Simple Delivery forced on oversized items – how do I add my actual tracking and claim funds?
Summary: atlantafire74 sold two oversized paddleboards on eBay but faced issues with listing them due to Simple Delivery requirements. Despite opting for 'seller pays' shipping and providing actual tracking numbers, the system didn't allow them to record this against their orders, leading to funds being held. They are seeking advice on how to claim refunds for unused postage and ensure proper delivery confirmation. **peaseblossom** explained that refunds for unused labels would happen automatically if the buyer paid for shipping, and provided guidance on listing oversized items to avoid these issues in the future. atlantafire74 expressed frustration with the system's lack of clarity and the complexity of listing such items.
I recently sold two large stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), which class as oversized items.
However, when listing the items, eBay required me to select Simple Delivery before I could list them, otherwise I received the alert “Postage method required.”
I followed the instructions to add my own postage, but the “Add postage method” box was empty.
As I had to get the items listed quickly for the weekend, and while the summer season was still here, I therefore selected Simple Delivery and listed the items.
Both items then sold. I supplied both buyers with their Parcelforce tracking numbers, and both items have since been successfully delivered.
I have gone through the system to reclaim both Simple Delivery postage amounts, but there is no indication anywhere that I can find showing that I have submitted these claims, or their current status.
The orders also remain linked to eBay's unused Simple Delivery tracking, and there is no “Add tracking number” option available on the order page.
The payment section says:
“Your funds will now be available 2 days after delivery or on 31 Aug, whichever comes first.”
Can an eBay employee please advise:
How can I have the actual Parcelforce delivery recorded against these orders and ensure the funds are released based on the confirmed delivery?
Can you confirm that I will be refunded for both unused Simple Delivery postage amounts, and advise where I can see the status of those claims?
Is there a sensible way to accomplish this in future?
Why has eBay made selling oversized items so confusing and difficult?
Thanks for any help.
Brett
atlantafire74
OP1 week agoAlso, just to explain, this whole situation was caused by using ‘Sell one like this’ which set me up with an unsuitable selling template with no over-sized parcel options. Ebay assumes people sell regularly and know about these issues. And even if they do, why should users be responsible for eBay’s failings and inadequate UI? So that’s something to take note of - don’t use ‘Sell one like this’’!
**peaseblossom**
·1 week agoSellers only pay for SD labels when they use "Free postage" on their listings. If the postage amount was on the listing that means the buyer paid for the unused label and they will get an automatic refund for it within 30 days. You cannot claim back for the postage you bought yourself.
You cannot change the tracking number on ebay so it will act as if untracked and the payment will be held usually for 14 days but sounds like yours will be released on the 31st.. You will get it though.
For future there is a "Bulky parcel" option that goes up to 120 x 80 x 80 cm, and up to 30kg. That availability depends on category so you need to change category or sub-category until it's an option. Try on a laptop or desktop rather than the app.
Or you could use "Oversized" to opt out of Simple Delivery and buy your own postage. That also depends on category so you have to sift through categories/sub-categories to get it. If you select it click on Add Primary Service and enter postage cost.
If all else fails you can list with free postage - sellers pays, factor that cost into your item price and buy your own postage outside of eBay. There would still be a SD label but you can claim a refund for it. You can't change tracking number but you would be able to add the new number to a "not received" case if that were necessary. Payment may be held for 14 days.
atlantafire74
OP1 week agoThank you. So when I listed the items I selected 'seller pays', so the buyer had free postage. So I should receive the refund for the unused postage?
When I listed the items, I did use 'sell one like this' from an appropritae item, and then selected 'Over-sized item; from the postage drop down. But there were no postage options available in the postage options list, even after making a custom postage option elsewhere on the site. So surely selecting a different catagory won't help sell the item as it won't be listed correctly for seller's searches?
This is what I tried to do, but the site wouldn't allow me to list the items without an actual postage method. Selecting over-sized required a primary service to be selected, but there were none shown in the list. Now I understand that changing catagory would have shown these, but there are no instructions or help on the selling page to indicate this.
This is what I had to do, but surely this isn't the best way to do this??
Currently, I have £40 of unwanted and unused simple postage awaiting a claim back, and nearly £700 of funds held by eBay as there is nowhere to instruct it that the items have already been delivered.
Considering eBay is a selling/auction site, I think the selling page is a complete failure.