eBay/UPS OVERCHARGE

[maccnc11]

When I first started using eBay's UPS Labels, at the time of billing they were always spot ON, Then I started noticing, 10 to 13 dollar increases for a short while at the time on billing, and Now there up to 15 to 18 dollars more, it's a big mystery, because I'm pretty I can still use a tape measure and a scale.----------------------------------------  There are a lot of experts out there who are saying there are dimensional surcharges, well if I measure & weight a package correctly, then where does the dimensional surcharge come from, that's confusing me, what I'm saying is if all is done correctly. Why is it not factored in at point that I purchase my label, say I got a 6"x6"x48" package that weighs 11lbs. Why can't I get an up front price on that? What could possibly change the price at billing for it to go up, if it is measured and weighed correctly?

[wastingtime101]

Dimensional weight is factored in upfront with eBay's shipping calculator so you're likely hitting some kind of surcharge with the amounts you're referencing.

Is there anything irregular or nonstandard about the packaging you're using? Like shipping in a tube instead of a box? Or does the length exceed 48" (even by a quarter inch)?

https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/faqs

Under "Preparing shipments and determining shipping costs" --> "How can I avoid postage adjustments or surcharges related to package weight and dimensions?" there is a link to the UPS guide for surcharges.

https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/shipping-dimensions-weight/avoid-additional-shipp...

[maccnc11]

It's a commercial 6 x 6 x 48 and marked as such, would the UPS store have anything to do with it?,  I used to drop off my packages at the UPS office, but they were having some kind of problem one day, and I was told to take it to the UPS Store, which was fine with me, cause it was closer and I started dropping them off there since they didn't ask for any service charge, I never tried it before because from my experience with the UPS Store they burn you, if you ship from there.

[pcobra93]

Most likely it is due to the length. Not because of "dimensional" weight as that is an excuse some use. What happens is that your package is getting caught on the scale with another package at the sorting facility and it will then show the weight higher....thus the overcharge. I used to have this happen but luckily not for some time. Call Ebay and ask that they provide you the reason for the upcharge or you expect a refund. DO NOT get off the phone with them saying they will file an inquiry with UPS/FEDEX as you will never hear back from them. Ebay has to provide you with an accurate accounting invoice legally. They won't be able to so legally they will give you a "courtesy" refund. Make sure you talk to a "shipping specialist" and not the gate keeper.

  I always get a drop off receipt from UPS and Fedex for this reason. They will tell you they cannot (FedEx will anyway), but they absolutely can. Ask for the manager and tell them to hit "update weight" on their computer. The receipt is proof of the package weight for any dispute.

[wastingtime101]

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@maccnc11 wrote:

It's a commercial 6 x 6 x 48 and marked as such

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Measure it @maccnc11 . Often the printed measurements are inner dimensions and outer dimensions can exceed by 1/2" each side. There's a surcharge for anything over 48" so if you find the box outer measurement is 48.5" then that could be why you're getting hit with a charge. You can cut down the boxes an inch go forward to see if that makes a difference.

[shado-x]

Whenever there is an overcharge, it would be good to see that billing breakdown as if the seller were the direct account with UPS / FedEx.  eBay is the account holder in these cases, from which sellers are unable to see any additional excess breakdowns at this time.

[maccnc11]

Interesting, I looked  over my drop off receipts,  all that were left with the UPS office had a weight and all with the UPS Store had 0 for the weight, I'm not liking the way this looks. The billing price always came in as eBay labels quoted before I started dropping off at the UPS Store.

[maccnc11]

Next time I have to use one I will check that.

[wastingtime101]

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@maccnc11 wrote:

Next time I have to use one I will check that.

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If you remember, come back and let us know what you find. UPS is really particular about outer box dimensions @maccnc11  so whenever I ship UPS using a box printed 12x12x12, I have to cut it down an inch to avoid dimensional weight charges (when dm wt exceeds actual wt).

[maccnc11]

I will keep every one posted, however I think I may be on to something about the difference in the United Postal Service  and the UPS Store, I started using the UPS Store because it was handy, the Office is 2 miles out of my way and is only open to the public from 3:00 to 5:00 PM Mon thru Fri., I going to start dropping off at the UPS service center again to test my theory, if there are any readers out there who have experienced a rate difference for simply dropping off package between these 2 businesses let us know. 

[maccnc11]

UPDATE: A quick check of the web revealed that the UPS Store is a sub sid of United Postal Service "A Franchise", with pretty hefty handling fees, I'll say, because the last time I dropped off there a 20 dollar eBay label turned into a 38 dollar one at the time of billing.

[maccnc11]

OVERCHARGE Solved!!!!!!!!!!!!!, It's the UPS Store that is ZEROING Out the Data, when you get an eBay /UPS Shipping Label, they then re-enter and tack on extra charges,  And NO it's not any Cheesy 1/4 of an inch on the box dimensions or any thing like that, so if you want to get the best rate, take your packages to the UPS Depot for drop off, "NOT THE  UPS STORE"

[shar1gre]

I have also been experiencing that recently using UPS.  I always round up to the next inch, if for example it is 14 1/4 inches, I put it as 15 inches and I have a scale which is calibrated correctly but somehow after the initial payment for the label, I see that additional payment has been removed from my account. I do not think that UPS is honoring the discounted prices that are listed on Ebay and that is a misleading practice.  Since then, I have switched to using Fed x and will monitor the situation.

I did call and speak to an Ebay representative about an incident earlier in the year and it was followed up with UPS and I did get a refund, they said that I exceeded either a measurement or weight which I know was untrue. Obviously, UPS did not want to look like a crook, so they created that to be the reason. Since that occurrence, I have also started to take photos and videos of the actual measurements and weights of these items with the shipping labels attached in the event that I need some type of proof.  The next thing to do is take my scale and measuring tape to UPS and compare it with theirs. Even though it is a prepaid label, and the UPS associate just wants to scan and give me the receipt, I ask them to measure and weigh the item so that it corresponds to what I have.

Something is definitely wrong here, and Ebay should look into it. Even when I spoke to the representative, the person told me that they have gotten calls from other sellers regarding the same situation.

[shar1gre]

Wherever possible, if I have to cut down the height of a box to fit within certain dimensions I do it. When inputting the dimensions before printing the label, sometimes just one inch can cause the price to significantly increase. Obviously, the width and thickness of the box are harder to alter and may jeopardize the structural integrity of the box.  If the shipping company cannot get you with weight, they will with dimensions.

[shar1gre]

Why would they zero out the data. All they should be doing is measuring to compare that the information is correct. I think that most of the UPS workers do not know how to use something as simple as a measuring tape.  I had an incident where I asked someone at UPS to measure the box and they said that it looks like 18 maybe 19 inches wide. Which one is it! I understand rounding up if it even goes over an inch slightly, but this type of person can cause some grief and unnecessary additional charges. I am sure UPS won't have a problem with this type of worker as they magically create additional revenue for the business.