eBay Standard Envelope questions

[a-lotta-stuff]

As we understand it, the ebay standard envelope is not a regular envelope with a special label, but a marked/branded item, like the ebay boxes and priority mail stuff is - and if that's the case we would have to get them first?

And we're pretty sure that it's only offered for certain categories, like sports cards singles.

If the category part is right, then how come the lister isn't showing it to us under sports singles.

[wastingtime101]

It's not branded packaging you can use a regular #10 (letter) envelope. It is available in sports card singles category.

Some general info:

Review this page for the packing requirements (size, flexibility, etc) and category restrictions (a qualifying item must be listed in a qualifying category):
https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/ebay-labels-services/ebay-domestic-shipping-services/ebay...

And also read this page:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=...

Review this page for some of the fine print (like items over $20 don't qualify, for example):
https://pages.ebay.com/sell/standarddelivery/termsofservice.html

If you don't see ESE on the listing form you may need to adjust package dimensions to 11x6

When you use auction format, if the auction goes over $20 and you offered ESE, the buyer can still choose it at checkout, but you will not be able to purchase an ESE label due to the item's value.

If your item is eligible then you will be able to purchase a label through eBay following the normal process. You'll see it as a service option right next to all the others (first class, etc). You may need to use the website as ESE is available through the app (not sure if eBay changed that yet).

I you find the tracking on eBay to be lacking, you can track the ESUS number on this site:
https://parcelsapp.com/en

Remember, this is a metered mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans and the clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it. Instead you should drop these envelopes in your PO's metered mail slot. The envelope will be scanned by sorting machinery at distribution centers along the way.

With ESE, a 'delivered' scan generally occurs at the last sort facility before it gets to the buyer, so typically the buyer will receive their order a day or two after the delivered scan.

If an item doesn't have a delivered scan and a buyer files a not received claim, you do have insurance coverage and the claims process is outlined on the page linked above.

[a-lotta-stuff]

Thank you.

[pokeplay44]

Well said
I'm all too familiar with shipping trading cards under $20 and I do use these labels. I have a couple of questions for clarity reasons. I don't want to assume here but you said to clear at the PO counter can't scan (I know this is true from experience) but you also mentioned to drop these envelopes in the metered mail slot and it will eventually be scanned along the way. 
1) Are you saying there is a difference between the two options of drop-off? 
2) You mentioned the final distribution center or being scanned along the way but that's not necessarily true - plenty of shipments never update beyond step 1 of label created (the most frustrating) or stop at some point along the way and never complete, even after the item is delivered (and buyer provides positive feedback) so what is happening in these scenarios? 
I've had situations where orders say delivered, a buyer explains they did not receive the item (even after a few days have passed) and I receive the envelope back from USPS 1-2 months later with a return to sender stamp and "Reason: unknown" hahaha 

Great response, I hope sellers read it. 

[wastingtime101]

1. You can give them to a clerk, but since many of the ESE issues reported by sellers/buyers are due to uninformed clerks rejecting these envelopes or telling sellers they need more postage when they don't, putting them in the metered mail slot is a "safer" option.

At my local POs they won't even take metered mail or stamped letters at the counter. They'll tell you to go stick them in the slot.

If your PO takes them at the counter that's fine - but there's no upside and a lot of potential for downside. Depends on the PO and clerks.

2. Any number of reasons for that to happen:

- Barcode messed up / not readable

- Envelope passing through sort facilities without the machinery needed to scan (Dejoy keeps removing more and more sorting machines)

- Buyer got envelope without issue but lied about it since they saw tracking wouldn't confirm it.

- Envelope rejected along the way or returned to sender

- Envelope damaged or lost

The list goes on.

[pokeplay44]

Right, I follow now and that was/is my knowledge/experience. Luckily for me, over time, I was able to get to know various employees and one specific employee stuck out as always being helpful and knowledgeable. She explained all of what you mentioned, showed me how the barcodes don't scan at the counter and more "behind the scenes" type stuff. She didn't have to but those few minutes helped me so much. Not everyone will have that luxury and it can be very discouraging. 

