eBay Standard Envelope not tracking update.

[buffalosmittyscards]

I've found a ton of threads on this but most are from a couple years ago and seem outdated. Anyways I've started to sell a ton of cards via this method the past couple months and I've been having a ton of issues. Every week I get about 1-2 buyers claiming the item never arrived. On my end I printed the label via ebay and packaged it out the same as all my other orders that arrive and get + feedback. So I'm unfortunately assuming the people requesting refunds likely got the item but because the tracking didn't update they can get the refund since there's no proof. Any suggestions on how to deal with this? Aren't we the sellers also protected using the eBay standard envelope? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[kensgiftshop]

Are you filing an insurance claim on the INR cases?

https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/choosing-a-carrier-and-service/ebay-standard-envelope

[12345jamesstamps]

Since you sell basically the same thing your goal I assume is "Repeat Buyers"...that's my business plan. And these buyers are usually very honest.

I have to admit I haven't received any buyers claiming items not received so far this year in the USA.

   I have had put 4 trading cards in a standard envelope with thin cardboard without a problem for .66 or 1.50 International. Only 4 trading cards. Have to think about the thin cardboard...it should be like a "greeting card" style where it fits the entire envelope as well as the thickness.

I use tracking for items over around $35.+ and those that are new buyers.

But most of my items I use a .66 or 1.50 stamps. No tracking. No lost items.

Buyers haven't complained to me about no tracking yet this year.

You are protected using the standard eBay envelope...for the price you pay for it I would think so...however, complaints about using it doesn't help getting those "repeat buyers".

The standard eBay envelope is like "meter mail" and it is sent that way as such. Usually there is a separate slot in post offices in large cities for "meter mail"...vs "stamped mail". 

You can file an insurance claim "for items not received".

Its hard to tell if the buyer received the item or not...most buyers are rather honest.

But the thickness of your envelope...under 1 / 4 inch and it must be bendable...otherwise...something might happen to it where the buyer didn't receive it.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

There are plenty of recent threads on ESE and conflicting recommendations based on experience.

There is no good solution.

You need to decide how to live with the problems without destroying your business.

[1786davycrockett]

@buffalosmittyscards 

One of the major misunderstandings regarding the ESE is the final "delivered" scan.

Unlike USPS Tracking (which indicates when an item has been delivered to the address of the BUYER), the "delivered" scan on the ESE is noted when the ESE is delivered to the post office indicated by the ZIP Code to which the ESE was addressed.

It may take at least ONE additional day to be actually delivered to the buyer's residence -- and several ADDITIONAL days, if the "delivered" scan should be made before a weekend (especially a three-day holiday weekend) -- especially the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

So your buyers may be "jumping the gun" when they see the "delivered" notification, expecting to find it in their home mailbox -- it is more likely sitting at the local post office, and will be delivered a few days later.

You might be able to save both your buyers and yourself some grief by advising them of the possible reason for these delays.

Good luck!

[dbacks_61]

Yeah they "jump the gun" all the **bleep** time and ebay literally will ALWAYS side with them.  I was forced to refund a 10 dollar item, then the next day he replies "I got the item" and kept his money and the card.  This is how people get screwed over and ebay does nothing to protect them.  NOTHING.  You can't even call them to complain, it's all robots and illiterate morons.