Just received notice USPS is charging me another $1.18 ..

[ssmcm1]

So...

Why does USPS have drop centers with scales and measuring tapes that accept a product.

Yet, they seem to have the authority to gouge extra money randomly and eBay does nothing but facilitate getting charged.

If the product was accepted for shipping, deal should be done. I should be informed at drop point if I don't confirm. This is complete b.s..

[buyselljack2016]

@ssmcm1 

My shipments are scanned for acceptance by a USPS employee. Their job is to scan the item, and send it on the way. If they notice an error they ..................   might.......  point it out, but are not required to do so. Scan it, send it on the way. 

The USPS APV checks items along the way.

They sometimes charge extra in error. Sometimes an item may be piggy-backing with another resulting in an error.

Sometimes it's a "class" charge.

Is there a reason for the charge given in the message?

Your notification of the charge should also provide guidance on challenging that charge.

As for eBay "facilitating".......................  eBay has no means, nor reason to dispute the charge. They are just the middle man passing on the info.

[ssmcm1]

It's based on weight. Again, why bother weighing upon receipt if it is useless. If I knew that at sources I may take time to unpack/repack or contact buyer re. To cover.

Now I have no ability to challenge or fix.

[buyselljack2016]

My experience when shipping at an office that has a scale integrated with the scanner is that the only reason that they put the item on the scale is to make the process work. As I understand it, it won't scan/proceed unless there is weight on the scale.  The "scan it/send it on it's way" is part of the streamlining to save time at the accepting office. Time is money.

The confirmed weighing, and measuring is for those paying for shipping there at the counter. We "online" payers are expected to have it right before we get there.

My last "in office" shipment of 6 packages was done in less time than it took for the elderly lady in line in front of me to sign, and print her name on the screen to get a certified letter. Betty was pressing the advance buttons along the way, and told the lady that she did just fine. I was getting ready to ask what her name was, and sign for her.

[kds99]

Right. The clerks don't have to weigh the prepaid label packages but may be willing to tell you what their scale says if you ask them nicely.

[yuzuha]

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@buyselljack2016 wrote:

My experience when shipping at an office that has a scale integrated with the scanner is that the only reason that they put the item on the scale is to make the process work. As I understand it, it won't scan/proceed unless there is weight on the scale.  The "scan it/send it on it's way" is part of the streamlining to save time at the accepting office. Time is money.

The confirmed weighing, and measuring is for those paying for shipping there at the counter. We "online" payers are expected to have it right before we get there.

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Yep. I had to get one scanned at the counter today because it was too big to fit down the drop chute next to the kiosk that I usually use for scanning-- since it was prepaid, the clerk just plopped it on the scale, did the scan and handed me the receipt all without ever bothering to look at the weight. Like you said, why would she? I'd already purchased the postage for it; it was on me to make sure I'd gotten it right in the first place.

[stephenmorgan]

Whenever I take a prepaid package to USPS I always get a receipt.  The clerk puts the package on the scale and then scans it.  The receipt always shows the weight of the package according to the USPS scale.  Example of one I just looked at, the label purchased from eBay shows 2 pounds however the receipt from USPS shows 1 pound 2.90 ounce.  It is still the same rate charged for 2 pounds.  

Some people have said their local USPS will not scan packages or provide a receipt and that is unfortunate.

[toysaver]

"Why does USPS have drop centers with scales and measuring tapes that accept a product."

The scales and measuring tapes are for customers that don't buy postage online, they've been using them for decades and decades.  These days the human's job is to accept the package.  For any business it's cheaper and more efficient to get a computer to do the work.  If they also had to verify the information USPS would need twice as many clerks and need to raise postage 20%. 

[deserdog]

The clerks at my post office weigh and scan every package I bring in. It is important because the original receipt shows the weight of the package. The few disputes from APV have been refunded when I sent in the info from the receipt, which has the date shipped, tracking number, weight and clerk number. And as far as clerks not having to scan and weigh, that is nonsense. It is built into their system, which is why the receipt also shows pre-paid. 

[ms.rodriguez*]

It's NOT a done deal once you drop off.  If this were ok,  lots of folks would be lying about the weight just to save money. You need to make sure that your scale is accurate and that your dimensions are correct. Always round up .  That is what the post office does.    I heard that if a seller makes a mistake and the package weighs less, that they will get refunded.  I have yet to see a seller disclose here that they were partially refunded.

[rudy2828]

For my regular business I used Pirateship and got a credit back as my dimensions were incorrect.

[simba6]

Could be worse. Some have been charged over 200.00 from UPS or Fedex. Scary to ship these days.