First Class Shipping

[creativechris1]

I have bows that I am selling that I've bought 3 x 3 x 3 envelopes, (perfect size) and I have been using non-Ebay shipping and doing my own first-class shipping via Stamps.com or USPS click it and ship it.  I know it's risky without a tracking number, but I've heard you can purchase a tracking number for $1.00 extra; is this true?  There's nothing that says we have to use Ebay shipping, correct?  And if we don't, can we ship any under 3 oz items in an envelope ourselves without Ebay getting irate about it?  It is clearly stated in my listing also.

[fm2000]

Yes, you can use something called "letter track" to add tracking. The problem is, eBay does not recognize that tracking, eBay won't accept it as proof of anything, and it does not protect TRS status.

Here's the funny part: eBay's ESE uses the exact same USPS letter tracking as the "letter track" service. eBay will not let you put the "letter track" tracking numbers in their system, they only acknowledge their own ESE letter tracking numbers.

If you send your items first class letter mail with no tracking, eBay will always side with the buyer if they claim the item didn't arrive, every single time. In my opinion, no tracking is fine if the items you are selling do not attract dishonest buyers (some types of items do, and I'd never send those types of items without tracking.) Your bows are probably fine, unlikely dishonest/toxic/abusive people would be interested in bows, but keep this issue in mind.

Remember, first class letter envelopes have to be a minimum size of 3" x 5" and no more than 1/4" thick. Your envelopes may not work.