How are sellers able to ship items with 7 + day delivery with tracking?

[brads_ann]

If I sell anything and use USPS First Class Mail, it still gets there most likely in 2 days....3 at most.

But when I purchase something under a pound, a lot of times it gets to me about a week or so later and it has tracking.

Is there some other cheaper method to ship we can use other than USPS First Class Mail for items under a lb that includes tracking?

[partial*eclipse]

You can look at the package label and see what shipping method was used.  Most likely, it's a First Class package that arrived later than average.  There's no option for eBay sellers that's cheaper than the First Class package rates.

[brads_ann]

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@partial*eclipse wrote:

You can look at the package label and see what shipping method was used.  Most likely, it's a First Class package that arrived later than average.  There's no option for eBay sellers that's cheaper than the First Class package rates.

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That's odd. I have 2 items now that I'm waiting on and both are due to arrive Thursday. I've already been waiting about a week. This happens quite often. I ordered at the same time some printer ink and it came in 2 days like my shipments usually do.

I just figured maybe there is a cheaper mode of shipping I can use for my smaller items under a pound.

[partial*eclipse]

Those  7 days could include 3 days actually in transit, after 4 days still in the seller's possession. Sellers can choose a handing time of up to 30 days when they set up their listings. They can also print out a shipping label up to 3 (or even more) days ahead.  eBay sends out the notice about "Your item has been shipped" when the seller prints the label, not when the package actually gets shipped.  

 There is no  shipping option that is cheaper than First Class. You can see the shipping method in the item entry in your purchase history.

[thatsallfolks]

Have you looked at the tracking info to see when the packages were first scanned?

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

All PACKAGES have tracking -- unless the sender elects to affix stamps and does not bother with a Label 400. The least expensive USPS class of mail is First Class Mail, which has 3 distinct subcategories: Package/Parcel, Large Envelope/Flat and Letter/Non-Machinable Letter. Only Package/Parcel allows tracking. Each subcategory has specific requirements for shape, size, dimensions and weight. Cost is per ounce, whereas other classes of mail are per pound. (Priority Express Mail does have an 8 oz. weight.) Private carriers such as UPS and FedEx also charge by the pound. Delivery time spans are based on distance, overall mail volume and availability of transportation. At one time, First Class Mail traveled coast-to-coast in 2 days; I frequently experienced door-to-door delivery within 36 hours! With USPS facility closures and service consolidation, the norm is now 2 days local and up to 10 days to more distant destinations. Much depends on whether the origin and destination are urban or rural; the proximity of a sorting center and an airport is also important. Bottom line: If you want "fast," select an expedited service such as Priority Mail or a comparable courier air service. However, note that even those may experience delays, especially during the holiday season. ~~C~~

[hafoster]

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@brads_ann wrote:

Is there some other cheaper method to ship we can use other than USPS First Class Mail for items under a lb that includes tracking?

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The 7+ day delivery is a service such as UPS Mail Innovations --

which is the same speed as UPS Ground plus up to 2 business days --

takes off $0.40 each plus contract discounts on a 300-package minimum.

@brads_ann

Other cheaper domestic hybrid services which still include tracking:

FedEx SmartPost, UPS SurePost, and DHL Global* Mail.

*a domestic hybrid service