USPS shipping issues

[kelcrump]

I just ended my "time away" after taking a break due to the post office's shipping issues.  I was hoping things would get better during my week-and-a-half "vacation".  However, I see just as many issues being discussed on the forum, possibly even more now than before.  So...instead of staying in "time away" mode, I ended all of my listings, then ended my "time away", and am now in the process of editing all of my listings, one at a time, removing the free shipping option, removing the mention of free shipping in the description, lowering each price a bit to make up for the lack of free shipping, and changing all of the shipping methods that I offer to UPS and FedEx options only.  It's a bit tedius, but at least my listings are becoming LIVE once again.  I know I won't make as many sales with the higher priced shipping, but it's better than not selling anything at all.

Has anyone else resorted to "time away" to avoid the shipping issues?  I was very lucky, all of my "stuck" shipments did finally get delivered, didn't have any INR claims or refunds, and I ended up getting a couple nice reviews from buyers for the extra effort I made to stay in contact with them.  But it was a big pain, I was frustrated and sweating it the whole time, and I just don't feel like taking any chances on going thru all that again.

[kensgiftshop]

The only problem with UPS or FedEx, they like to hit you with extra charges after the package has been delivered.

[fbusoni]

@kelcrump 

I must be lucky, because I have not had a single problem with USPS for, well, years now.  A long time ago they lost a parcel and I will fully refunded, as it was insured.

Time away does indeed sound like an option, although you could also just as easily bulk edit all your listing to lower all your prices by a percentage AND reflect the new shipping options.  Or you could end all your listings and change them while they are down.

[kelcrump]

Yes, I'm a bit concerned about that.  I'm planning to watch my package weights and measurements closely, and check the receipt when I drop the packages off.  I had one UPS package (a couple years ago) get weighed in at 22 lbs, when in fact it was only 8 lbs.  I noticed it on the receipt and went right back in the store to point out their error.  It was a new employee and she had the corner of another box on the edge of the scale.

The manager at my local UPS Store also told me about an occasional issue with the package measurements...say for example you send a 10"x10"x10" box, somewhere during shipping it gets partly crushed, then when it goes thru the measuring scanner at one of the other facilities, now it's wider than 10"x10", which will cause an extra charge.  She said it doesn't happen a lot, but it does happen.  

[kelcrump]

Oh...that brings up another question...since I'm not offering any USPS shipping options at all (only UPS and FedEx), do I need to manually go into each one and select PO Boxes as an "excluded location"?  Or does ebay automatically prompt the buyer to use a different address if they try to enter a PO Box?  I notice it's not an option on the bulk edit screen.

[carlmarxx]

I agree. But FedEx  Seem's  to  be the big offender  with the over charges   .

[lakefor94 · Accepted solution]

@kelcrump 

I use Business Shipping Policies and can bulk update shipping choices, easily and quickly.

I use UPS for all the expensive items and anything else I care about. I stay away from FedEx.

I have found so far this year that UPS Ground and UPS Ground Saver have the same consistent delivery times. The only difference is the price.

If a seller can accurately read a tape measure and has an accurate scale, you won't see any serious upcharges with UPS.  FedEx is famous for upcharges.

I stick with square or rectangle boxes. Tubes, boxes that are out of shape or lose there shape in shipping  (Frankenstein looking) will have upcharges. 

[lakefor94]

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@kensgiftshop wrote:

The only problem with UPS or FedEx, they like to hit you with extra charges after the package has been delivered.

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I have had more adjustments with USPS over the years than UPS and I use both equally. Probably ship more UPS these days. 

[12345jamesstamps]

'drop the packages off'...

So I add postage on my items for shipping...and then I sometimes stand in line at the USPS if any more postage is needed...letting clerks add anything additional postage...so weight and thickness is OK.

I would do the same for UPS or FedEx as well...not just 'drop the packages or such off' of those that need tracking by me.

Once it goes through a clerk there are no surprises of additional charges.

And I don't use eBay labels.

Never had anything lost in years .

I do love FedEx...which I get packages from a seller all the time...very super fast delivery and tracking is the best.

[wheelhorse552]

I will not buy anything right now if its shipped usps. all my stuff gets stuck in Indianapolis for weeks or monthes in worst case. Think all sellers should add options like ups and fedex.  no dhl there terible too.