11-11-2025 12:45 PM
Where on this site are clear details to use regular mail for under 3 or 4 ounces ?
Thank you
11-11-2025 01:19 PM
11-11-2025 08:03 PM - edited 11-11-2025 08:04 PM
I'm not seeing anything (at quick glance) in your active listings that qualifies for eBay Standard Envelope (eSE). Is that the service you're asking about?
Packages under 4 oz are best shipped USPS Ground Advantage. Are you asking about packages or letters or flats (large envelopes)?
See eBay's page about package types here:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/usps-fedex-ups-package-types?id=4864
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eBay Standard Envelope (ESE) Overview
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):
Seller Center - eBay Standard Envelope
Read this page for more service details:
Policy Help Page - eBay Standard Envelope
Review this page for the fine print (like items over $20 don't qualify, for example):
Terms of Service - eBay Standard Envelope
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 advise 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 and sometimes find more info:
https://parcelsapp.com
Remember, this is a machinable, metered letter 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. Envelope should be flexible enough to wrap around a water bottle.
- Using ineligible packing material such as a bubble envelope.
- Placement of label. Label should be placed in the upper right corner with approx 1/8"-1/4" clearance from edges, just like you'd position a postage stamp. If it's placed too far from the corner (like in the middle of a long envelope) the machinery may not scan it.
- Securing items in the center of the envelope. The center of the envelope needs to be the most flexible part. It's better to secure single items off to the right (opposite side of label barcode).
- Printer ink is not dark enough, or label color is too bright (stick to white labels if you can).
- Regional issues with sorting machines, volume processing, picky USPS employees, etc.
With ESE, a 'delivered' scan generally occurs at the last sort facility before it gets to the buyer; sometimes the buyer will receive their order a few days 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.