eBay standard envelopes

[galactic-plastic]

I’ve noticed half of the eBay standard envelopes I send out are not getting delivered. I have no idea why my buyers aren’t complaining to me. Some have sent messages asking where they are and I can only tell them what I can see. Why are there two tracking numbers and why is one of them always dead? I’m so confused. 

[wastingtime101]

eBay Standard Envelope (ESE) is a metered mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans and the clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it. The envelopes are scanned by sorting machinery at distribution centers along the way.

Common reasons ESE envelopes don't get scans include:
- Overpacking. Envelopes are too stiff. It's not recommended to use trading card top loaders or cardboard mailers.
- Using ineligible packing material such as a bubble envelope.
- Placement of label. Label should be placed in the upper right corner with approx 1/8"-1/4" clearance from edges. If it's placed too far from the corner the machinery won't scan it.
- Placing items like coins in the center of the envelope. The center of the envelope needs to be the most flexible part.
- Printer ink is not dark enough, or label color is too bright (stick to white labels if you can).
- Regional issues with sorting machines, volume processing, etc.

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 few days after the delivered scan.

If you find the tracking on eBay to be lacking, you can track the ESUS number on this site and sometimes find more info: https://parcelsapp.com

If a buyer files a not received claim, you do have insurance coverage and the claims process is outlined on this page: https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-standard-envelope?id=...

[galactic-plastic]

So eBay standard envelopes for things like baseball cards cannot be shipped reliably because we are following correct standards for protection? Top loaders are the industry standard for safely shipping such items. They want you to use a paper envelope? That’s insane and risky as hell. 

[ssateneth]

You're paying 60 cents for shipping, so you're getting 60 cents worth of service. I don't see the problem.

If you want a white glove treatment, you need to pony up the $4 for ground advantage 4 ounce rate, then you can use all the protection you want.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

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@galactic-plastic wrote:

So eBay standard envelopes for things like baseball cards cannot be shipped reliably because we are following correct standards for protection? Top loaders are the industry standard for safely shipping such items. They want you to use a paper envelope? That’s insane and risky as hell. 

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If they sell common cards which sell for no money, the cost of shipping is a major problem for many sellers.

My solution to the commons problem is not to sell them online.

I use Ground Advantage to ship most of my merchandise, and the buyer gets to choose whether to pay the freight or not. Those who are unhappy with the cost of shipping will go elsewhere to buy. I can live with that.

ESE is an attempt by USPS to find some more volume for letter post, and by Ebay to offer help to the bottom of the food chain sellers. It works as well as could be expected given the limitations of USPS equipment. It is unlikely that there will be any improvement in the equipment or the service.

Sellers who are willing to forgo proper packaging techniques find ESE results to be tolerable. Sellers who have higher standards, do not. Many of the sellers using it, were previously shipping in a stamped envelope with no tracking.

The choice is the sellers. I ran my own test. Found the best results were with blatantly non-compliant packaging and stopped using ESE.

[worldcoinauctions]

For cards, my add copy says they ship in a penny sleeve if shipping ESE, and I offer optional ground advantage with a toploader and cardboard protector for an additional fee. 

Many ESE shipments are delivered without being marked delivered. If I get a claim for them I refund and then as soon as eligible I file for a refund from ebay. 

[12345jamesstamps]

I have been mailing items out worth 20 bucks with a forever stamp forever. LOL.

Going on 2 years with nothing lost with the USPS.

I can put 4 trading cards in a standard envelope to mail domestically ...I sold Star Trek cards without a problem in the past.

Don't know why you are so concerned with tracking on ESE.

My buyers never ask about tracking and I only do it for expensive items.

It only takes 3-4 days for an item to get mailed cross country using a forever stamp.