Ebay was going to protect us? Seller level just dropped.

[celt]

Ebay notified me yesterday that my seller level has been reduced to "Above Standard".  Didn't they say they were going to protect us?

My drop happened entirely due to the USPS shipping delays. No other aspects of my account are at anything less than the full Ebay requirements.

I've had my store shut down for almost 6 weeks now.  It took me a couple of weeks to fully understand how bad the USPS problem was (which I regret).  I knew it was going to be bad for me in many ways, but I thought Ebay had my back with my account standing.

I've always delivered nearly perfect service to my buyers.  I'm obsessed with doing my best.  What is Ebay thinking?  Is there anyone else like me with the same story?

[itscalledapostingid]

Use the automated Seller Help Tool to have late shipment defects removed if you shipped them within your stated handling time.
I have used it to remove these even when the USPS failed to do an acceptance scan.
If that is not successful I would contact Ebay by private message on their AskEbay at twitter.

[celt]

Are you referring to this? https://www.ebay.com/sellerhelp/defect

I used the above tool yesterday to attempt to get 20 defects removed.  Today I got the message that all 20 defects would NOT be removed.  "We cannot remove it in this instance, as it is an indicator of a less than positive buying experience. We understand you may feel that you did everything to take care of your buyer."

I shipped everything within my stated handling time.  The problem is (as most people already know) that the USPS was not scanning the packages as received.  They changed, I didn't.  In some cases it took weeks, if they did it at all, for them to show a received scan.  I just dropped the packages off, as I had for years, without requiring a scanning receipt.

[itscalledapostingid]

That is the tool I used. I am sorry to hear it didn't work for you. I would keep contacting Ebay about this. I am going to raise this issue about acceptance scans on the Ebay live Community Chat today.

[powell-memorabilia]

No doubt an unfortunate development for sellers that are dinged b/c of lack of scans.  MANY sellers have been declaring that sellers need to ensure that they obtain scans - this wasn't something that popped up in November or December.   Sellers that don't have time or the inclination to obtain scans are risking their money and their metrics.  I'm a proponent of getting a scan - but it seems like I'm in the minority.  I do understand that there are many sellers that are far too large to make that a priority.  I do understand that there are some worried about COVID.  However, we know the risks - sometimes our decisions work out for the best, sometimes things go south.  

[mtgraves7984]

The last 'official' update I saw in the 12/8/2020 Announcement said this:

UPDATE as of Wednesday, Dec. 16

For transactions occurring November 15 through December 31, we are adding the following seller protections: 

We will automatically remove any defects for “item not received” cases closed without seller resolution as well as associated negative or neutral feedback if these conditions are met:

• Tracking was uploaded and has a physical scan from the carrier before the case was opened.
• A delivery scan shows the item was delivered after the case was closed. 

In addition, these cases will not impact your service metrics rating.   

We will also remove negative or neutral feedback related to a late delivery automatically if an item arrives late but tracking shows that you shipped on time.

@celt 

So it's not happening 'automatically', I take it? Geez, eBay...

[shado-x]

Before you dropped off the packages, didn't you enter the Tracking Numbers on eBay?  Moreover, if you used eBay Labels, the tracking number is uploaded automatically before going to the post office.  So my Q is, if you had tracking numbers did you not upload them B4 hand?  Ditto with FedEx and UPS, upload the tracking numbers, and always get them to scan the item in their possession first.  Once it is in the eBay system, you have more protection.

I get it though, I too dropped off packages at the USPS on that last week B4 Christmas since the lines were super long and the supervisors were hiss-fitting the number of asymptomatic Covid patients in line; however, they were all auto-uploaded to eBay first, and they all, at least, got a secondary scanned the next day until the USPS buried them in the post-cons at GMFs (General Mail Facilities).

[celt]

Yes, I use eBay to create my shipping labels.  It automatically and immediately adds the tracking number to my account and the buyer account. 

Like I said, I did everything I normally do.  I didn't change.  The USPS changed.

It's one thing for eBay to not protect me from the buyer.  eBay isn't even protecting me from themselves. 

Did anyone else lose a seller level due to this situation?