eBay

kcolsen · ‎12-23-2023

On the "Ship your order" page, seller is asked "Is your package size correct?", then is advised "Please make sure you enter the correct package size and dimensions to avoid additional charges from your chosen carrier (i.e., enter 14 when it weighs 13.2 oz)".

"Size" refers to dimensions, such as L x W x H. By using “i.e.”, Latin for “that is”, the advice conflates weight with size.

It's confusing. USPS rounds up weight, but rounds off dimensions (1/2 inch or more over the nearest whole rounds up, and less than 1/2 inch rounds down.)

In one sense, you can always "avoid additional charges" by paying more than required. Would it not, however, be in everyone's interest for eBay to provide clear, and accurate, advice?

itsjustasprain · ‎12-27-2023

@kcolsen wrote:
On the "Ship your order" page, seller is asked "Is your package size correct?", then is advised "Please make sure you enter the correct package size and dimensions to avoid additional charges from your chosen carrier (i.e., enter 14 when it weighs 13.2 oz)".

"Size" refers to dimensions, such as L x W x H. By using “i.e.”, Latin for “that is”, the advice conflates weight with size.

Right. Plus it should be 'e.g.' and not 'i.e.' anyway because it is trying to give a example. ('exempli gratia') I have reported that more than once over the years but they have never fixed it. On their priority scale it is probably way down at the bottom.

I think in the distant past that section talked about weights as well as measurements and so that example made more sense. They removed the text about weighing the package but left in the example.

In fact that particular example would make no real difference anyway because 13 ounces and 14 ounces are within the same 4-ounce price increment for Ground Advantage mailing (or First Class Package back when that text first appeared) but that is a distinction that is way too fine a point for whoever wrote that coding (possibly in another country originally - a lot of the Shipping form coding originated in the UK).

kcolsen · ‎12-27-2023

It's revealing that eBay fails to redress reports of otherwise minor issues like correct usage of i.e. versus e.g. If your process can't fix small things, you end up with facile suggestions like

"enter the correct package size and dimensions to avoid additional charges"

followed by an example that militates against the very purpose of the suggestion.

Poor attention to feedback undermines confidence in the platform. As both seller and buyer, I routinely encounter small errors that sow doubt, and cumulatively gum up workflow.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎12-27-2023

@yuzuha wrote:
I would avoid using a box that came that close to hitting dimensional weight when rounding unless it was absolutely necessary and the item couldn't possibly fit in anything smaller.

@kcolsen

@yuzuha

@nobody*s_perfect

If you are close to the "limit" for package size and you are able to cut down the box slightly that can work in some situations. Unless it would increase possibility of damage I reduce boxes regularly.

Steps:

Measure & score cardboard on inside

Fold flaps over. Cut off extra cardboard (if necessary)

Re measure/weigh and cross fingers.

-Lotzofuniquegoodies.