Problem returning a 2 lb item with a First Class Return label

[uzumakey]

I was automatically issued a First Class Return label when returning a 2 pound item (which originally had free shipping). I asked about it on the boards a few days ago and several posters told me that First Class returns can weigh up to 70 lbs. 

I went to the post office yesterday to have the package scanned, which it was. The clerk then decided to weigh the item, said it was over the weight limit for First Class and canceled the transaction. Was she in the wrong? I tried to find info on the USPS site to back me up but it says that the weight limit on First Class Return Service is 13 oz. I can't find anything "official" online and most of the posts regarding this subject are actually from the eBay boards.

Is my only option to print my own Priority label? The return is supposed to be mailed by 8/3 and I haven't heard back from my seller after messaging them. I'm concerned about being charged for the First Class label though - the tracking number is now live though it's obviously not being updated. 

[postingid2017]

"Is my only option to print my own Priority label?" - yes because at 2lbs, the item/package must go Priority or Ground (I forget the official name for USPS Ground).  70lbs weight limit for First Class?  Not true.  And yes the Clerk was correct when she weighed the pkg.  I think starting this month pkgs will be double checked for weight and the sender will be billed the difference.  I am not sure of the start date, but maybe the Clerks were instructed to start reweighing pkgs.

[postingid2017]

Since it has to be mailed by August 3, I would just mail it and not wait for Seller's response. I am sure there will be someone here to instruct you as to how to recoup the balance of the shipping cost.

Good luck to you 🙂

[emerald_door]

I have read that eBay's return labels are billed differently and can be used for packages weighing more than the limit for first class. I would call eBay about it.

[tripper101]

Will it fit in a mail box?  Just pack and ship it and use the label. Or just put the package in the large mail chute in the lobby of any post office for pre paid packages.    If their is postage due it is up to the buyer to pay for it then.  If he would refuse the package you would have that on tracking and win the case.

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

The PO clerk deals with retail rates.  Your package is Parcel Return Service, a commercial rate:

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm#_c170

The maximum weight for machinable packages is 35 lbs. and for non-machinable packages it is 70 lbs.  Large packages (over 84 inches length plus girth) are billed at the 20 lb. balloon rate.

The prepaid label is issued by eBay and eBay's account will be billed for the correct amount.  Neither you nor your local PO need be concerned about it. Just drop the package into the package collection bin and don't involve the counter clerk at all.

~~C~~

[postingid2017]

Good morning @duchess-at-speakeasy - so it was okay or I should say is okay just to drop the pkg in the bin?  I thought that the PO was going to start to get a better handle on under shipping costs.  The OP need not worry about the cost and either eBay or seller will be billed the difference?  Or could it be that it was shipped via FC and that is the way the shipping will be for returns? 

Just want to make sure, thanks 🙂

[green-night]

Was she in the wrong? 

Yes. 

However, it seems it is not uncommon for PO clerks to not know this. 

[the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth]

If it's Parcel Return Service why would the label say First Class? Seems really confusing to me and I don't understand.

[postingid2017]

That is what I did not understand - 2 lbs FC would be wrong, at least with my PO but not for international, IDK 😞   I was under the impression that 1 lb and up was not FC 

[green-night]

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@the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth wrote:

If it's Parcel Return Service why would the label say First Class? Seems really confusing to me and I don't understand.

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It is not a Parcel Return Service label.   It is a FC return label and can be used on any package up to 70 pounds.  Basically there is contract between USPS / eBay regarding returns and USPS would bill ebay accordingly. 

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

@postingid2017 Yes, it's OK to drop and run -- the package will be scanned along the way and the account holder (eBay) will be billed the correct amount.  In turn, eBay bills the seller, but only up to the amount of the original prepaid label. All mail order companies issue return labels, often enclosed with the actual order.  They have no way of knowing what might be returned or the weight.  They simply charge the customer a fixed amount, deducted from a refund.  People bring  merchandise returns to the PO all the time and nobody ever questions the label, the cost or the weight! In the OP's case, I doubt the seller used First Class Package Service for 2 lbs.  -- it was probably Parcel Select or Priority Mail and might even have been FedEx Smart Post.   The eBay return label is generic, all-purpose, one size fits all. ~~C~~

[green-night]

 In the OP's case, I doubt the seller used First Class Package Service for 2 lbs.  -- it was probably Parcel Select or Priority Mail and might even have been FedEx Smart Post.   The eBay return label is generic, all-purpose, one size fits all.

I have little doubt it was a FC return label since the OP said it was.    This happens quite frequently.  There have been countless threads regarding the same issue.   Many times the package will be returned to the buyer or arrive back to seller with postage due.  

[uzumakey]

Yes, it was definitely a First Class label. Also I just checked the original listing and the buyer selected Priority flat rate shipping (they shipped in an FR envelope) so not sure why I was issued a FC label.

Would I still be able to use a label that's been scanned? The clerk canceled the transaction but I'm not sure if that makes the label reusable.

[green-night]

I am not sure, but guessing it isn't reusable if the clerk somehow voided the label.