3 ziplock stapled to the packing slip and folded to fit. Never more than 3 coins (and I weigh them to be sure, don't just assume the 1 ounce per coin thing that ebay does is right.

With reasonable care this process works well.