Extra postage

[colfar_12]

I've recently started buying sports cards on eBay and 3 times now I've had usps hit me for extra postage stating that the package "can't bend" so it can't be sent as first class mail for $1.32. The extra postage is $6.58 which often times more than doubles my total cost. When I contacted a seller they asked me to contact eBay as they apparently supply the label/shipping info or whatever. 

I'm still not super familiar with eBay so I'm wondering what my next steps are? Do I contact the seller again, try to go through eBay or what? Also do I pay the extra and figure it out later or let it sit at the post office? 

[stainlessenginecovers]

Sellers cannot use that type of 'shipping' ($1.32) so it's not your problem. Just refuse item.

In the future, make sure the seller is using Ground Advantage (if over $20 item) or these issues will continue. 

[ryry-jj]

Postage due is a valid reason for refusing a delivery without the buying being penalized for not accepting the package

[kensgiftshop]

If the seller doesn't want to fix their mistake, refuse the package and file an INR.

[wastingtime101]

Hi @colfar_12 . This is 100% on the seller. They are packing items in a way that physically disqualifies them from the service they're using, and as a result your post office is charging you the package rate.

When this happens:

1. Do not pay the postage due. Instead, get a photo of the item with postage due and/or the postage due slip that has the tracking number and the amount due.

2. Contact the seller and send them the photos, asking them to send you money for the postage due. They should send the funds outside of the eBay transaction.**

3. If the seller sends you the funds then great, go pay the post office and get your package.

4. If the seller does not agree to pay the postage due, refuse the package and the post office will return to sender. The seller will have to pay their local PO if they want the package back. Then you file an item not received (INR) claim on eBay.

5. Refusing packages voids eMBG protections in all cases except postage due, however you will need to involve customer service to review the photos you previously sent to the seller to ensure the INR claim is found in your favor. CS needs the proof of postage due to rule in your favor.

** The reason the seller should send you funds outside of eBay is because you can pay the postage due, open your package, find the wrong item or a damaged item. If that happens and you file a return, the seller will only be required to refund you the balance which means you're out that extra postage due amount on an item you returned.

Hope that helps.

[ryry-jj]

@wastingtime101....what is the reason the USPS just doesn't back bill the seller on the postage due rather than try to collect from the recipient?   We see all the time cost adjustments after delivery for wrong weight, size, service, why is this different?

[wastingtime101]

It's not a package shipped as a package getting a package adjustment which is what the APV system manages.

Seller is shipping as a machinable letter or flat then it gets kicked out because it doesn't physically qualify as a machinable letter or flat, and the APV system isn't part of the process. So it falls to the PO to deal with postage due.

Best case scenario: seller's PO catches it and bills seller postage due before they'll send the item to the first sort facility. We see that happen a lot, too. Worst case scenario it's caught on the buyer's end so the PO tries to bill the buyer for postage due.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

Beware of sellers shipping using Ebay Standard Envelope or First Class Mail. Some have mastered how to pack for letter mail, others have not.

I hesitate to recommend leaving negative FB for this but there is no other way for buyers to know who is challenged by rigidity problems.

Sellers either love or hate ESE and some buyers are starting to hate it too. As USPS employees are learning how to deal with machine jamming envelopes this is increasing.