Free Priority Mailer Used For Packing Material

[ujokinme]

This has been brought up here before but was generally an accepted practice if the item was shipped Priority Mail.

In my case the seller used a free USPS Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Bubble Mailer for packing on a item that was shipped USPS First Class Mail. They also shorted the weight by 2oz's.

I'm thinking about stopping at my local PO with the package and seeing what if anything the Postmaster has to say about it.

Any thoughts as far as going to the PO or should I just let it go.

TIA

[divwido]

I know most people would tell you not to complain.   I disagree with them.  I'm personally sick and tired of being cheated or getting my delicate item wrapped in trash bags.

[sam9876]

"In my case the seller used a free USPS Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Bubble Mailer for packing on a item that was shipped USPS First Class Mail. They also shorted the weight by 2oz's."

Both of those are against the rules.

I would ask the seller why they happened.

[lintbrush*]

I know lots will say to do nothing and that it's no big deal.

Well just like the ever rising prices in stores, the post office has to raise their rates to make up for shrinkage.  I'm tired of paying for other people's thievery.

[ujokinme]

I tried to contact the seller about it and received no reply so apparently they don't care.

I told them that this is a pet peeve of mine and that I would be taking the package to the PO and let them decide what they want to do about it. I did not open the sealed Priority Express bubble mailer that was used as packing since I know whats in it so that the PO can see the item is still inside it as I got it.

I feel that in a situation like this if free shipping supplies are not used as intended, as in this case, the PO should go after the shipper and at least charge them the full retail rate for Priority Express.

[designforyou]

For me, I would be asking what my time is worth, to and from the post office, not to mention gas expense.  I don't think I would be making that trip just to complain about one item.  Did the seller quote you priority shipping and then ship first class, or did they ship first class as agreed??   Yes, they should not use USPS supplies as packing.

So what is your goal??  Teach them a lesson, or be charged back, or fined?? All three??  What if none of this happens??  Will you still be satisfied with your time and money expense to report it??

[missjen831]

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@ujokinme wrote:

I feel that in a situation like this if free shipping supplies are not used as intended, as in this case, the PO should go after the shipper and at least charge them the full retail rate for Priority Express.

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Well in order for that to happen the PO would have to open and inspect every package & catch the seller in the act. Otherwise they can’t just take someone’s word and tell the seller to pay up. 

[ujokinme]

They quoted First Class mail and sent it First Class mail albeit 2oz's short on the shipping weight. Package only weighed 7oz's and the label shows 5oz's so we're not talking a lot of money.

It is the principle of it just like using the free supplies for packing material.

The PO is located right next door to the grocery store that I'm going to so travel time and gas is not a factor. Plus it is not a busy PO and since I do know the Postmaster I do not expect to spend more then 10 minutes there.

As far as a "goal" I really don't have one except that I feel that these thieves should be reported and whatever the PO decides to do about it if anything is up to them.

If you feel that it would be a waste of your time that's your choice.

I don't feel that it's a waste of my time.

[sam9876]

I would give the seller a neg.

[missjen831]

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@ujokinme wrote:

They quoted First Class mail and sent it First Class mail albeit 2oz's short on the shipping weight. Package only weighed 7oz's and the label shows 5oz's so we're not talking a lot of money.

It is the principle of it just like using the free supplies for packing material.

The PO is located right next door to the grocery store that I'm going to so travel time and gas is not a factor. Plus it is not a busy PO and since I do know the Postmaster I do not expect to spend more then 10 minutes there.

As far as a "goal" I really don't have one except that I feel that these thieves should be reported and whatever the PO decides to do about it if anything is up to them.

If you feel that it would be a waste of your time that's your choice.

I don't feel that it's a waste of my time.

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@ujokinme Are you aware that the PO now has an automated postage verification system? If the label was purchased online and the seller underpaya, the PO will charge them the correct amount under the APV system. And you as the buyer will never know it because the package will be delivered to you as it normally would. USPS will charge eBay or PayPal, who in turn charge the seller who underpaid.

[sam9876]

Only if the package was weighed.

[mg152]

I did that once a few years ago and the PO tried to charge me the postage difference. They basically said shut up, we don’t care or pay the difference.

[ujokinme]

Yes I am well aware of the APV system that only works if the package is weighed by the PO.  Not all packages are weighed.

Since I also sell on eBay I usually add 1oz to the weight of the packages that I ship just to make sure I pay the correct amount of postage.

Occasionally when I drop off a package at the PO I ask them the weight that their scale shows so I can compare it to my scale.

[sam9876]

Why do you add an ounce to the weight?

Wouldn't it be smarter to just pay for the exact weight?

[ujokinme]

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@sam9876 wrote:

Why do you add an ounce to the weight?

Wouldn't it be smarter to just pay for the exact weight?

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Because for the small amount that I sell I'm not going to lose sleep over $0.10 at the most.