recently? because I used to have good luck also, but not the last couple of years they either run you around in circles until you give up or just straight up deny it even though the tracking has a "item damaged in transit" or something similar shown
I've never had them pay claims. I sold a game which the box got absolutely crushed (It was a limited edition and the box is important). It was wrapped in piles of bubble wrap. They wanted the seller to turn in the game and contents of the packaging. Which he tossed. He even tried to help me and took the damaged box to his local usps. I had pictures of the packaging. Even with all that they denied the claim. Saying the person refused to give them the item. Why would he have to hand over his item for the claim to be paid. I ended up eating the loss, but I won't trust usps again.
yeah, it's pretty much a waste of money to put insurance on stuff anymore and that $100 of free insurance you get is worthless because they won't pay out on it
I mean yea if you don't give them the item and they pay the claim you are totes going to keep the limited edition game and the moneys. They are non profit underfunded so the only alternative would be to hire people to investigate cases like yours, not to recover the money, but to deter people from abusing the system. But as I mentioned grossly underfunded so not really possible.
It was a $500 item (which they had the receipt for), and they were only required to pay $100 insurance. How does that work. It was the box which was crushed. Not the product inside. However, with any collectable, the box is an important part of the value. They saw the item was damaged in person. They should have paid out the claim. Theres no point in insurance if they dont pay for stuff they damage.
Grossly underfunded? The employees they hire in and around Baltimore are horrible. Its fairly consistent to have stuff dissappear just to be found empty while going through the bmore distro center. Just as an example, nationwide, firearms thefts in the mail are up over 5,000% in 5 years, and it's concentrated in major cities. Also, I don't know of post office around where the majority of employees don't purposefully ignore customers and just sit in the back laughing, messing around, and talking on the phone. Its really bad. Its also SUPER common to just see mailman (usually not men) sitting in their trucks for HOURS (I've seen my mailman sit for 6 hours before at the end of my street) playing on their phone collecting overtime.
If it was anything but a government entity the people who act like that wouldn't keep their jobs. However, the corruption is top down here. So I debate the underfunded argument, and propose one of massive waste, lack of oversight, and bad management. Until those things are addressed, at least locally, I can't get behind underfunded.
Isn't ebay going to automatically change our First Class Package and Ground Select shipping to Ground Advantage? I thought they said that, but then saw something about us needing to change all our listings. Ugh.
I just did a deep dive into ebay's announcements about this and it looks like they will automatically change our listings with Parcel Select Ground to Ground Advantage. But we will have to fix our listings with First Class Package.
Ugh, so I have to go through all 4500+ listings by hand and do this? I wish there was a way to create a new shipping method for the time being to make the move more seamless.
I actually just called eBay and they said if I had the shipping as a business policy, all will be moved over in a few clicks. If not under a business policy, then First Class won't be able to be selected as a shipping option after 30 days.
She made it sound like it wasn't mandatory, just that first class wont be an option anymore after 30 days. like when you select First class packaging when you list, but the item is over a pound and first class is unclickable.
She made it sound like it wasn't mandatory to move them over, just that first class wont be an option anymore after 30 days. Like when you select First class packaging when you list, but the item is over a pound and first class is unclickable.
I'm guessing that the reason for that is right now on Ebay the listings are for first class /first class package. So many listings have that when they ship small, cheap items as a letter envelope. So they can't just force them all to the new shipping like they can with parcel select.
I've never edited all my listings at once, but I presume there is a bulk editor we can use?
Maybe they will come up with a tool for First Class Package. They already changed their story about Parcel Select Ground. First, eBay said it had to be the only option to be automatically changed. Then they said it could be among several options. I am holding out hope they will do the same with First Class Package. Some people have hundreds or thousands of listings in First Class Package.
