Top Rate at risk - Late Shipment increases due to COVID

[autogemag]

Anyone has the same problem? We are dropping off packages as usual but lately due to COVID-19 outbreak, even if sellers have packages dropped off on time, USPS would still manage to either deliver couple days late or  have the package stuck at one of the Distribution Centers with no updates for 3-4 days (I have to ship free replacement because buyers thought we did not ship items, at our own cost).

It does not seem like ebay helps sellers in any way? like they allow buyers to return items with an extended period and claim buyers have less opportunities to drop off packages. What about sellers? Sellers does not have risks at all when they try so hard to make sure the package will meet ebay's "GUARANTEED DELIVERY DATE"?

Maybe I missed any relevant announcements but packages are late because of USPS (maybe due to virus), not seller's fault. Did ebay do anything to protect sellers' Top Rated status?

[mcdougle4248]

@autogemag 

This should help  

https://community.ebay.com/t5/COVID-19-Community-Hub/Mar-18-Protecting-your-seller-performance-durin...

[autogemag]

Thank you so much for the reply!

That being said, I believe the Top Rate benefit such as 10% off final value fee will still be active even when my level is downgraded to Above Standard? 

[slippinjimmy]

Top Rated Sellers do not get a discount

Top Rated Sellers who list Items with one day shipping (Top Rated Plus Items) and free returns get a discount.

eBay is going to protect your status but they are not going to protect your discount nor should they.

[dk0]

It is my understanding that as long as your packages are being scanned as accepted by USPS within your stated handling time, you will not be dinged for any items arriving late.  Therefore. late deliveries should not impact your status as long as you are shipping on time.