ebay envelopes system issues

[quicksilverdiecast]

Just a running total of unhappy buyers....Beware of the ebay trap...since ebay empowered a system that does not show tracking information or an acceptance scan, add to the fact that the Postal Service has failed miserably at fuel conservation as parcels get to ride on the scenic routes covering from one end to end of the country to the other...buyers do what they depend on (sellers too) they go to the tracking number provided by ebay and see nothing, nor movement, which then leads to questions and filing of INR cases...all this is due to ebay and is their responsibility, however since all the INR get applied to your seller account demerits it will affect even more the less exposure you get from ebay...they also claim they are insured...ever try to make a PIP claim LOL the information they ask for in jpeg form is screenshotted directly from the ebay record of the transaction (both requests) and uploaded...there is no other information to provide then as it is entirely encompassed in the 2 jpegs from the record...you will get a notice "requesting more information"...and bounce the claim...pretty slick on their part as there is not other information to apply.... After numerous talks with ebay techs they admit they have issues.No tracking information available, buyer purchased 9/20 shipped 9/21...

[wastingtime101]

The main reason tracking sometimes doesn't populate on ESE shipments is seller fault, not following the service's packing requirements, and making their envelopes too rigid (or otherwise).

eBay Standard Envelope (ESE) is a metered machinable letter mail shipment so it does not receive traditional tracking scans. The clerk at the PO counter cannot scan it and you can't track it on the USPS website. The envelopes are scanned by sorting machinery at distribution centers along the way and tracking will appear on eBay.

Common reasons ESE labels don't get scanned include:
- Overpacking. Envelopes are too stiff. It's not recommended to use trading card top loaders or cardboard mailers. Envelope should be flexible enough to wrap around a water bottle.
- 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, just like you'd position a postage stamp. If it's placed too far from the corner (like in the middle of a long envelope) the machinery may not scan it.
- Securing items in the center of the envelope. The center of the envelope needs to be the most flexible part. It's better to secure single items off to the right (opposite side of label barcode).
- 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, picky USPS employees, etc.

With ESE, a 'delivered' scan generally occurs at the last sort facility before it gets to the buyer; sometimes the buyer will receive their order a few days after the delivered scan.

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=...

[bcmike0_1]

I've shipped over 3000 orders in the last year and a half using eBay Standard Envelope with less than a handful of issues and only a couple of INR's. In those cases, I just file for the insurance claim which is included in the cost.

I've had zero issues with the insurance. It's super simple. You take a screenshot of the order page and a screenshot of the refund you issued.  Payout is within days. 

In the last month, I've had a couple of 1 oz envelopes returned as non-machinable and postage due but I just take to those the post office and they fix it when they realize some postal worker was having a bad day.