eBay says not to use USPS

Zoins · January 9, 2016 5:02AM

How common are problems with USPS? I just received an opened box with nothing in it.

After some searching, I found this thread where eBay reps told sellers not to use USPS.

epcjimi1 · January 9, 2016 5:18AM

Originally posted by: Zoins
How common are problems with USPS? I just received an opened box with nothing in it.

After some searching, I found this thread where eBay reps told sellers not to use USPS.

Ebay discourages USPS?

Probably due to claims of loss, lack of recovery, UPS and FedEx probably do better.

I lost an $85 coin that I paid fifty for in USPS system, no one cared. Not a biggie by any means, might as well privatize the USPS. See ya, Batman postage stamps! Crazy

pennyannie · January 9, 2016 5:20AM

I have been getting and mailing packages for 50 years, sent 1000's on ebay sales over the years. I have had 2 insurance claims on lost packages or packages with no items inside. 1 was a unc 1894 morgan for 1000 bucks and the other was a lost proof liberty nickel worth 600. Paid off quickly on both. I have had a couple of damaged envelopes that the post office put in a baggy and delivered. Overall very few issues. I just got a notice from ebay saying my current account has been open 14 years and I have sold 8000 items and bought 2000 and what catagories I mainly use.

FedEx will toss a box with 10k of contents over the fence in plain sight of the road for all to see or leave it tied to the fence if they are to lazy to drive up to the house.

UPS I use far far less than usps and I have had more issues but not a large amount by any stretch.

Zoins · January 9, 2016 5:25AM

Good to know. This came in one of the standard USPS priority white boxes. I never had problems with these boxes before but those were all taped very well along the seams using packing tape. This one had one piece of Scotch tape in the middle of the open flap edge.

LanceNewmanOCC · January 9, 2016 5:43AM

.

sent, received thousands.

happy customer.

life is far from perfect. expect variances in all aspects of life and you will find few surprises.

.

mrearlygold · January 9, 2016 5:56AM

USPS left a 1794 Dollar that I sent on a snow bank in NY. Lucky thing it was a good hood.

mannie gray · January 9, 2016 5:56AM

Maybe my luck has been better than average, but I have sent/received thousands and thousands of packages through the years using USPS.

Had a few issues here and there, made a few claims, and payment was always fast and fair.

One that stands out is an 1867 IHC ANACS61RB that was received with a tire track on the outside of the package and the slab was crushed almost into powder.

Saved me some effort though as I was going to crack it out anyway and the coin was undamaged.

I've had a few packages slit open and rifled through, but that was many years ago at a different PO than I'm using now.

And during one period I had several packages scanned as received at my PO box, but the packages went AWOL.

I think the key if you are a bulk mailer is to find a good post office and stay with it, and be friendly with the employees but at the same time don't volunteer any information about what you're selling/doing because it's nobody's business.

It always makes me shake my head in disbelief when an outfit will use "JOE's RARE COINS and Jewelry" on the return address.......why companies do that is beyond me. Now every nosy worker knows what's inside. What's the deal with that?

I have always maintained very positive relationships with all the postal clerks/mail carriers that I have come into contact with, and I think that is the key.

If they like you and you treat them with respect they will go the extra mile for you.

derryb · January 9, 2016 5:57AM

USPS is my choice. you'll win the claim, file it.

OPA · January 9, 2016 6:06AM

Originally posted by: LanceNewmanOCC
.
sent, received thousands.

happy customer.

life is far from perfect. expect variances in all aspects of life and you will find few surprises.

.

That makes 2 of us.

epcjimi1 · January 9, 2016 6:09AM

I think of the USPS as a statistic, sooner or later an item you sent, or want to receive via regular mail will not be delivered.

FWIW, for me, it happened at shipment 82, loss of package, gone, done.

Hhmmm. My math tells me that apprx 1.25% of shipments will be lost.

Anywhere else, a 1.25% failure rate is an absolute showstopper in this day and age.

291fifth · January 9, 2016 6:20AM

The anti-USPS talk is pure baloney. (I have no connection with the USPS.) Over the past 16 years I have had no USPS packages go missing and only three receive damage. True, I carefully pack what I send and am not generally mailing to zips that are in problem areas. I seriously doubt if many coin packages are being sent to problem zips.

