Can I use a different shipping carrier than the one selected by the buyer? (Paying the difference my
Summary: nurcanshop posed a question about whether they can use a different shipping carrier than the one chosen by the buyer, even if it involves paying the difference themselves. The discussion seems to have involved multiple participants, with transtraders and others responding, but specific responses or conclusions are not detailed. It seems to be centered on shipping preferences and possible cost implications.
Hi everyone, I have a quick question regarding shipping. A buyer recently purchased an item and selected a specific shipping service. However, I’ve found a more reliable/faster shipping option that I would like to use instead.
I will be covering all additional costs myself, so the buyer won't pay extra. Is this allowed under eBay’s policies, or should I strictly stick to the service the buyer selected at checkout? I want to make sure I’m protected and that the buyer remains happy with the transaction.
Thanks in advance!
recped
·3 months ago@nurcanshop
For Canadian shipments I offer Canada Post as the default service (Flat Rate not Calculated).
80% of the orders that qualify for Canada Post Lettermail are sent that way
10% (maybe less) of the orders that qualify for Canada Post Expedited are sent that way, the other 90% (and 20% of the Lettermail) are sent via other carriers, many of which are not integrated into eBay's systems.
For International, I use generic shipping "standard international". I have been considering doing the same domestically but instead I rely on a statement in my listings that I use multiple carriers based on cost & speed.
As far as issues with the Canadian orders that don't usually get shipped CP, I have never had a single complaint about that aspect not even a mention other than usual "fast shipping" comments in feedback.
lotzofuniquegoodies
·3 months ago@nurcanshop
Another part of this to consider is the service you may want to switch to may be good at your end but not so good at the final delivery end. Let google be your friend. Alternative would be to advise your buyer and make sure they have no concerns about a switch.
femmefan1946
·3 months agoUpgrading to a faster or tracked service is usually not a problem, but you cannot charge the customer more for a service they did not ask for.
Good point about UPS. If a customer has a PO Box (including the community postboxes) UPS cannot use them .
transtraders
·3 months agoFrom what I can tell, you are allowed to upgrade the service, just not allowed to downgrade. If you downgrade it can hurt your seller metrics and also the buyer can open a INAD because its technically part of the item description. However, you should message the buyer to confirm first in case they do not like certain carriers (i.e. UPS for example) for whatever reason.
flipistics
·3 months agoTechnically UPS ground is not considered an expedited service by eBay either (although imo it should be), so technically you're not supposed to ship by UPS if the buyer chose an expedited service like most of the Canada Post ones. Realistically you want to offer the best service possible to the buyer though.