eBay "Standard Envelope" Woes. Help? Advice? Complain With Me?

[SteigerWRX]

SOrry for the semi long read. A few months ago my wife and I started opening boxes again to enjoy the hobby after selling off my collection for health reasons. One of the things that allowed us to start doing this again was eBay implementing their standard envelope program for items sold under $20. I take a lot of pride in my shipping, so I will never use a PWE. Instead, I have been using the paperboard mailjacket envelopes eBay pushes for use in this program. Linked below.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254808890842?var=554631194199

Over the first 3 months or so of using these and this program, I have sent well over 300 without issue. This past 2 weeks have completely changed that. 2 weeks ago I went to check my own mail and had a key in my community box to unlock the larger box, which was weird as I had not ordered any packages. Inside the box were the 15 packages I sent 2 days prior, all with markigns saying I owed $4+ of postage per package. The following day I went to the specific post office I dropped them at to ask what the issue was.

I was first told by the clerk at the counter, who clearly paid no attention, that they were received by the receiving post office and rejected and sent back as a package with postage due. I explained I just shipped them 2 days prior, and it was impossible that they made it to TX and back to CO in 2 days. Then she changed to saying that the envelope was too stiff and the wrong side. After several back and forths I just asked to speak to the manager ro explain the program these were shipped under.

The manager came out and we had the same back and forth. The manager then claimed that eBay is the one giving out wrong information. Then I literally brought up the eBay page going over all the requirements of this program. Her response was again, eBay is wrong, the USPS increased rates at the start of the year, and that the paperboard envelopes were not "envelopes" and were no machinable and needed to be shipped as packages. I explained I had shipped hundreds from this very post office before without issue which prompted her to explain that moving forward they would all be flagged and sent back to me. That ended the converstation.

Problem 2, this week alone I have had 11 people message me asking "did you even ship my card" because almost 100% of the cards shipped in the past month received no scan at all. So there are several honest buyers who leave feedback while the tracking shows no updates (or updates other than delivery) but I have been issuing refund after refund this past 2 weeks from items never scanned and having to wait the 30 days to file for reimbusment.

Problem 3, which will likely end me using this program now, today I received a message from a customer showing me his order DID arrive ($15), however it was stamped "Postage Due _ $4.05" and he had to pay his post man for the package. I have HUNDREDS out there. If I get more people messaging me saying they had to pay to get their mail, it will kill me.

So I am at a loss.. I feel like there is nothing eBay can do, because no matter what they advise, at the end of the day its up to the USPS to follow through with this program, which they clearly are not.

Has anyone else been having these issues or noticed an influx of them over the past 2 weeks or so??

[Goldie]

I have no advice, but I'll just say that really sucks to hear. Hopefully, the shenanigans of this will not continue past this current batch you have shipped already, and once any returns you have pending are completed, you're able to avoid this happening again.

[SteigerWRX]

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center...l#m22_tb_a1__9

Taken from the eBay standard envelope announcement page FAQ.

"Is there specific packaging to use when shipping an order through eBay standard envelope?

No, you may use any envelope that fits the size requirements listed above. We’ve also provided a PDF template so you can check the fit of your package.

A standard number ten envelope works just fine, and for added protection and convenience, we offer branded eBay heavyweight envelopes that are specifically designed to be used with eBay standard envelope. You can find them on our eBay supplies store at www.ebay.com/supplies. The specific item links are 5”x7” non padded envelopes and 6”x8” non padded envelopes (this is the link I posted above).

Once packed and sealed, print your label using eBay Labels to ensure proper tracking and shipping protection."

[kyle1707]

I have been buying dollar cards to finish 2020 football sets

So I have been getting a lot of these in the mail

At least half of the 50 I have got. The tracking never shows delivered weeks later

[ninjacookies]

Sorry to hear.

Sounds like you may be using incorrect packaging which USPS automatically upgrades to first class shipping rates.