TopographicOceans · January 9, 2016 6:26AM

A big improvement is being able to print your own insured labels at home.

With the black insured sticker with a $14 postage label on a 3 oz package is a signal to the postal thieves - HEY STEAL ME.

I received a padded envelope torn open that had 2 gold coins missing. It took about 3 weeks but they paid the insurance claim.

They move a lot of mail, so there is going to be problems sometimes.

When there is an issue, you hate them. But overall I think they do a great job.

291fifth · January 9, 2016 6:31AM

Originally posted by: TopographicOceans
A big improvement is being able to print your own insured labels at home.
With the black insured sticker with a $14 postage label on a 3 oz package is a signal to the postal thieves - HEY STEAL ME.
I received a padded envelope torn open that had 2 gold coins missing. It took about 3 weeks but they paid the insurance claim.

They move a lot of mail, so there is going to be problems sometimes.
When there is an issue, you hate them. But overall I think they do a great job.

Why would anyone ship gold coins in a padded envelope? This is just asking for trouble. Attempts to save money on shipping by skimping on packaging (and weight) is a main cause of problems with packages.

epcjimi1 · January 9, 2016 6:55AM

Looks like two out of thirteen posts so far are dis-satisfied with USPS in / out delivery service.

15.384615384615385%

*Rough estimate*

Need more positives, I think USPS failure rate is in the .5 -.75%, regardless of cause, MHO

djdilliodon · January 9, 2016 7:32AM

I've sent thousands of packages via ups and USPS. No doubt ups tracking is far superior and never had them lose anything yet. They are only good to use on big packages as small stuff is way too expensive. USPS is fast and cheap! I had about 6 packages or so never make it since 1999 and they paid up every single time! As long as they pay its good with me. I actually over insure everything and hope they lose it lol.

derryb · January 9, 2016 7:32AM

When it really matters, use USPS registered mail.

etexmike · January 9, 2016 7:48AM

Originally posted by: derryb

When it really matters, use USPS registered mail.

Just received a registered package a couple of hours ago here in Texas that was shipped from New Jersey.

It only took 17 days to make the trip.

I guess I should be happy that the package arrived and in good shape.

But 17 days is a little on the ridiculous.

Mike

epcjimi1 · January 9, 2016 7:49AM

Originally posted by: derryb
When it really matters, use USPS registered mail.

huh.

Oddly, that registered mail exists, speaks to the problem.

Whatever.

TomB · January 9, 2016 8:51AM

I have sent and received thousands of packages using USPS with a roughly equal split of sent and received.

One package I mailed was slit/cut open and one coin out of two in the package was lost. This was an approximately $150 coin that the USPS paid me around $135 after I filed a claim. This was in 2007 or 2008. As for received packages, I had one damaged where the slab cracked in half. This was a $200 or so coin.

That's it.

thisnamztaken · January 9, 2016 9:04AM

I have bought and sold on eBay for 10 yrs., never had a coin lost or damaged, and only had one package that I mailed out (small priority box) damaged. I prefer using USPS.

Wingsrule · January 9, 2016 9:10AM

The only claim I have ever had to file was just recently as some items were damaged in transit.

Claim filed electronically on 12/21/15

Check issued 12/28/15

Check received 01/02/16

Cannot complain about that. Thirteeen days total including several holidays.

JCLIGHTBRIGADE · January 9, 2016 9:11AM

Originally posted by: thisnamztaken
I have bought and sold on eBay for 10 yrs., never had a coin lost or damaged, and only had one package that I mailed out (small priority box) damaged. I prefer using USPS.

Same experience for me, no issues with USPS...

On the other hand, nothing with problems with Fedex, and practically nothing made it past the local warehouse from coins to giant pieces of furniture.

Never much used UPS, but do remember them delivering at weird times generally when nobody was around.

derryb · January 9, 2016 9:49AM

Important to keep in mind that, in ebay and paypal's eyes, all shipments are still the property of the seller until proof of delivery is provided. Claims for non delivery will be won by a buyer without the required proof of delivery. USPS makes purchasing and having this proof very easy. With paypal shipping labels the "delivery confirmation" is even free.

