Mailing with tracking numbers

[buck.bob]

Is there a way to send a standard size envelope that would have a tracking number on it?  I want to sell about a 100 coins and do not think setting up a store account would justify my one time need.

Thanks

[wastingtime101 · Accepted solution]

Hi @buck.bob . Coins, when listed in eligible categories and meeting certain price points, can be shipped with a service called eBay Standard Envelope (ESE). I'm going to paste an ESE rundown below.

Review this page for packing requirements (size, flexibility, label placement, etc) and a downloadable list of eligible categories (qualifying items must be listed in a qualifying category):
https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/ebay-labels-services/ebay-domestic-shipping-services/ebay...

And also read this page:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=...

Review this page for some of the fine print (like items over $20 don't qualify, for example):
https://pages.ebay.com/sell/standarddelivery/termsofservice.html

If you don't see ESE on the listing form you may need to adjust package dimensions to 11x6.

If you cannot access ESE when purchasing a shipping label, it's possible:
- Your package dimensions/weight are above the service limits.
- Your item was listed in an ineligible category.
- Your item was above the $ limit. When you use auction format, if the auction goes over $20 and you offered ESE, the buyer can still choose it at checkout, but you will not be able to purchase an ESE label due to the item's value.
- Your buyer entered Puerto Rico in the country field. If that happens, let the buyer know ESE is a domestic service and it cannot be purchased when PR is entered in the country field. You can cancel the order using "problem with buyer's address" and advice them to repurchase with a revised address: they need to enter PR as the "state" and United States as the country.

If you find the tracking on eBay to be lacking, you can track the ESUS number on this site:
https://parcelsapp.com

Remember, this is a metered mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans and the clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it. Drop these envelopes in your PO's metered mail slot if they have one. The envelope will be scanned by sorting machinery at distribution centers along the way.

Common reasons ESE envelopes don't get scans include:
- Overpacking. Envelopes are too stiff. It's not recommended to use trading card top loaders or cardboard mailers.
- Placement of label. Label should be placed in the upper right corner with approx 1/8"-1/4" clearance from edges. If it's placed too far from the corner the machinery won't scan it.
- Placing items like coins in the center of the envelope. The center of the envelope needs to be the most flexible part, so secure a product like coins off to the side.
- Printer ink is not dark enough, or label color is too bright (stick to white labels if you can).

With ESE, a 'delivered' scan generally occurs at the last sort facility before it gets to the buyer, so typically the buyer will receive their order a day or two after the delivered scan.

If a buyer files a not received claim, you do have insurance coverage and the claims process is outlined on this page.

[wastingtime101]

Not entirely sure if your original post meant you want to sell 100 coins in a single lot? If that's the case, you'd be shipping a package, not a standard envelope, in which case you'd most likely choose a service like USPS Ground Advantage.

My above response about ESE assumes you plan to sell single coins.

[12345jamesstamps]

You can use ESE...might need a printer...ink in the printer...and special envelopes.

Depending on the value...over $20...you wouldn't be able to use ESE.

So it comes down to what is the value of the coin(s).

As you mentioned: "my one time need".

Per the USPS envelope would have to be at least  "9 1/8 X 9 1/2 size to use tracking as certified mail which has tracking. Cost more but does work where it will actually have "tracking immediately"...sometimes ESE doesn't show tracking right away at beginning or at the end...thus dealing with refunds by eBay and such if ESE doesn't work.

I use certified mail every now and then...like a one time every month. I prefer getting a post office receipt and tracking immediately by the clerk...but that's just me.

[pjcdn2005]

You don't need a store to print a label on eBay so depending on the weight, size and value of what you are shipping you can use ebay standard envelope or one of the other services such as ground advantage.  If you are using ebay standard envelope you don't need a specific type of envelope but you do need to follow  certain criteria which are stated on the links mentioned in post 2.  The envelope can't be too stiff or it won't be scanned and your buyer may be charged more.  eBay standard envelope labels can only be printed through eBay.

[toysaver]

This is likely not the answer you're looking for but I have slapped a few Priority labels or on standard envelopes, it can be done.  

[nobody*s_perfect]

---

@buck.bob wrote: ...  I want to sell about a 100 coins and do not think setting up a store account would justify my one time need....

---

All shipping methods for eBay labels are available to all sellers regardless of whether they have a Store subscription.  For single coins, appropriately packaged, the ESE is what you'd use.

https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/choosing-a-carrier-and-service/ebay-standard-envelope