I've sent thousands of cards since the new PWE system was implemented, and have maybe 2 or 3 issues total, where envelopes were returned and marked as needing 28 cents more for 3 ounce vs. 2 ounces (when in reality they were really slightly less than 2 ounces with my weight scale).


Stick with standard #10 evenlopes, and weigh your packages if you think you may be pushing it. The most cards I can get in at the 3 ounce cutoff is around 10 using card savers for multiple and no top loaders. Top loaders will add significant weight, especially if multiple cards are involved.

[SteigerWRX]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

Sorry to hear.

Sounds like you may be using incorrect packaging which USPS automatically upgrades to first class shipping rates.

I get what you're saying, but that's the thing. I'm literally using the envelopes eBay themselves pushes for this service. If it's going to have to be a literal PWE then I'll just discontinue offering it unfortunately.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[ninjacookies]

Originally Posted by SteigerWRX

I get what you're saying, but that's the thing. I'm literally using the envelopes eBay themselves pushes for this service. If it's going to have to be a literal PWE then I'll just discontinue offering it unfortunately.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

That's terrible. How many cards are you generally including in each package, and are they all individually top loaded?

The thing that makes things tricky (and has resulted in a lot of delayed parcels over time) is that many PO's and USPS employees are still very new or unaware of this new Ebay exclusive shipping method. The numbers themselves don't even register on the USPS website. I'm not sure about the intricacies of how they're supposed to handle them, but I'd imagine it's even worse in smaller cities or more rural areas.

Hope you can get this resolved asap.

[mfw13]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

The thing that makes things tricky (and has resulted in a lot of delayed parcels over time) is that many PO's and USPS employees are still very new or unaware of this new Ebay exclusive shipping method.

Bingo.

There is a huge amount of turnover amongst USPS employees, and not enough training. And with COVID causing many employees to get sick and miss work, you've got a lot of inexperienced employees doing jobs they don't normally do.

[auctionjmm]

Originally Posted by SteigerWRX

I get what you're saying, but that's the thing. I'm literally using the envelopes eBay themselves pushes for this service. If it's going to have to be a literal PWE then I'll just discontinue offering it unfortunately.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Why? I've shipped thousands of these in regular envelopes and it's perfectly fine. You can "take pride" in your shipping and still use a standard business envelope if the value of the card is low. I've had very few issues with damage. Maybe 2 or 3 times out of the 3,000+ I've shipped. Plus you'll get more sales as people buying $1 cards would prefer the cheapest shipping possible. You will lose business once the shipping charge exceeds the price of the card.

[PSA2Pac]

Originally Posted by auctionjmm

Why? I've shipped thousands of these in regular envelopes and it's perfectly fine. You can "take pride" in your shipping and still use a standard business envelope if the value of the card is low. I've had very few issues with damage. Maybe 2 or 3 times out of the 3,000+ I've shipped. Plus you'll get more sales as people buying $1 cards would prefer the cheapest shipping possible. You will lose business once the shipping charge exceeds the price of the card.

Yeah I completely sympathize with OP regarding everything and having hundreds still out there, but I’m not understanding the issue with using pwe’s?

I’m not thousands deep but I’ve sent a couple hundred via the same program and have had (knock on wood) zero issues thus far.

[LittleJimmies]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

Sorry to hear.

Sounds like you may be using incorrect packaging which USPS automatically upgrades to first class shipping rates.

I've sent thousands of cards since the new PWE system was implemented, and have maybe 2 or 3 issues total, where envelopes were returned and marked as needing 28 cents more for 3 ounce vs. 2 ounces (when in reality they were really slightly less than 2 ounces with my weight scale).


Stick with standard #10 evenlopes, and weigh your packages if you think you may be pushing it. The most cards I can get in at the 3 ounce cutoff is around 10 using card savers for multiple and no top loaders. Top loaders will add significant weight, especially if multiple cards are involved.

Its not a PWE program, it's designed to allow for affordably shipping cards more safely in rigid mailers. It just really seems the USPS doesn't know or doesn't care about the program at all. At this point I'm surprised when a package I've sent out actually gets any sort of scan. Luckily the cards in this price range seem to be more PC and the buyers more honest because it would be incredibly easy to collect lots of free cards the way the program is running.

