UNTRACKABLE PACKAGES

[babus1124]

So we're new to selling stuff on ebay and have a problem.  We sold a few things, all was well.  We printed shipping labels through ebay, but later realized we'd have to adjust our packaging at the post office.  From the post office, we generated flat-rate shipping labels, attached them, and sent them on their merry way.  Turns out, those packages can't be tracked because we did not choose a particular option.  We thought they'd be trackable online, wrong.  Our concern now is that we shipped them, they'll be received, but we'll have no way to verify delivery, thus never get paid.  Is this a valid concern?  What can be done?  We've contacted the postal service and they said they can't track them either.  Any help would be appreciated.

[PayPal_Adrian]

babus1124 -

Can you see the payments in your PayPal account balance? If so, you've already been paid.  If you are required to provide tracking in order to have your payments released (they'll show in your "pending" balance when you first log in), then even without tracking, you'll still receive your funds after a maximum of 21 days.  If your account is subject to payment holds, check out this article for more information.

Thanks!

Adrian

[JeanQA]

Hello Adrian...       I have been quiet for a couple days.... !

     I am getting ready... (have read several posts/replies for Selling using Paypal).... to get back to selling  some things on eBay using Paypal as my payment method. AND....I have only previously used PO Money Orders in the past on eBay when it was an accepted method.

I have a some questions about  selling on  eBay through Paypal and receiving payments......  I have read the link you gave here on payment holds.And just to clarify...  if I sell something on eBay, buyer using paypal..And Seller generates an eBay Shipping Label .  Seller should then mark item as Shipped and  right away Upload the tracking info to Paypal ?  (Or how long should a Seller wait before Uploading the tracking info to Paypal??)  Does it do anything (bad) if you do manually upload it to Paypal and it also automatically uploads tracking info to Paypal? 

   I am asking because I have seen on the boards that the uploading of the tracking into Paypal  should be automatic from eBay to Paypal after the eBay label is made... But some are not seeing this info on their paypal account ( as automatic)..at all, or they are seeing note to Print a Label (Which has already been done in eBay ).... 

  I have sold on eBay before, but not for awhile so I will probably be considered new even though I have 100% rating. And I am concerned about payments being held up for more than a few days... I have read that making sure the tracking info is uploaded to Paypal.   * How is this done if using eBay   and * Would Seller need to use a Paypal Label  if using their own website to insure tracking info is there ?

          Where I have just been a buyer using Paypal, do I have to add a bank account in order to be able to Sell and receive payments?

     Thanks !

       Jean  

[PayPal_Adrian]

Hi JeanQA!  Good to hear from you, and those are some great questions!

Let's take them on a bit at a time.

Seller should then mark item as Shipped and  right away Upload the tracking info to Paypal ?  (Or how long should a Seller wait before Uploading the tracking info to Paypal??) 

Once you've shipped an item, it's best to mark it shipped there and then so that it doesn't get lost in the shuffle later.  Some merchants like to wait until the first tracking update is sent out on the shippers website, but that's a personal preference. 

Does it do anything (bad) if you do manually upload it to Paypal and it also automatically uploads tracking info to Paypal?

You can always check the payment details in PayPal to see if the tracking information automatically uploaded.  If it didn't, feel free to upload it manually.  It doesn't hurt anything at all to manually upload it if it wasn't already automatically uploaded.  You might consider waiting five or ten minutes just in case the different systems are slow in automatically updating the PayPal payment.

they are seeing note to Print a Label (Which has already been done in eBay )

I can definitely understand if this button is showing up if the tracking information wasn't automatically uploaded.  There's also a "Ship Another" button to add extra tracking numbers or ship extra packages that is commonly confused with the print a label button.  Instead, look past the button and into the details of the payment - if the tracking number is listed, there's no need to update it again (all you'll do is spam the buyer with another email that contains the same tracking number).

I have sold on eBay before, but not for awhile so I will probably be considered new even though I have 100% rating. And I am concerned about payments being held up for more than a few days

If you haven't sold in awhile, there's a potential this could happen.  Timely shipping with online tracking information will ensure any hold times are kept to a minimum - most sellers who use Priority Mail with online tracking can usually see a payment released in about a week. 

I have read that making sure the tracking info is uploaded to Paypal.   * How is this done if using eBay   and * Would Seller need to use a Paypal Label  if using their own website to insure tracking info is there ?

Uploading a tracking number to the transaction details if selling on your own website or if eBay shipping doesn't automatically populate uses the same method.  Just view the payment details and click on "Add Tracking Info."  You can buy your labels from eBay, PayPal, or any other shipper.  The key is just to get online tracking numbers (online delivery confirmation). 

For Seller Protection purposes, make sure you get a signature if it's $250 USD or over.  Insurance is never required but recommended in the event the post office loses your package (you would then want to refund the buyer via PayPal and pursue your refund from the shippers insurance claim process - never have the insurance pay out the buyer directly).

do I have to add a bank account in order to be able to Sell and receive payments?

You don't have to - but it's highly recommended.  Adding a bank account allows your account to become Verified, lifts your sending limit, eases a buyers concerns about purchasing from you, and allows you to electronically withdraw your funds to the bank (which is free and faster than requesting a check, which can take 2 weeks).