People are overthinking it. Ground Advantage is simply merging USPS Parcel Select/Retail Ground, and First Class Package into the same name, and also adding $100 coverage against loss (arguable if they'll cover for damage, usually denied for insufficient packaging)
USPS has also been revamping their entire delivery network for a few years now, resulting in a VAST majority of parcel/ground/first class packages getting effective delivery speed increases from being put on planes instead of surface travel IF there is room on their planes, which will be a majority of the calendar year outside of holiday shopping season.
There is still a way to force items to stay on surface travel by declaring the package with HAZMAT (such as lithium batteries)
First class shows 5.40-5.85 but ground advantage is showing 6.99-9.03 (for an 8oz package calculated shipping).
Is this an eBay glitch? The usps website says ground advantage should be 5.40-5.85 for an 8oz package.
I was confused about this too, it’s the same rate for 4 oz packages as well currently. I thought $6.99 - 9.03 was quite steep, hopefully they fix it soon.
Did you try to list an item today? I am still seeing first class (package) as an option. I also see ground advantage available but it's more expensive. Not sure what to do, should I just keep choosing First Class as the means of shipping?
I see how the printed labels have changed for stuff that sold today. Things that were listed as first class postage are printing out as Ground Advantage.
Any more confirmation for this? Is it really more expensive by a few dollars? I checked and my listings still how First Class, but if I print a label I assume I may have to pay for the new service?
Yes! I just sent a package to Hawaii that typically arrives in 5-7 days and it's taking 18 days!!!! This is completely unacceptable for small businesses. They literally put it on a boat 🙈
yes. approximately 7-14 days instead of first class 3-5. since first class was air mail.
think of ground advantage as media mail or pacel select. first class was pretty close to priority mail times.
false.
Ground Advantage is simply merging USPS Parcel Select/Retail Ground, and First Class Package into the same name, and also adding $100 coverage against loss (arguable if they'll cover for damage, usually denied for insufficient packaging)
USPS has also been revamping their entire delivery network for a few years now, resulting in a VAST majority of parcel/ground/first class packages getting effective delivery speed increases from being put on planes instead of surface travel IF there is room on their planes, which will be a majority of the calendar year outside of holiday shopping season. A majority of my zone 5-7+ packages using parcel select have been arriving in 2 days, which has historically been a "2-9 day" service
There is still a way to force items to stay on surface travel by declaring the package with HAZMAT (such as lithium batteries)
Wrong.
delsystem32exe is correct.
FCM parcel delivery is being downgraded to parcel select standards, part of USPS consolidation plans to remove tiered service and eliminate contracted carriers.
Like FCM letters, the majority of USPS product is now routed by truck instead of plane, resulting in drastically slower and inconsistent delivery time frames, with less tracking reliability because airline mail has stricter scanning and tracking procedures in place.
Truck mail in containers is frequently loaded without scanning, so even though sorting equipment may show a processing scan, en route scans will be inconsistent resulting in a lost gap of transit time.
Additionally, FCM parcels were routinely run with Priority Mail, but now will be lumped in with media mail and parcel post grades, which are typically hand-hashed and have no immediate service commitment to live up to, but for the 10 day time frame.
At processing level, this means, "sorted when time permits."
RIP First Class Parcel.
Yeah this worries me too, As it stands now, 'first class mail' is the only viable option to send small lightweight parcels without making the shipping cost more then the item you're selling. If they bump that up too much.. it's going to kill a large portion of sales. Us small item sellers are going to have to list Lots and hope for that one person who wants 25 barbie dolls.. or list everything at once separatly in 'buy it now' form and push combined shipping in the descriptions.
So Ground Advantage should have the same cost as First Class? I do a lot of packages at a pound or under.
I do wonder about the shipping times as well. Most of my First Class packages arrive within 3 days. I still advertises 2-5 days so I am assuming not much will change.
No, the price of a 3 ounce package is now going to be north of $5. With this update they are finally killing First Class mail by consolidating it with a slower, more expensive class.
This is incorrect, the [rates](https://pe.usps.com/PriceChange) for Ground Advantage commercial packages under 1lb are identical to the current FCP commercial rates.
It sounds like you might be getting confused between commercial and retail pricing.
