Ebay Tracking Numbers

[led_cardtraders]

The eBay tracking number provided on the shipping label is not the same as what the USPS uses. I hand delivered 2 letter sized packages to the post office one I can track, the other I can't, and USPS says they can't track it no such numbers exist. I fear USPS lost the items I sent.

[wastingtime101]

If you're not seeing scans on eBay's website, then it could be those cardboard packs are too rigid.

eBay Standard Envelope (ESE) is a metered mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans and the clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it. The envelopes are 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.
- 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 the machinery won't 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, 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 you find the tracking on eBay to be lacking, you can track the ESUS number on this site and sometimes find more info: https://parcelsapp.com

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]

Also, the ultimate decision on whether your item gets to be machined is made by the person at the post office and some are stricter than others. Hence two of the same thing with only one getting scanned. Those cardboard packs are in fact probably borderline too stiff.

I will say, in my experience, 99.9% of these will get delivered whether they're scanned or not. Best not to worry too much until a customer complains.

As you seem to be new to using ESE I would highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the help page linked above as well as the USPS first class letter requirements on USPS.com.

[autosol15]

I run into this constantly as I hand deliver packages to the local post office every evening right before they close.   If you dump them in the bin, they do not get scanned in before they leave the local location for the distribution hub.   Half the time they don't get scanned there either.   I've had packages delivered before they were scanned in.  I've had to re-ship items (about 2-3/month) becuase after a week, no tracking exists and the buyer claims they never received it....the USPS lost it.   Since no scan, no insurance claim can be filed because it looks like I never dropped off the package in the first place, even though I did.   

I've done the math and even with their screw ups, it's less expensive than using UPS or Fedex for everything...so I keep with USPS.   It is annoying though.