Tracking number won't upload for multiple purchase

[theoldladysattic]

Well, this is a first.  Customer (0 feedback) bought two small items and paid for each separately.  I packed them together and refunded him the difference to reflect a combined shipping discount.  Went to add the tracking number from the first listing onto the second listing and keep getting the message: "This tracking number is already associated with another active shipment."   I have often inputted a tracking number for the same customer when they have purchased multiple items.   Is this an ebay glitch, or something new (and stupid?)

[hyperrush]

Seens that your carrier doesn't withdraw the tracking number  and didnt renewed it.

[orangehound]

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@theoldladysattic wrote:

Well, this is a first.  Customer (0 feedback) bought two small items and paid for each separately.  I packed them together and refunded him the difference to reflect a combined shipping discount.  Went to add the tracking number from the first listing onto the second listing and keep getting the message: "This tracking number is already associated with another active shipment."   I have often inputted a tracking number for the same customer when they have purchased multiple items.   Is this an ebay glitch, or something new (and stupid?)

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Not a glitch, but it is a pain and there is no work-around.

eBay will not let you put in a tracking number that is already being used on another shipment BUT they should allow you to combine shipping if the item is from the same buyer ID.  If, however, the buyer purchased separately through two Guest accounts, then eBay will not let you combine shipments to the same address (because it is different buyer IDs).

If this is the case, you will either get a shipping defect for the item without the tracking number; or, you will need to harass customer service to get the defect removed.

[theoldladysattic]

orangehound, I am guessing that you correct.  Since the customer has 0 feedback, it makes sense that they had to do two separate guest id transactions, and that would be why ebay won't let me use the same tracking number.  Usually in a case such as this, the system recognizes that it is the same customer and has always let me input the same tracking number for each purchase.  I marked it as shipped, now I guess it is on to customer service.  Thanks for your help

[orangehound]

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@theoldladysattic wrote:

orangehound, I am guessing that you correct.  Since the customer has 0 feedback, it makes sense that they had to do two separate guest id transactions, and that would be why ebay won't let me use the same tracking number.  Usually in a case such as this, the system recognizes that it is the same customer and has always let me input the same tracking number for each purchase.  I marked it as shipped, now I guess it is on to customer service.  Thanks for your help

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They won't do anything for you until you get the defect.  I just had this exact scenario happen about 2 weeks ago, by the way.

[fa_8305]

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@theoldladysattic wrote:

ebay won't let me use the same tracking number. Usually in a case such as this, the system recognizes that it is the same customer and has always let me input the same tracking number for each purchase. I marked it as shipped, now I guess it is on to customer service.

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If this is a USPS label, add 420 and the buyer's zipcode in front of the tracking.number, @theoldladysattic.

For example, if the zipcode is 12345 and the tracking number is 9876543210, enter 420123459876543210 as the tracking number for the second item. You can confirm that it is a valid tracking number at the USPS.com website.