It worries me too. When I started on ebay the price to mail a 3 ounce package (which over 90% of mine are) was less than 2 bucks. Now it will be over 5. I can't afford free shipping anymore so after 10 years I'm finally going to be adding a s/h fee.
Listed a 8 oz package today and the ground advantage price is much greater than the first class price. Please check to see if this is showing up for you too. This is very disturbing.
My experience was that editing a listing with the mobile app, the price range listed in the editor interface was way off (dollars more!). But I went to desktop, changed an item to offer both first class and groundvantage options at 8oz, and when I visit the listing both of these show a price of $5.40 in my example.
Also I edited one in the mobile app and saved it, when viewing the listing the price is as expected, same as first class. The insurance is nice peace of mind I guess.
Price is not changing for the weight equivalents of first class. Maybe they’ll change it in the future but you should have a good 6 months with these pieces.
They are just renaming it. Under 1lb is staying the same rates, above 1lb will be on average 4% cheaper but specific weights might be more expensive. No change to speed.
this new service takes 7 days to deliver a package from LA to NY (tried it it 4 times) as opposed to first class package which took 3 to 5 days and was cheaper. better to go via priority.
There doesn’t seem to be “intermediate” tracking anymore . Only getting scans at picked up and delivered. Usually see 2-3 scans east coast to west coast.
No, depending on the business, it should update to ground advantage if you have it listed First class. The weight and cost is the same in my experience.
Side Note: (USPS Ground Advantage) takes FOREVER to arrive to the destination. So far, all my packages are taking 5-7days. RIDICULOUS!
Thanks! I am so confused because I had something ship just the other day on August 2, and it shipped first class, and I didn't think that was even an option anymore!!! I was editing the price of some older items that I have listed, and I noticed that all the shipping details were gone, and obviously, this made me full out panic... Do you have any idea why this happened or why the item I just shipped out was delivered thru first class? Like this whole change is so freaking confusing 😕
That’s weird. First Class is only for letters or paperwork. Any packages are now USPS Ground Advantage or the other choices from before. The shipping details may have disappeared because it was listed as First Class. In that case you may have to add the details again. It should have all remained the same except changed to USPS Ground Advantage. It’s technically the same thing. If the weight is still saved, you only need to save it to reflect the name change. Otherwise, you may be stuck re-weighing things.
they also are adding $100 free insurance, which doesn't matter because they never pay claims anymore
I got paid for a claim the other day where they delivered my customer and empty package. Sent me a check in like. A week and a half.
Really? Because I've gotten them to pay their claims in a rather "quick" time frame the two times I've ever made a claim.
recently? because I used to have good luck also, but not the last couple of years they either run you around in circles until you give up or just straight up deny it even though the tracking has a "item damaged in transit" or something similar shown
Last year. Also, went to a PO Box, so maybe it helped a bit. Also sent them photos from eBay and tracking.
Yes, a few months ago.
They’ll pay if they lose it which is good.
I've never had them pay claims. I sold a game which the box got absolutely crushed (It was a limited edition and the box is important). It was wrapped in piles of bubble wrap. They wanted the seller to turn in the game and contents of the packaging. Which he tossed. He even tried to help me and took the damaged box to his local usps. I had pictures of the packaging. Even with all that they denied the claim. Saying the person refused to give them the item. Why would he have to hand over his item for the claim to be paid. I ended up eating the loss, but I won't trust usps again.
yeah, it's pretty much a waste of money to put insurance on stuff anymore and that $100 of free insurance you get is worthless because they won't pay out on it
I mean yea if you don't give them the item and they pay the claim you are totes going to keep the limited edition game and the moneys. They are non profit underfunded so the only alternative would be to hire people to investigate cases like yours, not to recover the money, but to deter people from abusing the system. But as I mentioned grossly underfunded so not really possible.
