eBay standard pwe shipping question

[Stackfan]

So I’ve recently sold about 10 of these, and only one of them was scanned and shows as delivered. The other 9 or show, never showed that the post office ever received them. So now I’m basically at the mercy of the buyer being trust worthy.

Has anyone else had issues with this. Is there any technique or strategy to get these checked in?

I just use a regular pwe , too loaded, and extra layer of paper. I tape on a printed label from my printer. I’ve noticed the QR code at the top corner is often near tape. I wonder if that impacts it.

Anyone else have any luck resolving issues, or basically just gotta take the loss?


Thanks

[ninjacookies]

That's how the PWE game goes.

A large majority never receive a single scan. They aren't and cannot be scanned by USPS employees, and require a special machine to be scanned that isn't a part of USPS' arsenal. It's weird.

I've only had to refund maybe a handful out of a few thousand sold. It is what it is.

You're at the mercy of the buyer not to be an a-hole and exploit the system.

[Stackfan]

Thanks… yeah it seems like it’s very hit or miss if they get scanned. Normally most do get scanned for me. My last batch of 10, mostly all got scanned or delivered, but the one that didn’t they claimed they never got it.

Think I might have made a big mistake shipping out a bunch of 10-20$ cards in PWE.

[wxguy44]

Yeah, its happened to me. It was more frequent around the holidays, but its been much better over the last 2 months. At this point I just make sure to either drop it into the metered slot at the PO or let my local carrier pick it up at my mailbox.

I'm at the point now where I will eventually block a buyer if they ask for a refund, within reason of course. I tend to try and generate some dialogue to get a feel if they are trying to scam or not. Maybe the ones I block are honest, but id rather cover my bases on someone taking advantage of their local PO not scanning items as delivered.

[90skid]

It's also annoying that it takes ebay many days after the sale has been completed to deduct the .84 cents or whatever from your account. If you sell a first class shipment USPS, it's deducted right away and you are left with your true balance.

If you ship a ton of PWE's and then try to withdrawal our your $$ (or put it towards another purchase which it lets you) you'll find ebay out of nowhere charging you the 84 cents shipping days and days later out of your account. I don't get what takes so long for that when the USPS first class labels cost comes out right away.

[ninjacookies]

PWE's have been a godsend for my super low end sales. $1-5 cards or scrubs and semi-stars that would have otherwise gone unsold because of more-than-the-item's-worth First Class shipping. Literally thousands of them.

I don't think you should be discouraged if you're doing a large volume of PWE sales and this happens occasionally. That's just the kind of game you play with ultra cheap shipping not handled by USPS employees.

However, you may want to think of reserving PWE only for the stuff under $10, especially if you have low volume or extremely spotty sales.

[JeffG1954]

Originally Posted by Stackfan

Thanks… yeah it seems like it’s very hit or miss if they get scanned. Normally most do get scanned for me. My last batch of 10, mostly all got scanned or delivered, but the one that didn’t they claimed they never got it.

Think I might have made a big mistake shipping out a bunch of 10-20$ cards in PWE.

If you are using the ESE program, you can't lose because you are covered by the PIP insurance for loss or damage.

[ninjacookies]

PWE doesn't cover against loss/damage if the parcel was never scanned.


Ask me how I know...


Now if the envelope had at least one scan, the process is simple and quick.

[gameissued]

Please everybody package it correctly when shipping this way! Simply using a PWE (aka a plain white envelope) is not how you ship these. There are rules and guidelines that need to be followed. Otherwise just a plain PWE and toploader can easily jam up the USPS machines, and eventually it will happen so much that the service will be taken away.

When a small 2.5" x 3.5" card is the only thing in a huge envelope you're just asking for damage. So use a slightly thicker card-stock type of mailer that's around post card size (just large enough for the card, not more bigger). Also, just the top-loader is fine, maybe a sheet of paper as filler. But no need for extra card decoys, cardboard, etc. Can't be too thick.

[Bosoxfan5990]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

PWE doesn't cover against loss/damage if the parcel was never scanned.


Ask me how I know...


Now if the envelope had at least one scan, the process is simple and quick.

That's not true. Actually, it says on the page where you print the ESE label that an acceptance scan is not required.

[Bosoxfan5990]

Originally Posted by 90skid

It's also annoying that it takes ebay many days after the sale has been completed to deduct the .84 cents or whatever from your account. If you sell a first class shipment USPS, it's deducted right away and you are left with your true balance.

If you ship a ton of PWE's and then try to withdrawal our your $$ (or put it towards another purchase which it lets you) you'll find ebay out of nowhere charging you the 84 cents shipping days and days later out of your account. I don't get what takes so long for that when the USPS first class labels cost comes out right away.

It typically happens on the Wednesday of the following week for me.

[ninjacookies]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan5990

That's not true. Actually, it says on the page where you print the ESE label that an acceptance scan is not required.

What exactly is ESE? And how does it differ from PWE?

[JeffG1954]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

What exactly is ESE? And how does it differ from PWE?

A PWE is where you handwrite the address on a PWE and put a stamp on it....the eBay ESE program is where you print the label out from eBay, it includes sometimes sketchy tracking and insurance....works just like an eBay 1st Class Package shipping label.

[Stackfan]

Originally Posted by JeffG1954

If you are using the ESE program, you can't lose because you are covered by the PIP insurance for loss or damage.

What’s PIP insurance?? I had one recently that had an initial scan, buyer opened a case, and eBay refunded him automatically because I didn’t have proof of delivery.

[ninjacookies]

Originally Posted by JeffG1954

A PWE is where you handwrite the address on a PWE and put a stamp on it....the eBay ESE program is where you print the label out from eBay, it includes sometimes sketchy tracking and insurance....works just like an eBay 1st Class Package shipping label.

