Ebay Tracked Envelope Issue

[dreamingparts]

The issue here is the tracked Ebay envelope only tracked to the zip code area and say delivered while the customer doesn't get it until a day or so afterword. Had so many customers say it's not here and have to explain it is only tracked to the post office and not the final destination. Affecting feedback now so might want to avoid and just send with a stamp and a photo.

[mr_lincoln · Accepted solution]

Hi @dreamingparts 

eBay's Standard envelope is not tracked to the local post office per se, the mail piece is scanned on a mail sorting machine one bulk mail center BEFORE the local Post office.  It operates like the old "Metered mail" not like the door to door tracking on packages.

Now, you mentioned this impacting your Feedback ... you sell Autoparts, they do NOT qualify for eBay's Standard Envelope and if the parts are metal they could potentially damage USPS sorting machines depending on their size and shape.

[1786davycrockett]

@dreamingparts 

"Affecting feedback now so might want to avoid and just send with a stamp and a photo."

There is absolutely NO tracking of ANY kind if you indeed decide to "send with a stamp and a photo," so there is no protection against further INR cases against you -- which may lead to even more negative feedback.

Plus it will cost you more in postage, since the ESE is discounted "metered mail."

Sounds like a real "lose-lose" situation.

[mantle1951]

What are you sending in the Ebay standard envelope? I don't see trading cards in your store. I use the ESE and only 2 people have asked me about delivery out of 150 sales or so.

Have a good 2024!!

[12345jamesstamps]

eBay standard envelopes are "metered mail". Envelope needs to be flat...under 1 / 4 inch and bendable.

And they usually should be in the slot as named.

[tdl_collectibles]

What I've noticed is that it's only the odd-ball "one time" buyers that get confused by this and you just need to explain to them how ESE works and that the item typically comes a day or two later.  I explain to please just hold out a couple more mailing days and if not, I'll then refund them.

I sell postcards and I get the question once or twice a month, and when I check the buyer's history, they don't typically buy postcards.  I've only ever actually refunded one guy because his messaging seemed like he could go off the rails quickly and I just didn't want to ask him to wait it out.

I do put an explanation on it in the description of all my postcard listings but we all know that 99% of buyers don't actually read descriptions.

[dreamingparts]

I send small gaskets. It’s not just for trading cards. The issue is when it says delivered it isn’t at the customers residence but rather the post office to be delivered and they think they aren’t getting it.

[dreamingparts]

It is a sad system. I have been using a stamp and photo up to a month ago but think I’ll switch back to a regular envelope and stamp with photo. Far better than the EBay tracked envelope

[dreamingparts]

I do qualify for the EBay tracked envelope sir. It’s not just trading cards. As long as it stays within the guidelines it good to go. I would never send metal. 

[dreamingparts]

EBay doesn’t back you either way even with EBay Tracked envelopes. EBay states not responsible as they don’t own the system so a stamped envelope doesn’t bring panic when it says delivered and it’s not at their house

[1786davycrockett]

@dreamingparts 

"I send small gaskets. It’s not just for trading cards."

Hey, it's not for "small gaskets," either!

Here's a list, directly from eBay, on the ONLY items which are allowed to be shipped in the ESE:

Eligible categories

As of Nov 2023, four additional categories are now eligible to use eBay standard envelope, expanding the service to eight categories. See the full list of category paths.

• Patches
• Stickers & Decals
• Greeting Cards
• Seeds
• Trading Cards
• Coins & Currency
• Postcards
• Stamps

Not even a mention on "small gaskets."

[dreamingparts]

That’s odd that it says coins because you can’t send metal in metered mail

[sapphire_studio]

You must be posting your items in the wrong category in order to get around the fact that you are breaking the rules about what's allowed to be sent on the ESE program. You probably should go back to stamps just so you are following the rules 🙂

[r_lresale]

Out of 18 negs all but 3 or 4 had to do with being sent the wrong item and your replies, IMO, not only made you look worse but substantiated the FB. You are extremely lucky all those neutrals weren't big red donuts too...good golly. Though some of the greys were for not delivered, ESE is not what is effecting your FB right now.

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

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@dreamingparts wrote:

I send small gaskets. It’s not just for trading cards. The issue is when it says delivered it isn’t at the customers residence but rather the post office to be delivered and they think they aren’t getting it.

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Small Gaskets do NOT qualify for this program.

These are the ONLY categories that qualify> 

• Patches
• Stickers & Decals
• Greeting Cards
• Seeds
• Trading Cards
• Coins & Currency
• Postcards
• Stamps

See the full policy here>  

 https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/choosing-a-carrier-and-service/ebay-standard-envelope