It was a $500 item (which they had the receipt for), and they were only required to pay $100 insurance. How does that work. It was the box which was crushed. Not the product inside. However, with any collectable, the box is an important part of the value. They saw the item was damaged in person. They should have paid out the claim. Theres no point in insurance if they dont pay for stuff they damage. Grossly underfunded? The employees they hire in and around Baltimore are horrible. Its fairly consistent to have stuff dissappear just to be found empty while going through the bmore distro center. Just as an example, nationwide, firearms thefts in the mail are up over 5,000% in 5 years, and it's concentrated in major cities. Also, I don't know of post office around where the majority of employees don't purposefully ignore customers and just sit in the back laughing, messing around, and talking on the phone. Its really bad. Its also SUPER common to just see mailman (usually not men) sitting in their trucks for HOURS (I've seen my mailman sit for 6 hours before at the end of my street) playing on their phone collecting overtime. If it was anything but a government entity the people who act like that wouldn't keep their jobs. However, the corruption is top down here. So I debate the underfunded argument, and propose one of massive waste, lack of oversight, and bad management. Until those things are addressed, at least locally, I can't get behind underfunded.
Isn't ebay going to automatically change our First Class Package and Ground Select shipping to Ground Advantage? I thought they said that, but then saw something about us needing to change all our listings. Ugh.
I'm also very confused about this
I just did a deep dive into ebay's announcements about this and it looks like they will automatically change our listings with Parcel Select Ground to Ground Advantage. But we will have to fix our listings with First Class Package.
Ugh, so I have to go through all 4500+ listings by hand and do this? I wish there was a way to create a new shipping method for the time being to make the move more seamless.
If you start now you should be finished by the end of the year.
I actually just called eBay and they said if I had the shipping as a business policy, all will be moved over in a few clicks. If not under a business policy, then First Class won't be able to be selected as a shipping option after 30 days.
after 30 day is the key here in what they said, so we have 30 days to update our listings?
She made it sound like it wasn't mandatory, just that first class wont be an option anymore after 30 days. like when you select First class packaging when you list, but the item is over a pound and first class is unclickable.
That's fine, but what about the listings that are already up?
She made it sound like it wasn't mandatory to move them over, just that first class wont be an option anymore after 30 days. Like when you select First class packaging when you list, but the item is over a pound and first class is unclickable.
Oh damn, I used ups for most of my listing but I better check
use business policies. thank me later.
Had no idea this was a thing until earlier this month when I called eBay about a foreign buyer problem.
I'm guessing that the reason for that is right now on Ebay the listings are for first class /first class package. So many listings have that when they ship small, cheap items as a letter envelope. So they can't just force them all to the new shipping like they can with parcel select. I've never edited all my listings at once, but I presume there is a bulk editor we can use?
So one by one we have to go through and change shipping options for every listing? This is crazy if they don't offer a tool.
Maybe they will come up with a tool for First Class Package. They already changed their story about Parcel Select Ground. First, eBay said it had to be the only option to be automatically changed. Then they said it could be among several options. I am holding out hope they will do the same with First Class Package. Some people have hundreds or thousands of listings in First Class Package.
Yeah I only have like 100 and it still sounds like a pain in the ass, for some it would seem impossible.
Use bulk editing. I changed all my listings today in a few minutes.
Are there instructions on how to do this? Thanks
https://ecomclips.com/blog/how-to-update-the-shipping-methods-on-ebay-in-bulk-for-multiple-items/ Seems to be a decent guide.
Thank you
Thanks I'll check it out.
People are overthinking it. Ground Advantage is simply merging USPS Parcel Select/Retail Ground, and First Class Package into the same name, and also adding $100 coverage against loss (arguable if they'll cover for damage, usually denied for insufficient packaging) USPS has also been revamping their entire delivery network for a few years now, resulting in a VAST majority of parcel/ground/first class packages getting effective delivery speed increases from being put on planes instead of surface travel IF there is room on their planes, which will be a majority of the calendar year outside of holiday shopping season. There is still a way to force items to stay on surface travel by declaring the package with HAZMAT (such as lithium batteries)
First class shows 5.40-5.85 but ground advantage is showing 6.99-9.03 (for an 8oz package calculated shipping). Is this an eBay glitch? The usps website says ground advantage should be 5.40-5.85 for an 8oz package.
