eBay

stph.us.gtyofkyzd · ‎08-01-2020

I'm sharing a message I sent to a seller regarding shipping and delivery that might be helpful to all.

"Hi xxxxxxx, I just wanted to make a friendly suggestion not to use the cut-rate shippers, in this case "UPS innovative mail" a quick check of reviews show this to be a terrible service that is very slow in delivery and prone to losing orders and being basically a third party player between UPS and USPS it makes resolution of lost packages all the more difficult. I've moved away from Amazon and plan to make Ebay my source partly because Amazons shipping is no longer quick and I can no longer overlook some of their business practices. I recently made 8 purchases including yours and everyone else used the regular UPS or USPS services and were delivered early or on time while your item as of this writing has been sitting in Innovatives warehouse for a week. I will be sharing this message with Ebay to suggest that more transparent shipping options be shone so that a choice of shippers be available even if it means a little extra cost for the more reliable service. Reliable delivery and lost package resolution is a huge factor in the success of yours and Ebays site and I'm not the only one looking for Amazon alternatives.

Response from anyone is welcome.

Steve

vintagecraze50 · ‎08-03-2020

It is extremely important with the pandemic going on that Ebay sellers use the most reliable shipping method to ensure these items are delivered in a timely manner and not lost in transit. Yes, USPS, even priority mail for us has been delayed on some items as well, but to use a less reliable shipping method would not be good business practice, especially now.

vintagecraze50 · ‎08-03-2020

Yes, the OP could message the seller and ask if they could pay extra for a quicker more reliable shipping source like Priority Mail. The only mail that is quarenteed is Express mail from USPS which is EXPENSIVE.

vintagecraze50 · ‎08-03-2020

You are not out of line whatsoever for making this suggestion. People want their stuff not ton get lost delayed for weeks and it is the sellers responsibility to do whatever they can to get this stuff out and delivered in the best way they can given the circumstances. People who post negatively like this about your post are not considering how these delays effect their buying experience for buyers.

vintagecraze50 · ‎08-03-2020

We offer Priority Mail free of charge and also offer Priority Mail Express which the buyer can chose to pay extra for on all our listings. Gives the buyer more choices if they want that package pronto.

queenbuttercup · ‎08-03-2020

Your "friendly" suggestion doesn't come off as friendly. You are telling a seller they selected a "terrible" service, that everyone else you purchased from on eBay has selected better services and implied that their business will fail. No matter if you meant to be helpful, your wording is offensive. You claim you aren't in a rush for the item, but send this insulting message to a seller.

I do agree that some budget services are hard to get lost package resolution solved, but that is not a buyer's issue really. If a package gets lost, the seller has to foot the bill. So unless it is a rare item, the buyer is only out time and frustration. Delivery is also less reliable with some services. IMO you should have inquired about a different shipping method prior to purchase rather than send a rude message to the seller.

lja440 · ‎08-03-2020

@stph.us.gtyofkyzd wrote:
I'm sharing a message I sent to a seller regarding shipping and delivery that might be helpful to all.
"Hi xxxxxxx, I just wanted to make a friendly suggestion not to use the cut-rate shippers, in this case "UPS innovative mail" a quick check of reviews show this to be a terrible service that is very slow in delivery and prone to losing orders and being basically a third party player between UPS and USPS it makes resolution of lost packages all the more difficult. I've moved away from Amazon and plan to make Ebay my source partly because Amazons shipping is no longer quick and I can no longer overlook some of their business practices. I recently made 8 purchases including yours and everyone else used the regular UPS or USPS services and were delivered early or on time while your item as of this writing has been sitting in Innovatives warehouse for a week. I will be sharing this message with Ebay to suggest that more transparent shipping options be shone so that a choice of shippers be available even if it means a little extra cost for the more reliable service. Reliable delivery and lost package resolution is a huge factor in the success of yours and Ebays site and I'm not the only one looking for Amazon alternatives.

Response from anyone is welcome.

Steve

OK Steve, Here are some facts.

Unlike Amazon eBay is more free flowing (for good and bad) on giving the sellers free reign on shipping methods.

eBay pretty much breaks it down into 3 groups

Expedited (Priority, FedEx Express and other service that claim 1 to 3 day shipping)

Standard (shipping methods like First Class Parcel, FedEx Home...things with usually a little longer delivery estimates)

Economy which covers most ground shipping methods, USPS Media Mail and the last mile hand offs like FedEx Smart Post, UPS Sure Post and Mail Innovations which are provided at a very low cost with the understanding that they can and will be bumped to make room for higher class packages. This is very much the case with Media Mail, SmartPost, Sure Post and Mail Innovations. (think of it like flying stand by).

While a seller is allowed to offer as many options on shipping that they wish to it is also up to the buyer to avoid choosing the wrong option for their needs. Like if you are starting a collage corse in less than a week you better be choosing to have that text book shipped Priority and not Media Mail. If I am sitting here in August there is no need for me to choose an expidited shipping service for new winter horse blankets for my old mares.

lja440 · ‎08-03-2020

@soh.maryl wrote:
Sorry, but if I were a seller, I'd be a little resentful of a suggestion from a new buyer, not a seller.
We are currently in the midst of a pandemic, which has caused shipping delays, no matter what service is chosen.
In addition, any buyer who wants faster shipping can contact the seller, BEFORE bidding or buying and ask him to upgrade the shipping method at an additional cost o the buyer.

I have had a few suggestions from buyers, which of these would you respect?

I bought one of your $.50 paperbacks please put it with these jeans and ship the package Media Mail.

I purchased your #10 antique barn pully and roap, I want this bone china tea cup and saucer shipped with a combined shipping discount.

I love this graphic mug but the shipping says $12 to my zip, please use a small flat rate box they are much cheaper.

stph.us.gtyofkyzd · ‎08-03-2020

Hey 440,

I know I said I was done posting replies but after reading yours I had to do one more and say what an excellent breakdown of the shipping structure on eBay and while I have not looked at the FAQ section on shipping if that's not one of the first ten answers, it should be. I was aware of the difference between Amazon an eBay but your post was a very helpful review and I thank very much and hope that anyone else that reads it appreciates it as much as I did.

Tanks again.

Steve