MrHalfDime · January 9, 2016 9:51AM

I have been a member of eBay since 1999, and have 1014 100% positive feedbacks, which represents 1014 transactions, all of which have been shipped through the USPS mail. And I have never had even one single problem (knock on wood). I think that speaks well for the much derided postal service.

RichieURich · January 9, 2016 9:53AM

We've shipped a lot of packages thru USPS over the last ten years. Two were lost, made whole on both. Two out of a few thousand is a real good record in my opinion.

Tomthemailcarrier · January 9, 2016 11:07AM

The free Priority mail boxes don't have very good adhesive on the flaps. Having seen some come opened in transit during my 34 years with the Post Office I always add some strong tape. Window clerks at the Post Office will add some very strong Priority Mail tape if you ask.
That should solve your problem.

amwldcoin · January 9, 2016 11:29AM

I think there are 2 points here about eBay's new policy people are missing.

It's not about non delivery...You get a strike if it is not delivered in the time ebay specifies it be delivered,even if you ship same day and the tracking shows same day shipping!

Ebays tracking system connection with USPS is not 100%. If there is a disconnect and the tracking is not uploaded in the specified time you get a strike. Putting this another way is USPS tracking does go down at times. When eBay's system pings USPS to check for tracking uploads...if USPS is down you get a strike even if you did ship in the required time!

I drilled this point to an ebay CSR....I am buying a product through Ebay...USPS shipping. How can you give me a strike if I do what is required of me and the service you sold me is at fault....got the canned you should ship through a different carrier over and over!

Personally I think this issue will be resolved or ebay will loose many sellers.

derryb · January 9, 2016 11:53AM

Originally posted by: amwldcoin
I think there are 2 points here about eBay's new policy people are missing.

It's not about non delivery...You get a strike if it is not delivered in the time ebay specifies it be delivered,even if you ship same day and the tracking shows same day shipping!

Ebays tracking system connection with USPS is not 100%. If there is a disconnect and the tracking is not uploaded in the specified time you get a strike. Putting this another way is USPS tracking does go down at times. When eBay's system pings USPS to check for tracking uploads...if USPS is down you get a strike even if you did ship in the required time!

I drilled this point to an ebay CSR....I am buying a product through Ebay...USPS shipping. How can you give me a strike if I do what is required of me and the service you sold me is at fault....got the canned you should ship through a different carrier over and over!

Personally I think this issue will be resolved or ebay will loose many sellers.

Furthermore, ebay tells your buyer (in your listing) an expected delivery date. This estimated date is calculated by ebay software based on your handling time and the method of shipping you choose when you created the listing. They then ask the buyer during feedback if the item arrived by the estimated date. A "yes" can override a ding you would have gotten if you did not ship or upload in the specified time. A "no" will not bail you out.

Problem with this process is that once the seller gets it to the shipper within the handling time specified and uploads the tracking info within the time specified, he is still at the mercy of the shipper to not delay the shipping. The only possible work around is to choose a slower delivery method when you create the listing while specifying in your description your actual method of delivery.

Also, be aware that there is no "shipping method" selection for slow moving registered US mail. When creating a listing that will be shipped registered be sure to select "US Standard Post (2-9 business days)."

Point here is that the method of shipping you choose from the drop down window when creating your listing combined with your selected handling time will determine the estimated delivery date that ebay software inserts into your listing. Unfortunately, buyers expect it by then.

CoinZip · January 9, 2016 11:54AM

We send about 5,000 packages a year through the USPS... we average 1 or 2 claims a year.

In my humble opinion, the USPS success rate is pretty good. I can not say the same for ebay.

Zoins · January 9, 2016 12:00PM

I spoke with USPS and they said that you can file a Mail Recovery Claim (MRC) and if they find the item, they will ship it to either the sender or addressee. All items that fall out of containers during shipping get sent to Atlanta and they will see if they can return the item within 90 days. Has anyone ever had an item found and returned by USPS this way?

CoinZip · January 9, 2016 12:02PM

Originally posted by: Zoins

I spoke with USPS and they said that you can file a Mail Recovery Claim (MRC) and if they find the item, they will ship it to either the sender or addressee. All items that fall out of containers during shipping get sent to Atlanta and they will see if they can return the item within 90 days. Has anyone ever had an item found and returned by USPS this way?