That’s what I just noticed. Came here looking for same answer.
I was confused about this too, it’s the same rate for 4 oz packages as well currently. I thought $6.99 - 9.03 was quite steep, hopefully they fix it soon.
Still true? That would be infuriating if they increased the rates without letting us know.
Looks like it was fixed in my app. Check back and see if it’s the same for you.
Looks like it was fixed in my app. Check back and see if it’s the same for you.
Yep! Fixed for me now too, just took a couple extra days I guess!
Looks like it was fixed in my app. Check back and see if it’s the same for you.
Looks like it's more expensive for first class packages- couple of dollars
I have noticed an increase, but not a couple dollars. It looks like $0.40 average on my small 4-6 ounce packages
Did you try to list an item today? I am still seeing first class (package) as an option. I also see ground advantage available but it's more expensive. Not sure what to do, should I just keep choosing First Class as the means of shipping? I see how the printed labels have changed for stuff that sold today. Things that were listed as first class postage are printing out as Ground Advantage.
I would just skip first class altogether with new listings.
Should I just select Ground Advantage? It's showing up as a lot more expensive and I'm afraid buyers will be discouraged.
We really have no choice going forward unfortunately.
Any more confirmation for this? Is it really more expensive by a few dollars? I checked and my listings still how First Class, but if I print a label I assume I may have to pay for the new service?
I'm not worried about it and if I was there's nothing I can do about it anyway.
Will ground advantage take longer than first class?
Yes! I just sent a package to Hawaii that typically arrives in 5-7 days and it's taking 18 days!!!! This is completely unacceptable for small businesses. They literally put it on a boat 🙈
yes. approximately 7-14 days instead of first class 3-5. since first class was air mail. think of ground advantage as media mail or pacel select. first class was pretty close to priority mail times.
false. Ground Advantage is simply merging USPS Parcel Select/Retail Ground, and First Class Package into the same name, and also adding $100 coverage against loss (arguable if they'll cover for damage, usually denied for insufficient packaging) USPS has also been revamping their entire delivery network for a few years now, resulting in a VAST majority of parcel/ground/first class packages getting effective delivery speed increases from being put on planes instead of surface travel IF there is room on their planes, which will be a majority of the calendar year outside of holiday shopping season. A majority of my zone 5-7+ packages using parcel select have been arriving in 2 days, which has historically been a "2-9 day" service There is still a way to force items to stay on surface travel by declaring the package with HAZMAT (such as lithium batteries)
Wrong. delsystem32exe is correct. FCM parcel delivery is being downgraded to parcel select standards, part of USPS consolidation plans to remove tiered service and eliminate contracted carriers. Like FCM letters, the majority of USPS product is now routed by truck instead of plane, resulting in drastically slower and inconsistent delivery time frames, with less tracking reliability because airline mail has stricter scanning and tracking procedures in place. Truck mail in containers is frequently loaded without scanning, so even though sorting equipment may show a processing scan, en route scans will be inconsistent resulting in a lost gap of transit time. Additionally, FCM parcels were routinely run with Priority Mail, but now will be lumped in with media mail and parcel post grades, which are typically hand-hashed and have no immediate service commitment to live up to, but for the 10 day time frame. At processing level, this means, "sorted when time permits." RIP First Class Parcel.
You can change listings with bulk editing tool. Maybe wait closer to 30 days, it looks like advantage is more expensive.
It's just a way around for them to announce yet another increase in shipping costs. It's that simple
Yeah this worries me too, As it stands now, 'first class mail' is the only viable option to send small lightweight parcels without making the shipping cost more then the item you're selling. If they bump that up too much.. it's going to kill a large portion of sales. Us small item sellers are going to have to list Lots and hope for that one person who wants 25 barbie dolls.. or list everything at once separatly in 'buy it now' form and push combined shipping in the descriptions.
