Post office returning envelopes with eBay standard shipping

[racgraves]

Has anyone had an issue with the post office returning envelopes with the eBay standard envelope label? Below is the envelope and sticker. It does not weight more than 1 once, and contains some quarters. Could it be the non machinable stamp?

[mama_583368 · Accepted solution]

Yes, that's a surcharge.

[biggymoe]

Yes that is the problem.

If you stamped it, don't.

If a PO clerk did it, ask them not to stamp it.

[ngnerdy]

From the USPS website regarding additional charges for first class letters:    "Unusually shaped mail, like square or vertical envelopes, lumpy envelopes, rigid envelopes, and mail with clasps, string, buttons, must be hand-cancelled. They are charged a nonmachinable surcharge even if they weight less than 1 oz."

[american-photography]

It means your envelope could not be processed through the sorting machines and thus required manual handling or a surcharge.

Next time tape the quarters to a postcard or other rigid item to keep the envelope from bending or quarters from shifting.  This will keep it straight as it flows through their machines and not get stuck.

[racgraves]

Thank you. Been stamping them for months. First time with an issue.

Robert

[racgraves]

Thanks.

Robert

[racgraves]

Thanks. First time with this issue after months of stamping them

Robert

[racgraves]

Thanks for the reply.

Robert

[racgraves]

Thanks. I will try adding an index card over them. They are already secured in a plastic bag and taped to the invoice so they don't move. 

Robert

[mtg_dom]

I've been dealing with the same problem. USPS has become very strict about rigidity in the past week or so. Ebay seemingly has no clue that everything is being sent back.

[moneymaster2011]

YES!  Went to the 77389 Post office and was told ridiculous things like "no cardboard is acceptable", too thick (not true), and just any other dumb ass thing they could think up to get rid of me.  My packages are going thru the North Houston sorting station on Airline.  Many of you who have said they have the same issue (being returned for more postage, etc) and I agree with those that said it is a new or uninformed employee doing this.  20% of all I ship is coming back.  I relabel and mail, then it goes thru most of the time.

[wastingtime101]

eBay Standard Envelope (ESE) must be flexible @moneymaster2011 . If you're using cardboard that won't easily wrap around a water bottle, then your envelope is too rigid and will be kicked out as non-machinable and possibly returned to you by the post office for postage due.

[kh-stanley1]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread HERE if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.