In other words, it's Ebay's PWE postage system. I should have clarified...every PWE reference in this thread is from Ebay's official program (subject of the OP)...not the 'traditional' PWE with old postage stamps.


I doubt Ebay's refunding for ESE's without a single scan. I've tried it....and was not reimbursed. All other claims with scans were refunded to my paypal within 3 days.

I mean, how on earth would they be able to stop sellers from gaming the system by never sending items then claiming they were lost/stolen?

[JeffG1954]

Originally Posted by Stackfan

What’s PIP insurance?? I had one recently that had an initial scan, buyer opened a case, and eBay refunded him automatically because I didn’t have proof of delivery.

https://www.pip-claim.com/PIPClaim/e...reateeBayClaim

[Chris P]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

In other words, it's Ebay's PWE postage system. I should have clarified...every PWE reference in this thread is from Ebay's official program (subject of the OP)...not the 'traditional' PWE with old postage stamps.


I doubt Ebay's refunding for ESE's without a single scan. I've tried it....and was not reimbursed. All other claims with scans were refunded to my paypal within 3 days.

I mean, how on earth would they be able to stop sellers from gaming the system by never sending items then claiming they were lost/stolen?

When filing the claim you have to send them the order details which shows that you've refunded the money back to the buyer. I would guess if the order details dont show refunded..they would deny the claim. I have never had a problem with claims but im not sure entirely sure if ive had some where it wasnt initially scanned

[ninjacookies]

Originally Posted by Chris P

When filing the claim you have to send them the order details which shows that you've refunded the money back to the buyer.

Man...I did that....but it still wasn't rewarded. Perhaps I'll try it again...thanks

[Stackfan]

Originally Posted by JeffG1954

https://www.pip-claim.com/PIPClaim/e...reateeBayClaim

Thanks. I’ll submit a claim.

[Chris P]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

Man...I did that....but it still wasn't rewarded. Perhaps I'll try it again...thanks

Yeah..i dunno man..hoping i never run into that problem

[JeffG1954]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

PWE doesn't cover against loss/damage if the parcel was never scanned.


Ask me how I know...


Now if the envelope had at least one scan, the process is simple and quick.

From eBay:

In January we introduced the eBay standard envelope through eBay Labels for Trading Cards sellers, with trackable shipping on items below 3 ounces for under $1. We’ve expanded the shipping service to Postcards, Stamps, Coins & Paper Money, giving you a more secure way to ship than with a stamp. With tracking integrated into the label, and with automatic tracking uploaded to the order will help you meet the qualifications for Top Rated Seller.



eBay standard envelope benefits



eBay standard envelope saves you up to 70%* off competitive services and is the lower cost way to ship small, lightweight items.



You also get:

Standard-size envelope convenience
Drop-off convenience at regular USPS locations or in your mailbox with a raised flag for USPS pickup.
Discounted shipping rate not available at retail locations
Integrated tracking automatically uploaded for you and your buyer - acceptance scan not required
Shipping protection plan up to $20 on single items and up to $50 on combined items, in case of loss or damage
Integrated tracking and shipping protection meets requirement for Top Rated Seller eligibility

[Bosoxfan5990]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

In other words, it's Ebay's PWE postage system. I should have clarified...every PWE reference in this thread is from Ebay's official program (subject of the OP)...not the 'traditional' PWE with old postage stamps.


I doubt Ebay's refunding for ESE's without a single scan. I've tried it....and was not reimbursed. All other claims with scans were refunded to my paypal within 3 days.

I mean, how on earth would they be able to stop sellers from gaming the system by never sending items then claiming they were lost/stolen?

As another poster mentioned, you have to include a screenshot of the original order that shows a refund, plus a screenshot of the buyer request/complaint/case.

You’re also not able to cancel or be refunded for an ESE label after you’ve purchased it, so in a way, that’s the ESE “acceptance” scan. I have a few PIP cases that I’ve been reimbursed for thus far where the shipment didn’t have an acceptance scan.

One thing to keep in mind is that eBay won’t allow you to file a missing/lost PIP until 30 days after the original expected delivery date.

[ninjacookies]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan5990

As another poster mentioned, you have to include a screenshot of the original order that shows a refund, plus a screenshot of the buyer request/complaint/case.

You’re also not able to cancel or be refunded for an ESE label after you’ve purchased it, so in a way, that’s the ESE “acceptance” scan. I have a few PIP cases that I’ve been reimbursed for thus far where the shipment didn’t have an acceptance scan.

One thing to keep in mind is that eBay won’t allow you to file a missing/lost PIP until 30 days after the original expected delivery date.

Appreciate the headsup...I'll be trying this on a few lost orders that I just wrote off...

[Bosoxfan5990]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

Appreciate the headsup...I'll be trying this on a few lost orders that I just wrote off...

I’m at the point now where I will ask a buyer to give it an additional week if they reach out via messages, then refund without question if they still haven’t received. That’s how reliable the PIP reimbursement has been for me.

[ninjacookies]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan5990

I’m at the point now where I will ask a buyer to give it an additional week if they reach out via messages, then refund without question if they still haven’t received. That’s how reliable the PIP reimbursement has been for me.

I do that but typically ask them to wait until the following monday if a parcel is already over the 5 business day timeline. Anything over that and I don't even bother with the risk stretching a buyers' patience. A lot of kooks on that platform.

Another question would be....what if the ESE eventually reaches the buyer and is scanned 3 weeks after the purchase date and after you already reimbursed? I take it you're still eligible for a refund?