Coins sent with new eBay ground advantage shipping? Any sellers nervous they eliminated first class?
Aspie_Rocco
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eBay started a new usps shipping deal and eliminated first class as an option. It seems usps made the change and eBay is adjusting.
This new system has hidden fees and possible “balloon” fees or charges that can be added to your shipping fees as a seller.
The language made me a little nervous.
Anyone else read through this new deal?
9-17-23 Update Edit: fee structure similar to first class, usps eliminated packages from first class (now letters and envelopes only)
Some eBay listings still offer first class as an option but they are updating the system and it should be done in early August.
Remember to update your listings with first class to ground advantage before then.
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
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Comments
The postal service is trying to simplify things by combining four overlapping services into a single one. As is typical of the DeJoy era, they are picking the worst aspects of each and degrading things further.
The one thing that is clear and negative, is the statement that Ground Advantage moves on the ground. Even if there is space available on existing flights, it will move at the speed limit.
ANA 50 year/Life Member (now "Emeritus")
Reminds me of this satirical piece from 50 or so years ago:
https://us.v-cdn.net/6027503/uploads/editor/ct/n7349sam22so.jpg
Shipped one today and shipping another tomorrow. Both cost the same as they would have via first class (one was 8 ounce and the other 4 ounce) but also included up to $100 in insurance. Seems like a better deal for me at least for small parcels. Let's see if they get delivered OK.
it's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide
The USPS eliminated the First Class Package rate, not eBay. I was surprised by this today when I printed out some postage and the label had a giant G on it for "Ground Advantage" instead of an F. I'll have to check rate charts to see how much more I'm paying as a result, but I think the 12 ounce rate is now a 1 pound rate.
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do bubble envelopes have a minimum thickness like they did with first class?
Repetition of ignorance is ignorance raised to the power two.
Why does eBay get blamed for everything? EBay didn't change anything. USPS made the changes. JEESH!
That said, I am curious about delivery times.
I printed about 15 labels. If actually appears to me to be cheaper than the old rates.
I'm seeing better tracking with the ebay standard envelope which makes selling items $20 and less practical if they qualify.
Ground Advantage is a consolidation of four separate USPS services.
https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/us-postal-service-usps-ground-advantage-approved/685041/
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2023/0710-introducing-usps-ground-advantage.htm
https://www.usps.com/ship/ground-advantage.htm
ANA 50 year/Life Member (now "Emeritus")
-- The weight break points are still the same as before - 4oz - 8oz - 12oz - 15.99+ oz .
-- The $100 insurance is significant even though I previously self-insured most packages up to $100 anyway.
-- So far I've noticed 10-20c lower prices on Midwest addresses and the same or very slightly higher on coastal addresses which makes sense as it is weight/distance based.
-- Did you really think most of your first class packages were going by air before?
-- I've only been sending 8oz and under packages so no insight on heavier packages
--First class is still available at the P.O. - just not on eBay
-- The full rate schedule is available here: https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/July 2023 Price Change 20230526 - Notice123 - PDF.pdf?_gl=1*k6dvze*_gcl_au*MTM3MjkzMDQxMC4xNjgzMjQ0MDg4*_ga*MjEzMzIyMTk5Ny4xNjgzMjQ0MDg4*_ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTY4ODkxODI0NC4xNi4wLjE2ODg5MTgyNDQuMC4wLjA.
The new eBay international delivery looks like a major improvement but has some semi-hidden flaws that aren't fully spelled out:
-- The good -- to the seller every sale is a domestic sale. You just have to get the package safely to the transshipment point, then you are pretty much out of the transaction and are covered if there are any problems.
-- The bad -- as explained to me items cannot be combined; the world customer gets quoted the international postage rate on each item. I often ship a number of small items combined to Canada which would not be allowed under this program. You can use other means of shipment (USPS, etc.) but without the ease and protection of the eBay program.
-- The worse -- Be careful on expensive items you list as the maximum covered under the eBay program is $2500. The hitch is that eBay will not accept any bids of over $2500 from world customers on auctions using the program! One of my customers has already run into this.
Same service, just not first class. Maybe second class. We'll see.
Sadly, paying for 'standard envelopes' has recently changed. It used to be, you didn't pay until the envelope was scanned. If you didn't use the label, you never paid for it. That was handy when a customer purchased another coin, after I had already printed a label for the first. Now, if you need a two ounce label because of a late a purchase, you're still going to pay for the first one ounce label. You can't cancel a standard envelope label after it's printed.
Try to explain that to a customer when they say, "just add it to the other order".
You can go back in and manually cancel / void labels like that, or at least you could last week. eBay labels, first class, etc.
I am seeing amazing tracking suddenly with eBay standard labels this week. They track like first class now. It will be nice if they stop intermittently losing these types of shipments
One of my orders with eBay ground advantage shipping was delivered in two days already, and it does seem to cost less so far.
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
I experienced that too, where a buyer bought some stuff that would require first class shipping so I tried to void out the standard postage, but no dice on that. I'll have to hope for the same repeat customer.
The big advantage is $100 insurance such as priority offers when selling on ebay.
I just printed a label. it is very cheap $3.75 with 100 insurance. I will use this to ship any item below 300.
