Here we go again—the ‘Shipping Label Adjustment’ issue is striking once more.

[camera4allstore]

This is becoming ridiculous. Just like last year, this morning I received an email from eBay stating that the cost of some of my labels needs adjustment. Just look at the numbers and you’ll see how absurd this is. Last year, when I called eBay, they apologized and said it was an error. Let’s see what happens this time.

[stainlessenginecovers]

It's the size, not weight. Fedex and UPS are famous for this. Use USPS going forward. 

[*videogames]

They bill you by weight or dimensional weight, which ever is higher. I believe the dimensional weight formula is L x W x H / 139. So they may have actually under charged you.

I would also suggest USPS to avoid this as UPS and FedEx do this alot.

[wastingtime101]

Most likely @camera4allstore , neither weight nor dimension is the issue here. The real reason for the cost adjustment is hidden on your screenshots.

Edit to add: because the adjustment amount of $31.87 is exactly the same on both of your packages, I'll wager the issue is "additional handling" plus a modest fuel increase for the additional handling.

Can you describe the physical outer packages for these 2 shipments?

In order to help you determine if your charge was legit or in error (and how to appeal), view the label details and expand the section on the bottom right that says see cost breakdown (highlighted below in green). Black out order #, tracking #, and buyer ID and post a screenshot.

There are many surcharges with UPS and FedEx that are not factored in until the carrier physically reviews the package.

Read more in the FedEx Guide - start on page 126:

https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/Service_Guide_2024.pdf

Read more in the UPS Guide - start on page 126:

https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/webcontent/en_US/retail_rates.pdf

You can find guides for all carriers on eBay Seller Center under "preventing shipping label price adjustments."

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

[camera4allstore]

I have been doing business on eBay since 1999. Regarding the dimensions, I always add 1 inch to the outer measurements and 1 pound to the weight to avoid issues. It seems like they can make changes as they please, and no one can do anything about it.

[wastingtime101]

As I said previously, I didn't think weight or dimensions were the problem and it was likely additional handling. Your new screenshots confirm my assessment was correct. Something about the physical packaging triggered an additional handling surcharge which can be anything from using a polymailer to "too much tape" (one of FedEx's favorites).

Additional handling is not assessed until after the package is physically in the carrier's possession which is why it comes after the fact as a cost adjustment.

These are reasons FedEx will charge additional handling:

A surcharge applies to any package that:

(Dimension)  

1) measures greater than 48 inches along its longest side;  

2) measures greater than 30 inches along its second-longest side;

3) measures greater than 105 inches in length and girth — the length and girth is length plus (two times the height) plus (two times the width);

(Weight)  

4) • has an actual weight greater than 50 lbs. (U.S. Package Services); • has an actual weight greater than 70 lbs. (International Package Services);

(Packaging)

Is in non-standard packaging, including any package that:  

5) is not fully encased in an outer shipping container;  

6) is encased in an outer shipping container not made of corrugated fiberboard (cardboard) materials, including but not limited to metal, wood, canvas, leather, hard plastic, soft plastic (e.g., plastic bags), or expanded polystyrene foam (e.g., Styrofoam);  

7) is encased in an outer shipping container covered in shrink wrap or stretch wrap;  

8 ) is encased in a soft-sided pack (e.g., courier packs, poly bags, and bubble mailers) that exceeds 18 inches along its longest side or 13 inches along its second-longest side or 5 inches in height;4  

9) is round or cylindrical, including (without limitation) mailing tubes, cans, buckets, barrels, tires, drums, or pails;

10) is bound with metal, plastic, or cloth banding, or has wheels, casters, handles, or straps (e.g., a bicycle) (including packages where the outer surface area is loosely wrapped, or where the contents protrude outside the surface area); or

11) could become entangled in or cause damage to other packages or the FedEx sortation system.

[fbusoni]

@wastingtime101 

Incredible to read this... eBay can learn a thing or two from FedEx about bilking sellers. 

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.  

[jg.mason]

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@camera4allstore wrote:

I have been doing business on eBay since 1999. Regarding the dimensions, I always add 1 inch to the outer measurements and 1 pound to the weight to avoid issues. It seems like they can make changes as they please, and no one can do anything about it.

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I'm not trying to be a smart azz but you are the one to do something about it and that would be to stop using FedEx.

I never liked how FedEx handled packages delivered to me and after reading all the complaints about their extra charges I would never consider using them to ship my packages.