eBay

goodwillindustriesontariogreatlakes · ‎03-10-2017

Recently we have been experiencing errors with the metric conversion option when listing on eBay. We are a Canadian business that sells one off items so each listing is unique and prohibits us from using the 'sell similar' option. We use several different selling platforms and keep all of our records in imperial units - otherwise this wouldn't be a problem.

Error example - Input dimensions and weight of 12X12X12inches and 1lbs - when active, eBay converts the measurements in the listing to 12X12X12 cm and 16 grams (should be 16 ounces). This causes our customers to be significantly undercharged on shipping and we are losing money. If the conversion error results in the 'new' measurements/weight not meeting the minimum size requirements of the shipping provider, the customer is not shown a shipping price and we are left dealing with a multitude of shipping quote messages.

The only solution that eBay customer service can provide is to fill out the listings in metric units only (requires us to revamp our entire reporting process) or to catch every listing as it goes live and manually edit the conversions.

Is anyone else experiencing this issue?

reallynicestamps · ‎03-10-2017

This has, in my opinion, little to do with the selling platforms.

This is a shipping question and you are I gather shipping from Canada.

If you are shipping by Canada Post, which went metric in 1974, then there is no reason to use Imperial measurements in Calculated Shipping.

To the best of my knowledge, which is limited about this, all the Canadian courier companies also use metric measurements.

So basically you are coming at the problem from the wrong side.

If you are using USPS for shipping, they do still use Imperial measurements and there is no reason for you to have to change them to metric for calculations.

You have 115 listings at the moment.

If you plan to do five a day, you will have completed the conversion before the month is out.

And then do any new listings as they are prepared.

pjcdn2005 · ‎03-10-2017

Are you sure that the form hasn't somehow changed from imperial to metric and you are still entering imperial? It's possible that it changed on its own during an update. The advanced form can be in either metric or imperial. The shorter form looks to be set up for metric only.

Hiw do you enter weight on the listing? The form gives you a space for pounds and oz but are you entering it all in ounces. For example, a recent listing that ended states the package is 7.5lbs. If it is working as you say, wouldn't it then change to 7.5 kg which is heavier? Or, are you entering 120 ounces?