FedEx & UPS False Charges for Additional Weight & Extra Handling - Be Vigilant

[westslopect]

The first issue with FedEx was they tacked an additional weight charge of 21 pounds onto a 7 pound item and thus attempted to hijack me for an extra $21.   Had to dispute it and eventually Ebay ctredited me back the overcharge.

The UPS issue today 1/17/2023 UPS charged me thru Ebay an extra $11.75 and the only explanation given to me and Ebay was for an "Extra Handling Charge"  Ebay has to research it now since they don't know exactly why.  I have photo evidence of the weight and dimensions to back up my dispute!  Ebay did say they were having other sellers disputing these shippers  extra/overcharges.   SInce all labels go thru Ebay, sellers like me cannot get and information back directly from UPS and FedEx since these need Ebays account number to check on details.

Bottom line be careful and try to make sure you have evidence to back up (push back) on these deceptive practices.

[wastingtime101]

Was it a round tube @westslopect ? That's subject to the extra handling charge and the amount of the cost adjustment is pretty consistent with a tube. UPS and FedEx consider tubes nonstandard and tack on a surcharge, but eBay's shipping calculator unfortunately does not factor that cost in advance. (It should, but it's not programmed that way.)

If it wasn't a tube, it's possible the charge was for excessive tape. UPS/FedEx love to tack on for that one.

Or maybe you shipped in a polymailer instead of a brown box. That's another nonstandard situation that can result in the extra handling charge.

Go to this link and click on the UPS and FedEx links in the middle pane.

https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/preparing-your-shipment/packaging-and-measuring

[westslopect]

Brown box.   Nothing out of the norm.  

[wastingtime101]

Did you use eBay branded tape? Some sellers have reported using that tape gets the additional handling charge for excess tape because the tape is so visible, vs clear tape that blends in and is less likely to result in the charge.

Just trying to help you figure out what happened to hopefully avoid in future.

FYI - I purchase my UPS labels through pirateship.com and appealing there is a snap. You just click a link, write a comment and submit. You don't have to deal with going through CS. It's much easier. Until eBay catches up, I suggest purchasing UPS labels through pirateship.

[westslopect]

Clear tape.   Been selling for 17 years and never before had issues.   I just wonder now since the labels are charged immediately by FedEx and UPS what happend when the lables were charged to my account AFTER the delivery.    Could be these shippers have been doing this all along without being caught  in the prevoius arrangement.  

[wastingtime101]

---

@westslopect wrote:

Clear tape.   Been selling for 17 years and never before had issues.   I just wonder now since the labels are charged immediately by FedEx and UPS what happend when the lables were charged to my account AFTER the delivery.    Could be these shippers have been doing this all along without being caught  in the prevoius arrangement.  

---

Oh yeah, it was absolutely happening before. Sellers had to review their estimated costs against actual costs with the old method. Many did not as it was so time consuming and/or they did not realize the estimates were just estimates.

Now that labels are charged upfront with adjustments coming after the fact, sellers are noticing. This discussion board is flooded every time those cost adjustments hit.

[westslopect]

I would say Ebay needs to step up their contracts with the shippers.  If it was happening regularily before, and for not valid reasons it might be to the level of a class action lawsuit.   Ebay know's about lawsuits re: the millions in fines for recent retalitory stalking of private individuals and this is before their civil lawsuit.   We'll all be paying for corrupt practices with increase fees on sellers.

[westslopect]

If there's anyone out there with a feedback rating above "ZERO" who wants to chime in, you're more than welcome.

[klhmdg]

@westslopect   FB rating means nothing.

Many people who have been here years use a posting ID on this board.

Everything @wastingtime101  has posted to you is correct. If it doesnt apply then it doesnt apply to you.

[westslopect]

I learned something new here today.   It did not occur to me that folks who want to "speak" without linking their actual buying/selling ID - were able to do so.

[wastingtime101]

Unfortunately it's happened way too many times that someone doesn't like the help or advice they're offered, so they take retaliation against the poster's selling account, hence the use of posting IDs by many knowledgable regulars on this forum.

[westslopect]

Thanks for the explanation - my brain bucket is now filled for the day.

[westslopect]

I went to the local UPS dispatch center and they said an audit was done on my package in Illinois.   No reason given but I am wondering if they do an audit and if nothing is wrong do they still charge for the audit (minimum charge $11.75)?   My package was under the weight and dimensions - paid for 18" x 18" x 1"  x 7 LBS (actually 6LB 8.8 ounces) and the DIM weight I calculated was 1.9 pounds.  If anything I should have received money back.

[pcobra93]

Here is the bottom line on this issue that I have posted about many times. UPS is the absolute worst at this but FedEx also is guilty.....they are running a racket and Ebay allows them to.....period, the end. Think about the extra money they make from the people that do not contest these BOGUS fees. I bet it is in the millions. Since Ebay holds the shipping accounts, they are legally required to give us an explanation and if we request, an invoice for it. Since they cannot, as they know the racket being run, they usually just give you a "courtesy" refund and move on. I encourage everyone that this happens to, go ahead and call Ebay and fight it. That is the only way this racket will stop. I will add one single possibility where this could be legitimate.... If there is a rate increase from the time you drop it off to the time it is delivered, they "may" have legal standing....although that is a very scummy thing to do.

[cdvar]

Years ago, FedEx charged me a bogus, and rather excessive, irregular package fee, solely because the package, which was still the exact dimensions and weight of what I paid for, had a convenient handle built into one end for them to carry it by, if they so desired.  I called and got the charge removed, but ever since I always take FedEx packages to their store to ensure they don't try to pull something like that again.

Most of our packages are too small and low value to use UPS or FedEx.  Unfortunately, this is happening with the USPS as well, as recently we had an over-weight charge from ebay for a USPS media mail shipment, initiated by the USPS.  MM having a flat rate by the pound instead of the ounce, the package was paid for up to 1 lb, but only weighed 7oz.   The charge was so high, they must have jacked the rate at least two weight classes. Fortunately, I had a receipt from the local PO proving what it weighed and got a refund there too.