I just bought a coin on eBay recently and it was shipped to me this way… I got it quickly, mailed from California Wednesday and arrived here in North Carolina on Saturday…. 👍
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What are the hidden fees and balloon fees?
I saw it in the frequently asked questions when making a new listing, after clicking on the learn more link
After reading more it mostly applies to larger than a bubble mailer packages. From what I understand they can add additional fees at some point while in their custody.
Sometimes I ship items that are bulky coin packages or not coins at all and the additional fees possibility had me worried.
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
The change to ground advantage was made by USPS not eBay and the same restrictions applied to First Class mail and still apply if you purchase First Class shipping at the counter in the Post Office.
it's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide
Is the $100 insurance coverage a game changer? Think of it now--All the sellers who may have lost money or confidence in shipping have coverage up to that amount or if the item is more, they'll presumably get reimbursed if it gets lost or stolen.
There still is no inexpensive shipping option with PCGS or NGC on cheap items, NGC recently charged me $28 to ship a relatively inexpensive coin. The "handling" charges seem to be inflated, both an invoice fee and shipping handling even if that takes 30 seconds to slap a label on and ship.
This! This! This!
Those exceptions and fees have ALWAYS applied.
Ok, where are you going with this?
Do you have a problem with this thread or the language I used?
I was curious and nervous about the new shipping system so I made this thread.
At no point was it an attempt to condemn
eBay. I was nervous about the language around extra fees and the new ground advantage shipping.
I have only ever used first class or priority and new things make me nervous. I made the thread so there could be public discourse and in hopes someone with better understanding could explain, which is what ultimately happened.
I am not sure why you said this or whom you were saying it to. I did not “blame eBay”
Why so much frustration?
It is my current understanding first class IS still available, just not through eBay or not as easily selected as before.
eBay sent a few warnings about the new ground shipping and has a header when making new listings specifically about the changes.
At this point I am unsure if you have an axe to grind with me or if I am just misinterpreting your comments?
For clarification, if it matters, I like eBay. I buy and sell on eBay, and plan to continue both. I am not aware of having a “beef” with you and am a little confused and surprised.
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
"Ebay started a new..." "they eliminated first class..." You did blame eBay.
THERE IS NO 1st class for packages anywhere. USPS eliminated it. Only letters are still 1st class. You cannot take a package to the PO and buy 1st class package delivery anymore.
Yes, I do have a problem with the language used. It continues to sound like ebay created a change and ebay created oversized surcharges. Neither of those things are remotely true.
Have to admit though, I found myself wondering just how much this rebranding cost the USPS and what the actual benefits are.
They have no competition in that market. The cost for FedEx and UPS is higher and the service no faster.
as of july 12 first class is still available with registered mail
Repetition of ignorance is ignorance raised to the power two.
That's odd. Registered is it's own category. It has never mattered what class you paid for as it takes the locked bag route.
Edited to add. I think that still refers only to letters. There is no way to get first class as an option for a package and then register it.
I sold a coin on eBay the other day and it startled me when I printed the label as I thought I had selected the wrong type of shipping! It did get to the buyer in just a couple of days so worked out well.
K
What does that have to do with the cost/benefit ratio of the USPS rebranding?
It means they won't lose business and might even gain business. The literal branding costs are minimum. 90% of their customers don't even know there's a difference. The business costs are minimal because they didn't create anything new, so they're using existing methods and infrastructure.
Just back from post office, first class still exists but is now letters and envelopes only as per the clerk. No more bubble mailers or boxes.
I am happy with the ground advantage insurance and prices so far. Seems like there was nothing for me to worry about.
eBay sellers, a reminder to update your existing listings from first class to ground, before the system switches over completely. Looks like the full system changeover (or whatever they are doing) on eBay will happen in early August.
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
Yes, a package label, providing it has not been scanned by the carrier, can be voided. A 'Standard Envelope' can not be voided once printed, regardless of scan status.
From the ebay website concerning standard envelopes :
"Label charges
Charges for labels will be as set out in your order. Label charges for this program are non-refundable and non-voidable once the label is printed."
I know that correlation does not imply causation, but since the change several of my packages have been much slower and taken odd routes. Luckily everything has been delivered safe and secure, even if it has been several days after the expected delivery dates.
Philippians 4:4-7
If they shifted to ground, your observation is likely the expected outcome
I have shipped over a hundred + packages in all areas of the country since change, here is my observations:
Cost is roughly the same, just a fraction cheaper for shipments to farther areas of the country from me.
Noticeably slower delivery times on avg than first class. I can see the difference in delivery times across the board. I have numerous repeat customers, so its based on real data.
the 100 dollars insurance feature is nice, but as stated by prior poster, I use self insurance on 100 packages. Not even sure how I would process a claim for the 100 anyway, guess if that comes i had to see how that works with ebay printed labels.
Agree, I'm one of those repeat customers.
Philippians 4:4-7
I've noticed a slightly slower pace, but haven't had much of a problem. I am more upset that they replaced the Global shipping program with the new and improved International shipping service and coins are no longer allowed.
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I've shipped almost 200 packages. I mostly agree, although I would characterize the price as noticeably cheaper in certain weights and zones.
I very much like the new service