Thanks for getting back to me and elaborating. I hope community members searching for answers read your posts and absorb your talking points. 

[southern*sweet*tea]

::general reply::

Just putting this out here for informational purposes:

One thing that a lot of sellers don't know or understand - ESE is NOT what we think of as "tracking", however that is actually all it is - tracking.  It is NOT delivery confirmation. It does NOT have acceptance or delivered scans.  All it has is tracking of the letter as it moves through the USPS machinery. 

Any "delivery" scan is the scan done when the letter arrives at the destination Post Office.  It is assumed that the letter will be delivered either that day or the next day after that scan.

[pokeplay44]

Yeah I know that. Ironically, a buyer purchased an item from me on Memorial Day (Monday), the tracking for the ESUS label makes it to my local hub and stops. Literally minutes after 12 am the day after the "expected delivery date" passed, a request for refund as item not received was opened. I did my research because it smelled fishy...long story short...I have confirmation from other sellers that the buyer did the same thing with them after purchasing an item on the same day or within 1 day of the purchase date with me, a profile location of Israel vs a shipping address in MA, US, and today is officially the end of the 3 day mark to resolve the issue before being able to ask ebay to step in (seller or buyer can do this). Within 1 minute (yes, 12:01 am PST) all of my funds are on hold while ebay is reviewing the details because he asked them to step in. 

The outcome is obvious and I don't care because it shows that I shipped the item but how is this even my problem? I spoke with support earlier today and the agent literally asked me if I could prove that I shipped the item. I explained to her and showed her additional sold items where the ESUS labels completely stop but a buyer provides positive feedback (received item), item shown as delivered, all shipped on the same exact day, all ESUS under $20 shipping label. It's clear that the buyer is scamming but that isn't a problem for eBay, it becomes a problem for the seller. I have absolutely no control after the item is in the hands of a carrier and these shipping labels are not USPS (carrier) labels so who should ultimately be responsible for providing a "tracking" service where the tracking number isn't an actual tracking number - can't be searched. Additionally, the "specialist" today said "yeah I tried to search for the tracking number and it says it does not exist. Do you have another tracking number or receipt showing that you shipped the item using this tracking number?" All I could do was laugh. 

[wastingtime101]

Since your package did not have a delivery scan @pokeplay44 you should have refunded the buyer through the item not received claim. By doing nothing and letting eBay step in and force the refund you received a defect on your account and forfeit your final value fees.

Next time refund the buyer and file a claim. ESE is insured.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=...

[pokeplay44]

Yeah I know all of that but I can get that changed (the defect and forfeiting of any funds). It’s the principle specific to the buyer. I think I couldn't help but go on a little rant. Even for a single purchase under $20, there was no chance I was going to willingly refund the buyer. 

[pasch_8759]

It seems that this is a MAJOR problem for eBay.  They offer this service to seller, but when you have a problem they always say that you need to talk with the carrier (USPS).  
USPS says it's not their tracking number, sorry. 
There had/has to be a contract with eBay and USPS that lets eBay print labels.  
eBay needs to step up and fix this problem, or come up with a better way to deal with it. 
It seems that they have changed what Harry Truman had posted.
Ebay---- The Buck Passe Here!!!

[pokeplay44]

You are absolutely correct. It is 100% a "special" contract. I think it's great to make rates cheaper for all but at the end of the day, there are major flaws as you listed. Additionally, one of the major draws (and exploits that buyers abuse) is the "tracking" updates. If the option offers tracking then it should be accurate and real tracking. Having sold items that still show zero updates after printing the shipping label even though the buyer has provided positive feedback or items randomly stopping updates is absurd.

But yes, USPS will never be able to find the tracking numbers. Same with any website that offers tracking using a USPS tracking number. They aren't actual tracking numbers within the USPS system which is also why they do not "scan" at any USPS hub during transit.