ebay Virtual Tracking Number query

Hi, I've never been quite clear on what - if anything - I need to do with the VTN. I've got an item to post - got a VTN along with the buyer's address in a 'You made the sale' email.

 

I usually write it at the bottom of the package or between the buyer's name and the first line of their address, but I think I've seen comments in the past that it can be safely ignored. Google's AI response doesn't look right, saying that, in my situation, I should enter it as the tracking number for the order.

 

Just to be clear, this package is being posted RM 1st Class Large Letter, with custom delivery. I'll be using my own stamps for postage, and it won't be tracked.

 

So, in this scenario - and in similar ones - should I continue to add the VTN (and if so, where), or is there no benefit at all in doing so? I have no issue including it - it only adds a few seconds to the dispatch process - but I may as well leave it out if there's no downside to doing so.

 

As I type this, a dim memory of asking this question before emerges in my foggy mind, along with a faint recollection of being told that the VTN is redundant (which would beg the question why eBay continues to give it to sellers, but this is eBay...). If I did, it was a while ago now, so any fresh answers would be appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance, and have a good day, everyone.

Message 1 of 4
See Most Recent
3 REPLIES 3

ebay Virtual Tracking Number query

ed_58611
Conversationalist

It's only relevant if you're using eBay postage labels apparently - it will therefore not apply when posting yourself using stamps, as far as I am able to discern

 

ed_58611_0-1761309467286.png

 

Message 2 of 4
See Most Recent

ebay Virtual Tracking Number query

Thanks for replying.

 

Yes, that echoes what I vaguely recall being told before.

 

So, really, for this sale - and others like it - eBay shouldn't be sending the VTN, but I guess it's easier for eBay to just issue them across the board.

 

I've never used eBay postage (apart from SD), so can I ask how the VTN 'integrates' with eBay's system? Is it already 'within' the system, or does the seller have to enter it somewhere? If the latter, where? It can't be where you enter (for example) a Royal Mail tracking number.

 

I'm still a little confused, but this isn't a major worry. Just as well it can be left out, though, because I got back from the PO earlier and realized that I hadn't added it anyway, durr!

Message 3 of 4
See Most Recent

ebay Virtual Tracking Number query

Here is the sum total of my knowledge on how EVTN works, courtesy of Google AI... 

 

ed_58611_0-1761319869572.png

 

Message 4 of 4
See Most Recent