Online Sellers Should Lookout for Package Delays

by: angryllama

DOG bites MAN.   Alert the media.   Come on folks.  The actual story here is that EXPECTATIONS have been raised TOO HIGH and the knee-jerk response by UPS is only likely to get THEM an un-deserved black eye.  I say this with the expectation on my part that this "delay" is for their GROUND service vs. foolishly promoted service dates that they CAN MEET over and over 49 weeks out of 52.  IF they are having such problems with BLUE (2-day) and RED (1-day) that is a "problem" that already has it's own FIX right in the UPS rules/regulations/after-sale policies.  NOTICE how few naifs have been seduced by EBAY into placing their own posterior right into their ILL-Conceived Guaranteed Delivery (SELLER-Destroyer) promotion?  Every time I do a search and take the MOMENT to click on "3 day delivery" switch I see only 2 different outcomes:  ALL the listings disappear,  Only single digit number remain with the TWITCH that of those that STILL show with that SWITCH thrown to ON... are OutLandishLy Expersive..... even the ones that only "promise" PRIORITY mail.  I put QUOTES around PROMISE as the last two things I've bought where PRIORITY was specified shipped .... get this .... MEDIA MAIL  Who ARE these GOOFS who think they can specify PRIORITY MAIL on a "free shipping listing" and then actually SHIP OUT using "slow boat from Shanghai" MEDIA MAIL?

by: Snapped

Assuming a seller doesn't try that ship bait 'n switch, yes, there should be concerns about how eBay 'guarantees' something they can't possibly control, and regularly ignores any 'protections' promised to cover sellers impacted by events beyond ANYONE's control.

But a real 'concern' should also exist for buyers who need to realize promises in delivery dates - no matter who makes them - can still be impossble to achieve due to seasonal volume and/or weather issues.  Plan accordingly.  'Blame' appropriately.  Howling at the moon won't change it's orbit.

If only, right?

Nevertheless, the Llama is correct - this issue is not 'news'.  Sesonal delays have required consideration to plan for every Dec ever since the first eCom package was shipped respecting holday expectations and need.  Ths year, the USPS for example printed and mailed postcards to every household defining deadline ship dates to 'guarantee' delivery before the big 'C'.  But even that can still be impacted by the unexpected.  

And it's only going to get more 'challenging'.  

Guaranteed.  

by: leathermermaid8

Note also a large fire occurred at one of their Maryland hubs a couple of days ago.  http://wjla.com/news/local/fire-at-maryland-ups-center-destroys-
10-packaging-trucks-and-one-trailer

Sellers and buyers alike may be  affected.  And at the worst possible time.

I like UPS well enough unless they're doing that hybrid to the Post Office thing.  Our instant world doesn't always translate very well to actual physical shipping and people should realize and plan accordingly.  

by: toolguy

I mailed a package on cyber Monday Nov. 27th

It was going from California to Tulsa Priority Mail.

the label said 2-Day shipping

It was delivered on Saturday Dec 2nd ~ 5 days!

by: blueribbon1844

Ebay gave me 23 late delivery "defects" from cyber monday. Based on 3rd party(usps) and some faulty Artificial Intelligence.

After 2 lengthy phone calls Ebay was kind enough to remove 9 False "defects" but won't reveal why.

So I have appealed the other "FAKE DEFECTS" all shipped cyber monday. I am awaiting their decision but wont hold my breath.

I asked them why isn't cyber monday considered a national disaster, like hurricanes and fires cause shipping defects...Clearly the post office cant handle it, and Ebay had the nerve to tell me to switch carriers if usps cannot deliver on time.  

As a seller I find this is one of the worst features about ebay. FALSE DEFECTS. If you are not monitoring your defects daily, it could cost you TRS like it did for me by 0.02% last year.

by: epuise

HUGE delays due to CALIF fires...

by: toolguy

Why buy on Amazon when eBay can be faster?

A customer bought an item 5 minutes ago, It's on the porch waiting for the Mail person to pick it up.

Amazon Prime can't beat that!