Yes, Frank had a book sent though media mail lost for 6 months returned... there is a thread about it somewhere.

derryb · January 9, 2016 12:04PM

Originally posted by: Zoins
I spoke with USPS and they said that you can file a Mail Recovery Claim (MRC) and if they find the item, they will ship it to either the sender or addressee. All items that fall out of containers during shipping get sent to Atlanta and they will see if they can return the item within 90 days. Has anyone ever had an item found and returned by USPS this way?

i would suspect that loose coins get put in pockets.

bigjpst · January 9, 2016 12:13PM

Originally posted by: derryb

Originally posted by: amwldcoin

I think there are 2 points here about eBay's new policy people are missing.

It's not about non delivery...You get a strike if it is not delivered in the time ebay specifies it be delivered,even if you ship same day and the tracking shows same day shipping!

Ebays tracking system connection with USPS is not 100%. If there is a disconnect and the tracking is not uploaded in the specified time you get a strike. Putting this another way is USPS tracking does go down at times. When eBay's system pings USPS to check for tracking uploads...if USPS is down you get a strike even if you did ship in the required time!

I drilled this point to an ebay CSR....I am buying a product through Ebay...USPS shipping. How can you give me a strike if I do what is required of me and the service you sold me is at fault....got the canned you should ship through a different carrier over and over!

Personally I think this issue will be resolved or ebay will loose many sellers.

Furthermore, ebay tells your buyer (in your listing) an expected delivery date. This estimated date is calculated by ebay software based on your handling time and the method of shipping you choose when you created the listing. They then ask the buyer during feedback if the item arrived by the estimated date. A "yes" can override a ding you would have gotten if you did not ship or upload in the specified time. A "no" will not bail you out.

Problem with this process is that once the seller gets it to the shipper within the handling time specified and uploads the tracking info within the time specified, he is still at the mercy of the shipper to not delay the shipping. The only possible work around is to choose a slower delivery method when you create the listing while specifying in your description your actual method of delivery.

I usually list first class as my shipping method, but have several reasons why I will upgrade to priority or express. The only problem I have seen with your possible work around is several times in the recent past, my first class packages will arrive before priority shipped on the same day. Usually around the holidays. I asked a postal employee once about some slow moving priority packages and he said that the post office will sometimes sublet space on fedex or other carriers flights and in his opinion, the other carriers didn't feel that the competitions packages were a priority. Not sure how true it was, but who knows?

Zoins · January 9, 2016 12:27PM

Originally posted by: CoinZip

Originally posted by: Zoins

I spoke with USPS and they said that you can file a Mail Recovery Claim (MRC) and if they find the item, they will ship it to either the sender or addressee. All items that fall out of containers during shipping get sent to Atlanta and they will see if they can return the item within 90 days. Has anyone ever had an item found and returned by USPS this way?

Yes, Frank had a book sent though media mail lost for 6 months returned... there is a thread about it somewhere.

Good to know. Of course, I'd rather have the item than the money.

brg5658 · January 9, 2016 1:41PM

I wouldn't exactly call the linked website or article by the OP a "trusted authority" on what eBay recommends. It looks mostly like shoddy journalism...and a slow news day...in May 2014!

I have received thousands of packages via USPS -- only one item ever lost, a $10 photography enlarger lens fell out of a package because the seller packaged it very poorly.

Zoins · January 9, 2016 3:14PM

Originally posted by: brg5658

I wouldn't exactly call the linked website or article by the OP a "trusted authority" on what eBay recommends. It looks mostly like shoddy journalism...and a slow news day...in May 2014!

The post seems to be quoting various "letters to the editor" and does quote a named eBay employee who said that no such policy exists for what individual writers were stating. Some Letters to the Editor posts:

- EcommerceBytes Soundoff: Letters to the Editor - May 18, 2014

- EcommerceBytes Soundoff: Letters to the Editor - June 8, 2014

In any event, I already received a refund from the seller and let him know I'd still prefer to have the item if it is found. In this case, using more tape on the box seams may have helped.

Thanks everyone for your experiences.

amwldcoin · January 9, 2016 8:13PM

Originally posted by: brg5658

I wouldn't exactly call the linked website or article by the OP a "trusted authority" on what eBay recommends. It looks mostly like shoddy journalism...and a slow news day...in May 2014!