[ninjacookies]

Originally Posted by LittleJimmies

Its not a PWE program, it's designed to allow for affordably shipping cards more safely in rigid mailers. It just really seems the USPS doesn't know or doesn't care about the program at all. At this point I'm surprised when a package I've sent out actually gets any sort of scan. Luckily the cards in this price range seem to be more PC and the buyers more honest because it would be incredibly easy to collect lots of free cards the way the program is running.

I believe the official name of the program is PWE (even though it technically isn't) Standard Envelope. You're correct...the problem is that many USPS exmployees are still unaware of its existence. Which is why Ebay did away with the requirement that all parcels receive origin scans in order to maintain seller metrics. A good portion of my parcels don't get a single scan until delivery...if that. But I assume they eventually get there because I don't receive any complaints from the buyer(s).


The one redeeming quality of the entire program is that the insurance process is very fast and efficient. I've had 2 instances where the buyer claimed they never received (with no delivery scan in tracking), and both times I received the full value reimbursed to my Paypal account within 2 business days. Pretty impressive.

[Boulder487]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

The one redeeming quality of the entire program is that the insurance process is very fast and efficient. I've had 2 instances where the buyer claimed they never received (with no delivery scan in tracking), and both times I received the full value reimbursed to my Paypal account within 2 business days. Pretty impressive.

I did not know this was an option for sellers. Thank you for sharing. Putting it to use soon as I've had several standard envelope deliveries not scan the whole way through and finally a buyer who says it never arrived. Sometimes I only know it got there for sure because I get positive feedback. Big flaw in Ebay shipping system.

[rwperu34]

I just want to add my experience with these, buying and selling. Between both I've got to be in the thousands.

As a seller, I've had one issue...an item not delivered. I was fully reimbursed by the insurance.

As a buyer, I've had a few not get here and I just had my first damage claim. The top of the card came out of the Card Saver and bent.

I have also had several come to me with postage due....none was close to being within the requirements. One was flat out a bubble mailer. Another was a 12 card lot with about 4-5 toploaders that was well over 0.25" in thickness.

I know none of this is going to help with the stress of having that much inventory in limbo, but in the future don't shy away from the PWE. I use Mead #8 6.75" PWE and get the 80 for $1.25 at the Dollar Store. Use that, a Card Saver, and some well placed painters tape and you'll be in business. The #10 envelope works well too.

[pewe]

Originally Posted by ninjacookies

A good portion of my parcels don't get a single scan until delivery...if that. But I assume they eventually get there because I don't receive any complaints from the buyer(s).

As a buyer I can mirror the same challenge: I have one right now that I don’t think I’ve received. Challenge is all cards that come this was are usually unnumbered base cards, and have no distinguishing feature vs. others I may already have. I’d have to count a stack and do math on all shipments expected to see if I’m light a card. Too much work for a $10 card


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wishy2]

Originally Posted by LittleJimmies

Its not a PWE program, it's designed to allow for affordably shipping cards more safely in rigid mailers. It just really seems the USPS doesn't know or doesn't care about the program at all. .

eBay standard envelope is not a special service. It is electronic postage for a first class, 1oz regular envelope. Literally all eBay is doing is selling us a first class stamp that they make money off of, use an outside company (easyship) to track the envelopes through the USPS sorting machines using the Intelligent Mail barcode printed above the address.

The best way I have found to ship cards is in a penny sleeve, inside a top loader taped with painters tape, inside a team bag, taped to cardstock paper that is then tri-folded and put into a #10 white business envelope where I printed the address directly onto the envelope. I have had zero damages, zero "return for additional postage" and about 10 with no tracking and only one that never arrived.

[kdem2357]

Originally Posted by Wishy2

eBay standard envelope is not a special service. It is electronic postage for a first class, 1oz regular envelope. Literally all eBay is doing is selling us a first class stamp that they make money off of, use an outside company (easyship) to track the envelopes through the USPS sorting machines using the Intelligent Mail barcode printed above the address.

