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Last Post Apr 20, 2009 12:08 PM by: garnor@ebay.com
Replies: 3
garnor@ebay.com
Posts: 927

Common Questions/Answers about shipping and package tracking

Apr 20, 2009 12:04 PM
Hi everyone,

We're compiling many of the common questions and answers about several of the changes introduced in Stephanie’s Announcement last Tuesday. They'll be posted in threads like this one and tacked to the top of the board to make it easy to find information (instead of needing to comb through all the various discussions).

These are actual member questions and staff responses, with some slight cleanup to make them easier to read.

These questions all pertain to shipping and package tracking. For more information, make sure to read our announcement.

Thanks,


Garnor / Seller Experience / eBay

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garnor@ebay.com
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Re: Common Questions/Answers about shipping and package tracking

Apr 20, 2009 12:05 PM
Q:
I use the PayPal labels for a lot of off-eBay sales.
1. Will labels (single and MOS) still be available at PayPal?
2. Will the Large and Small Flat Rate Box be added at PayPal at the same time as they are available on eBay?
3. Are those Flat Rate Boxes still coming out by June 2009?


A:
#1 Yes! Single labels and Multi order shipping (MOS) will be available at PayPal. In June, we are launching eBay's label printing solution for Single Labels.
#2 Small and Large flat rate box support will not be added in PayPal labels.
#3 Small, medium and Large flat rate box support will be available in eBay's label printing solution (June 2009 launch).



Q:
Delivery Confirmation IS NOT tracking. I do not send the Delivery Confirmation number to my buyers because they then look up the info on the postal service site and panic when they see the info there....they assume that because there is no further info other than the number that I'm scamming them and not sending the item! Why does eBay insist over and over again that "tracking" should be sent to the buyer.....why does eBay call it tracking?....why does eBay falsely lead the buyer with "tracking"? What good is sending them the number when 99% of the time no info is updated on the postal site until the item is already delivered to the buyer?


A:
We understand that delivery confirmation is not the same as tracking numbers, however we know that sellers on average who provide either delivery confirmation or tracking numbers see a reduction in the number of buyer contacts, and an increase in shipping related DSR scores.

The primary reason we lump delivery confirmation and tracking together is it's a term buyers understand.


Q:
Why would ebay use the term "tracking" knowing it is NOT true tracking. This only enforces the false sense of the word that the post office has been famous for.


A:
The primary reason we often use the term tracking when referring to both tracking and delivery confirmation, is for ease/simplification of buyer communication. Past studies have shown that the term delivery confirmation is confusing to many buyers whereas tracking is a term that buyers understand.

These are great points we'll take back to team. We'll investigate how we can better communicate this to buyers so they understand there is a difference between delivery confirmation numbers and tracking numbers.


Garnor / Seller Experience / eBay

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Re: Common Questions/Answers about shipping and package tracking

Apr 20, 2009 12:07 PM
Q:
If I ship using eBay shipping, the tracking information will be available for a customer service rep to see if a dispute arises as non-receipt of the item purchased? Can I assume that eBay's customer support will look at the tracking and advise the Buyer in a case where the item is in transit?


A:
If you are using PayPal's label printing solution or if you have manually uploaded tracking or delivery confirmation number; this information will be available to Customer support Reps.

If the item was shipped promptly and is in transit the customer support reps will advise the buyer accordingly.

In June we are launching eBay's label printing solution. If you use this product, tracking information will be automatically added.


Q:
What does eBay consider “promptly”? I'm going to assume that this means within their stated handling time in the listing.

But 3 days is not sufficient for most surface services. And USPS is especially overly optimistic regarding Media Mail.


A:
We calculate estimated delivery time based on seller's specified handling time and the estimated times provided to us by the shipping service. Delivery estimates are calculated as a range of days, not a specific date. For more details, please go here.



Q:
Ss there a date that tracking information can be input into my eBay for sellers and when the tracking information will show in My eBay for buyers?


A:
Sellers can upload tracking information today. You can find details in the FAQ regarding how to do this from My eBay.

For buyers, this information is displayed to them on the Order Details page today. We will make it available in My eBay and a shipped status email the week of June 15.


Q:
Will PayPal shipping be discontinued? I use PP shipping for PP paid website orders, as well as the ship-now link.


A:
Multi order shipping on PayPal will continue to exist "as is". In June eBay's label printing launch is for Single labels only.


Garnor / Seller Experience / eBay

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Re: Common Questions/Answers about shipping and package tracking

Apr 20, 2009 12:08 PM
Q:
What happens if a seller has their funds being held in PayPal and needs to print out a shipping label though PayPal/eBay? You can't take and use funds that are not available. What is a seller supposed to do then?


A:
Even if a seller has the payment for a particular item held in PayPal, they still are obliged to ship the item. So the seller will need to front the money for the shipping label. However, as soon as the buyer receives the item and is satisfied, the hold will be released and the seller will be reimbursed for the shipping they had to front.



Q:
With the addition of all flat-rate options for domestic Priority Mail, will First Class International *finally* also be an option?


A:
We will not support First Class Mail International in the label flows. We are working with USPS on this one. The primary issue is First Class Mail International does not support delivery confirmation. Without delivery confirmation, eBay or the USPS does not know whether or not a label has been used, making the refund process very difficult for eBay, USPS, and our sellers. We'll keep the community posted on progress we make on supporting this service in eBay Labels.


Q:
Will a SCAN form be available on eBay shipping? At present, it is only available through PayPal if the Multi Order Shipping Tool is used and many users can't find the option to generate the form. In addition, it has to be printed prior to printing labels and can't be generated if a user makes an error and fails to print the SCAN form prior to printing labels.


A:
In the future we are planning on providing scan form support for eBay's single label flow.



Q:
Currently, money is taken from Paypal when we make the label, will it still work this way? Or will it be invoiced at the end of the month with the fees?


A:
In eBay's label printing flow you will be able pay for shipping labels safely and conveniently using your PayPal account.

You can also sign up for the Billing agreement (pre approved payments) on the PayPal site. There will be a link to this flow from eBay's label printing flow as well.


Garnor / Seller Experience / eBay

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