I have received thousands of packages via USPS -- only one item ever lost, a $10 photography enlarger lens fell out of a package because the seller packaged it very poorly.

When I discussed it with ebay a few months ago I got the same canned answers stated in the article!

291fifth · January 9, 2016 8:51PM

Originally posted by: amwldcoin

Originally posted by: brg5658
I wouldn't exactly call the linked website or article by the OP a "trusted authority" on what eBay recommends. It looks mostly like shoddy journalism...and a slow news day...in May 2014!

I have received thousands of packages via USPS -- only one item ever lost, a $10 photography enlarger lens fell out of a package because the seller packaged it very poorly.

When I discussed it with ebay a few months ago I got the same canned answers stated in the article!

While I haven't used eBay for either selling or buying in almost two years my phone discussions with eBay representatives when I was using eBay received nothing but canned responses. Their phone reps say what they are paid to say and nothing more.

Rampage · January 9, 2016 10:12PM

I've never had any issues, either, with the USPS. I think people will complain about mostly anything. The way I view it, if you think you can do better, then go for it.

TwoSides2aCoin · January 9, 2016 11:22PM

There's always Uber ™ . After all, they're cutting into the cabbies' business. They may as well deliver packages too. Nothing like a good jitney to get your goods delivered.

ms70 · January 9, 2016 11:45PM

My local USPS delivery person told me they have an agreement with Amazon. All Amazon stuff gets handled as a top priority.

LindeDad · January 10, 2016 12:25AM

I think I am almost through the second or third box of 500 bubble mailer's now. And had one case about three years ago where one didn't get to where I sent it and had to refund the guy $35.00.

Over $500.00 go out in those small boxes they give me.

Yes I am happy with their service.

ShadyDave · January 10, 2016 12:35AM

Originally posted by: Zoins
I spoke with USPS and they said that you can file a Mail Recovery Claim (MRC) and if they find the item, they will ship it to either the sender or addressee. All items that fall out of containers during shipping get sent to Atlanta and they will see if they can return the item within 90 days. Has anyone ever had an item found and returned by USPS this way?

Yes, I purchased a rare earth magnet (Neodymium Magnet to test PM's) off of amazon and after 2 weeks I messaged the seller. The seller was happy to ship another one free of charge since the tracking just stopped. I got the 2nd magnet one a few days later. About 7 months later, I found a random dirty package covered in dust and crap and it ended up being the lost magnet...

Cougar1978 · January 10, 2016 2:33AM

Really? I prefer USPS, been using them over 20 years, no problems. Only one lost shipment and recovered the $120 amount as it was insured. I am against them being privatized as the privy service will probably charge more and be less efficient. I consider the anti USPS talk pure garbage.

epcjimi1 · January 10, 2016 3:33AM

Originally posted by: Zoins

I spoke with USPS and they said that you can file a Mail Recovery Claim (MRC) and if they find the item, they will ship it to either the sender or addressee. All items that fall out of containers during shipping get sent to Atlanta and they will see if they can return the item within 90 days. Has anyone ever had an item found and returned by USPS this way?

My MRC claim was a Microsoft Word Form "alerting" the system of disappearance of my coin. Despite a delivery tracking number, USPS never could provide any info as to the whereabouts. It stopped in some distribution center in N Carolina, stolen is my guess.

Oh, yeah, Atlanta. I actually talked to someone on the floor after looking for my shipment.

"I looked at the shelf for coins, I don't see it."

I am not making this up. A shelf for lost coin shipments. I wonder what else is on that shelf.

Zoins · January 10, 2016 3:51AM

Originally posted by: amwldcoin

Originally posted by: brg5658

I wouldn't exactly call the linked website or article by the OP a "trusted authority" on what eBay recommends. It looks mostly like shoddy journalism...and a slow news day...in May 2014!

I have received thousands of packages via USPS -- only one item ever lost, a $10 photography enlarger lens fell out of a package because the seller packaged it very poorly.

When I discussed it with ebay a few months ago I got the same canned answers stated in the article!

Interesting. Perhaps you only hear it on the phone?

eBay says not to use USPS

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