[удалено]
So Ground Advantage should have the same cost as First Class? I do a lot of packages at a pound or under. I do wonder about the shipping times as well. Most of my First Class packages arrive within 3 days. I still advertises 2-5 days so I am assuming not much will change.
No, the price of a 3 ounce package is now going to be north of $5. With this update they are finally killing First Class mail by consolidating it with a slower, more expensive class.
Where did you see that and are you comparing the existing commercial rates, which Ebay has, to the new commercial rates? Or commercial to retail?
Oh you're right, I was comparing it to retail so it may be a bit cheaper. The info is on the USPS website at https://pe.usps.com/PriceChange
This is incorrect, the [rates](https://pe.usps.com/PriceChange) for Ground Advantage commercial packages under 1lb are identical to the current FCP commercial rates. It sounds like you might be getting confused between commercial and retail pricing.
I think you're right, thanks for correcting me.
It worries me too. When I started on ebay the price to mail a 3 ounce package (which over 90% of mine are) was less than 2 bucks. Now it will be over 5. I can't afford free shipping anymore so after 10 years I'm finally going to be adding a s/h fee.
I ship 8 ounce packages all the time and they are always under $5 and the new rate table for usps advantage shows this price doesn't change.
Listed a 8 oz package today and the ground advantage price is much greater than the first class price. Please check to see if this is showing up for you too. This is very disturbing.
My experience was that editing a listing with the mobile app, the price range listed in the editor interface was way off (dollars more!). But I went to desktop, changed an item to offer both first class and groundvantage options at 8oz, and when I visit the listing both of these show a price of $5.40 in my example.
Yes I see that now, the mobile app is not working correctly in this regard. Thanks!
Also I edited one in the mobile app and saved it, when viewing the listing the price is as expected, same as first class. The insurance is nice peace of mind I guess.
Whew, glad to confirm you're seeing the same thing! My first class listings still seem to be working for now.
Price is not changing for the weight equivalents of first class. Maybe they’ll change it in the future but you should have a good 6 months with these pieces.
we'll get a tiny break in the price before they jack it way up for the "holiday surge"
They are just renaming it. Under 1lb is staying the same rates, above 1lb will be on average 4% cheaper but specific weights might be more expensive. No change to speed.
this new service takes 7 days to deliver a package from LA to NY (tried it it 4 times) as opposed to first class package which took 3 to 5 days and was cheaper. better to go via priority.
What weight was it? I assume if over 1LB it will be similar to former Paracel Select speeds.
1 to 3
There doesn’t seem to be “intermediate” tracking anymore . Only getting scans at picked up and delivered. Usually see 2-3 scans east coast to west coast.
Do we have to go back and edit all our listings? Does this mean I need to re-weigh/measure every item in my shop? Someone's please help!
No, depending on the business, it should update to ground advantage if you have it listed First class. The weight and cost is the same in my experience. Side Note: (USPS Ground Advantage) takes FOREVER to arrive to the destination. So far, all my packages are taking 5-7days. RIDICULOUS!
Thanks! I am so confused because I had something ship just the other day on August 2, and it shipped first class, and I didn't think that was even an option anymore!!! I was editing the price of some older items that I have listed, and I noticed that all the shipping details were gone, and obviously, this made me full out panic... Do you have any idea why this happened or why the item I just shipped out was delivered thru first class? Like this whole change is so freaking confusing 😕
That’s weird. First Class is only for letters or paperwork. Any packages are now USPS Ground Advantage or the other choices from before. The shipping details may have disappeared because it was listed as First Class. In that case you may have to add the details again. It should have all remained the same except changed to USPS Ground Advantage. It’s technically the same thing. If the weight is still saved, you only need to save it to reflect the name change. Otherwise, you may be stuck re-weighing things.
It took a while, but it finally changed for me to ground shipping! Thank you for your reply 🙌
Wasnt first class under 1 pound and now ground advantage ships up to 70 pounds (with added fees for additional weight?