Hope this helps to turn that upside down! 

Adrian

[JeanQA]

Hi Adrian ...  Hope you had a great weekend !!   and GLAD you are back.

Thanks so much for replying to all those questions, I think you have cleared up many things.  I tried to give you 2 Kudos for all the great explanations, but it wouldn't let me.  And yes,  I know have a smiley >>

I remember when eBay encouraged Sellers Not to ship until they received their money, which did make it more convenient when paying for the shipping.  I did read on a post that Paypal (even if your money is pending/hold)  will release the shipping part to your Paypal account, when you use an eBay or Paypal shipping label... did I understand that correctly? And from what you say, the automatic uploading of the tracking info is fairy quick... Like if it doesn't show within a few hours it would be ok to manually upload the tracking info to Paypal ? 

  OOPS... another question.... promise no more, at least tonight.... 

Thanks for all your help .... again !!   I will check back tomorrow....

   Jean 

[PayPal_Adrian]

JeanQA -

Glad to hear you have one of these now >> And there's no need to apologize for the questions! It's one of the things we do here.  

As for manually uploading tracking information, yes, if you haven't seen them in a few hours, I would definitely upload (10-15 minutes is probably a safe bet unless it's the holiday season). 

Generally, if you print shipping labels on eBay (USPS domestic or First Class international), up to $15.00 of your buyer's funds will be available immediately to cover shipping costs for any order less than $50.00. For any order with a total cost that exceeds $50.00, up to 30% of the funds from your buyer will be available immediately to cover shipping costs. If you print shipping labels on PayPal and select USPS postage, you'll need to pay for shipping when you print the label but the reimbursement will be deposited back to your PayPal account within 24 hours. Funds from your buyer won't be made available in advance to cover shipping costs for items sent through UPS or Canada Post (they would  have to be funded in advance).

Adrian

P.S. I notice your post and kudos count is really growing!  Keep up the good work, and we're glad to have you here!

[JeanQA]

Hi Adrian 

Thanks... That is great info...  My desk is piling up with Q & A's ... I had to start a Paypal folder  !  It is amazing all the posts you have made, you must be a speed typist !!!!    Just look at all the members you have helped get organized, I think I am a good chunk of those posts of yours !!!!!

Thanks about the Posts/Kudos !   YOU have been very helpful, there is a lot to learn and understand. I love the way you explain things, You untangle the web of learning.  And I would like to be able to help also when I see some instances that I have been through and received help.... I know how overwhelming it can be, especially when you are starting out....

       Going to check the boards.....

          Thanks     Jean

[PayPal_Adrian]

JeanQA -

Well, I don't know what my typing speed is these days, but I do know it topped out around 162 wpm in my typing course in high school.  I just realized that kind of dates me, doesn't it? I don't miss typewriters at all though!  Well, except for that oddly satisfying "ding!" they made at the end of every line.  I think there's still something to be said for the feel of actual paper and watching the words roll onto them.  

Thank you again for all the compliments.  We try to help out where we can whenever we're not doing all those adminstrator-type tasks, which can be quite a few.  I think the folder is a great idea, nothing like keeping organized.  As for helping others out, I know you will, and have already seen you do so.  That's what a Community is all about, right?

See you around!

Adrian

[JeanQA]

LOLOL....  gee, I also remember the Ding at the end..and now we have wrap around... just isn't the same !!. and It did have some sort of satisfaction with the paper coming out with all your hard work on it...

   You mean they make you do more than getting the members out of trouble and on to purchase and sell ?...that is more than anyone can ask for !!!!! 

   AND did you notice, I also have 2 bubbles next to my name !!   I don't know what it means or how I got it, but it looks impressive !! What do I have to do for 3 ?  Oh, the pressure is on ... 

  ok...  Seeing you are here reading... Guess one question... 

     I have my main eBay ID  linked to my only Paypal account which I have used successfully ..... 

     I also have another eBay ID that I only use sometimes,  for buying only.... Can I purchase and sign in to Paypal & use my Paypal account to pay, even though this ID is not linked to the paypal ? (This eBay ID has the same primary eBay shipping address as my main eBay ID linked to Paypal) .

   Did you ever think of writing a Paypal Guide Book ?   Oops... That was 2 questions !

                        Thanks.... 

                            Jean

[PayPal_Adrian]

JeanQA -

Oh yes, there's quite a few things we do behind the scenes to keep the lights on and the generator running through the night.  It's what we do, and I couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to be the one doing it.    Ok, actually the place runs pretty smoothly, but a good Administrator never stops double checking and tweaking things. 

As for the bubbles, that means you're advancing in Community Rank.  Generally there are three bubbles to each rank, and once you gather enough, you move up to the next stage.  There's a whole system behind Ranks, and if you're interested in learning more, check out this article.

In regards to the eBay issue, you sure can, even without linking them! You can log into any PayPal account you want to make the payment, but you can only have one PayPal ID linked to one eBay ID at any one time.  Neat trick here: a PayPal ID can be linked to up to 8 eBay IDs!

Oh!  The guide book! I do just that every day on here, just a little bit here and there I can't wait to hit 5,000 posts!

Adrian