I need some help please - Shipping Issues

[nerdology559]

So, I had an order that failed to deliver as of a first attempt yesterday. Buyer informed me and also sent a picture of a USPS notice they received.

Number one, it says the package needed $5.30 in shipping cost. The buyer paid $5.50 on shipping, and the generated label was $4.15 after eBay's discount from buying here on the platform.

The order was for a recent necktie of mine that sold. Package dimensions: 6 ounces, 11 x 9 x 2. Shipped in a mailing box provided by the USPS.

Number two, the package was noted as being in a Priority Mail Box, but not checked off. (I have never had a problem shipping First-Class with these boxes) I have shipped multiple previous orders like this before without a problem.

Number three, the buyer has told me that the USPS has up charged due to the fact is was shipped "Priority Mail." On my end, eBay says that it was shipped First-Class, and says no secure location available when tracking. Buyer wants a refund for the up charge.

Any advisement would be appreciated. I'm a little confused as to why the issue appeared, and how to continue going about this. Is it a USPS system error? Is it an eBay generated label issue? Or is it my shipping box? Not sure.

[albertabrightalberta]

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@nerdology559 wrote:

I know, that's one of the surprising parts about it. I'm still wondering if I'll be charged directly by the USPS. Even with sending a refund. I just don't want to be charged twice.

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Since the buyer is being hit with the upcharge, Ebay wasn't notified so they can't charge you. 

You'll still be hit with the charge though, even if you issue the refund. Since the service used was priority mail, that's what you're paying for.

[reallynicestamps]

You owe your buyer either the $5.30 in undercharged selling, or a full refund when USPS returns the package to you.

All the rest is just deflecting and nattering.

[1786davycrockett]

"I'm still wondering if I'll be charged directly by the USPS. Even with sending a refund. I just don't want to be charged twice."

Since you have previously admitted that you have used USPS Priority boxes in the past to ship USPS First Class packages instead, you obviously already owe USPS for those other fraudulent uses.

Pay up, and be glad that it's only a couple of bucks for which you're being asked.

[stainlessenginecovers]

I would contact the buyer immediately and tell them what is going on, and that you 'refunded' $10 (a little more for their inconvenience of having to pay anything at all, as well as the package being 'now held up' because of this.

Also: Once the packages makes it to outside the main hub/distribution center and to the local post office for local carrier delivery, doubtful that you will be charged twice; although it doesn't really matter at this point.

[buyselljack2016]

@nerdology559 

The buyer's local PO asking for the postage due is "supposed to check" within their system to see if the APV system caught the error and charged back to the payment source before they stamp it "postage due", and attempt to collect at delivery to avoid "double dipping".   Did they? Only time will tell.

[stainlessenginecovers]

@nerdology559    "To be honest, I did not know"

Says it right on top of the box where you put the postage:  "PRIORITY POSTAGE REQUIRED". 

[the_fancy_fox]

Number two, the package was noted as being in a Priority Mail Box, but not checked off. (I have never had a problem shipping First-Class with these boxes) I have shipped multiple previous orders like this before without a problem.

yep. Send the buyer the money. You are not supposed to use Priority supplies for any other class of mail except Priority. 

that you got away with it before means nothing. 

[froggyjump]

Excellent. Ebay has so many scammers that if I am ever in a position I cannot block them, I'll send the item in a Large Priority Mailbox so they'll pay more. And it will show delivered so it will take time to call EBAY to complain. 

GREAT TIP~~~!! thank you

[froggyjump]

I just got my first two bad buyers, always had Top Rated Status. It may be just a stroke of bad luck though....

Sorry you had that issue but everyone is right, USPS cannot afford to pay for your box while you pay First Class Rates. Good luck to you

[toysaver]

Give the buyer the money requested AND refund all shipping for the inconvenience.   Consider it a learning experience and cross your fingers it doesn't affect feedback.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@froggyjump wrote:

Excellent. Ebay has so many scammers that if I am ever in a position I cannot block them, I'll send the item in a Large Priority Mailbox so they'll pay more. And it will show delivered so it will take time to call EBAY to complain. 

GREAT TIP~~~!! thank you

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This would probably backfire on you.  USPS has set up special equipment at its sorting centers to check on package weight and dimensions. Postage discrepancies on labels that were paid online are charged (or credited) to the account that bought the label. I'm surprised that the APV system didn't catch the OP's label. Or maybe it did.

https://link.usps.com/2017/10/05/what-is-apv/

http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/ship-smart/ebay-shipping-partners/avoid-extra-postage-costs....