The best way I have found to ship cards is in a penny sleeve, inside a top loader taped with painters tape, inside a team bag, taped to cardstock paper that is then tri-folded and put into a #10 white business envelope where I printed the address directly onto the envelope. I have had zero damages, zero "return for additional postage" and about 10 with no tracking and only one that never arrived.

This. People act like it is some sort of service ebay created. It is really just metered mail that ebay is acting as an intermediary. If you can't send the envelope with a normal postage stamp, you can't send it with eBay standard envelope.

[actionbryan]

I’ve had bad luck shipping Topps blaster relics

They are thick cards but not that thick , and I’ve had three lost or returned to me in the last couple months . .73 eBay standard shipping

[dwillard]

Im a mail carrier and it sounds like a localized issue with the postage due. Someone at your PO or processing plant screwed up. I deliver thse quite often in the rigid envelope with 58 cent postage. As far as not getting scanned NONE od these types of mailings have an actual delivery confirmation bar code affixed to it so im not surprised by that. Hope the postage due nonsense gets straitened out for you OP.

[PumpnDumpling]

I have had many problems with these as a seller but will continue to offer them until it becomes too much of a burden

Have a buyer stating non-reciept right now on one of these, seems i have one or two that doesn't ever get scanned or dlvd per month or so, just have to hope the buyer is honest in the end (which we all know some are not)

If i have to refund i will generally block the buyer and move on

I have had notably less problems with postage due and returns since i started inputting 2 OZ instead of 1 OZ, even when the PWE is actually under 1 OZ

[Drax44]

Originally Posted by PumpnDumpling

I have had many problems with these as a seller but will continue to offer them until it becomes too much of a burden

Have a buyer stating non-reciept right now on one of these, seems i have one or two that doesn't ever get scanned or dlvd per month or so, just have to hope the buyer is honest in the end (which we all know some are not)

If i have to refund i will generally block the buyer and move on

I have had notably less problems with postage due and returns since i started inputting 2 OZ instead of 1 OZ, even when the PWE is actually under 1 OZ

I always use 3 OZ and the rigid mailer. The extra $0.20 is worth the piece of mind.

[bloodwings19]

I had only 1 lost (skeptical) out of many that I've done on eBay standard envelope. I refunded the money immediately once issued was raised. I had a few tracked packages as a buyer that never show delivered. I love the eBay envelope gives the buyer a cheaper ship option.

[premium1981]

Originally Posted by bloodwings19

I had only 1 lost (skeptical) out of many that I've done on eBay standard envelope. I refunded the money immediately once issued was raised. I had a few tracked packages as a buyer that never show delivered. I love the eBay envelope gives the buyer a cheaper ship option.

The pros outweigh the cons. And I was one who refused to use it for a period of time. But now, it is a no brainer. Just sucks for the OP. I have now shipped a couple thousand probably, almost all in #6 envelopes, and have had maybe 4 issues. In each case, the insurance was fast and awesome, so I did not have to take a loss on anything. Its a huge win for the hobby. Again, except for the OP who is getting bent over by some jerks at his local branch most likely.

[Burks]

Originally Posted by Drax44

I always use 3 OZ and the rigid mailer. The extra $0.20 is worth the piece of mind.

Where do you get your rigid mailers? I'm wanting to offload some cards I don't care about and they aren't worth shipping in bubble mailers. Never had any problems with PWE but you never know.

[Drax44]

Originally Posted by Burks

Where do you get your rigid mailers? I'm wanting to offload some cards I don't care about and they aren't worth shipping in bubble mailers. Never had any problems with PWE but you never know.

I use the eBay branded ones. If you have an eBay store, you get a quarterly $25 coupon to use toward shipping supplies. I think 100 cost about $30, so for $5, you get 100 mailers every three months (or bubble mailers if you so choose).

Just checked while writing this and they are currently $26.46 for 100, so $1.46 with the coupon - https://www.ebay.com/itm/254808890842.