First-Class Mail Selected by Buyer but Not Available When Printing Label – Forced to Pay More

[ghostlightgarage]

Hi everyone,

I’m running into a shipping issue that I’m hoping someone can help clarify.

On a recent sale, the order details show “Buyer selected: USPS First Class Mail Large Envelope – $4.14.” That matches what I set up in my listing—I chose First-Class because it was the cheapest option.

However, when I went to print the label, First-Class wasn’t listed anywhere. The only options I had were things like Ground Advantage and Priority, which cost more. I ended up having to buy a Ground Advantage label, which was more than a dollar fifty more than what the buyer had already paid.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit—I’m human, and maybe I overlooked something. But I’m almost positive I didn’t make a mistake here. To support that, I have:

• Screenshots of the label purchase screen showing First-Class wasn’t available,

• And a screenshot of the order details page showing First-Class Large Envelope at $4.14.

So my question is: has anyone else run into this? Is First-Class actually being phased out and eBay is still showing it at checkout? Or is there some setting I need to adjust?

Either way, it feels like I (the seller) got stuck covering a cost difference for something that wasn’t my fault. I’d really like to know how to prevent this from happening again.

Thanks for any insight.

[44012]

First class mail is for envelopes. 

You cannot use first class for packages.

Packages are ground advantage or priority.

[1786davycrockett]

@ghostlightgarage 

Many of your items are too bulky to be shipped as USPS First Class Flat Envelope -- the maximum thickness can be only 3/4" -- that's why they're called "flat."

If you attempt to mail those items using USPS First Class Envelope, they will be returned to you marked "Insufficient postage" -- or (worst case scenario) sent to your buyer marked "Postage Due."

And eBay does not provide an option for printing USPS First Class mail.

[monica-sells]

Just glancing over some of your Sold Items, most would not qualify for the 1st Class Mail option. There are limitations to what qualifies as first class.

rst-Class Mail Options:

• Letters: Standard-sized, rectangular envelopes are the most common, with prices starting at $0.73 for domestic mail. 

• Postcards: Standard-sized, rectangular postcards have a lower rate, starting at $0.56. 
• Large Envelopes (Flats): These include items like documents and invoices, with prices starting at $1.50 for 3.5 ounces. First-Class Package Service (now Ground Advantage): This is for small packages and items weighing up to 13 ounces. First-Class Mail International: This option is for sending items to other countries. 
  additionally: 

  Maximum weight for First-Class Mail letters is 3.5 oz; for large First-Class Mail envelopes, the maximum weight is 13 oz.

  So..... why does ebay even put that option as an available shipping option? Because some items qualify for first class, but you need to purchase that postage at the post office (or some other third party shippers offer it) It is untracked unless you purchase tracking for it, but then it actually costs more than ground advantage.

[bonanza125]

You will unfortunately will have to pay the extra charge. What you need to do is immediately change all your items shipping which you have "First Class" to "Ground Advantage."  When you originally created your listings which have "First Class large envelope" it should have been Ground Advantage.

[fern*wood]

Keep in mind that USPS changed their shipping a couple years ago.  They basically renamed the old 1st class package service (along with parcel select or whatever it was called) as Ground Advantage.  The confusion seems to be for some sellers that "1st class" is still available when you list, but not with tracking or as a package.   Some use this method for small flat items that don't need tracking, so it is still offered when we list so those sellers can get that postage charged to their buyers.

Ebay shipping doesn't offer methods without tracking for their labels, so enter ground advantage or some other package service when you list.  Also a polymailer or thick envelope will be a package with dimensions to enter -- not an "envelope". 

There are rules to follow for each class of postage used.