eBay stop allowing non latin characters in shipping addresses!!

Summary: biglittleape expresses frustration with eBay's current system, where shipping addresses in non-Latin alphabets cause issues with generating UPS/DHL shipping labels. They suggest implementing a system where eBay could either notify buyers of incompatible address formats or require an additional address in Latin characters. reallynicestamps agrees, sharing their experience with similar challenges and noting that asking buyers for addresses in Roman characters can be cumbersome. Several contributors highlight problems with international shipping standards, such as shortened addresses and specific customs document requirements varying by country. biglittleape mentions they only ship using UPS/DHL due to better electronic customs processing. The discussion also touches on the potential advantages and misconceptions about shipping to PO boxes, especially regarding delivery safety and carrier policies.

I'm so tired of having to contact buyers to get a shipping address which I can actually print.

I get addresses in Arabic, Japanese, Korean and so on, which I can't print a UPS/DHL shipping label with. No translation doesn't work most of the time and it's too risky shipping like that.

There should be an option to block/notify buyers before placing an order that their shipping address language does not match the sellers language. Better yet, allow 2 addresses with one required to be in latin style characters.

biglittleape

54 View listings

Posted 1 year ago·Last reply 1 year ago

5 comments

reallynicestamps

·1 year ago

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Don't get me started with Puerto Rico PO boxes passing the "do not ship to po boxes" option.

It should be noted that PO boxes are the safest addresses possible.

The PO box holder needs a key to enter the box, and if the package is too big, it must be picked up, and usually signed for, at the counter with identification.

The whole "no PO boxes" thing started when USPS wouldn't/couldn't sign for shipments carried by couriers. There is some sort of change in that, possibly because of AZ lobbying, but I am not clear on what it is.

Canada Post delivers everywhere and is usually cheaper than private carriers.

Not to mention that Canada Post did not historically charge import fees and service charges on postally carried shipments if they were low value and/or not bulky, which private carriers were legally forced to do.

biglittleape

OP1 year ago

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I don't ship with Canada Post internationally. I strictly use UPS/DHL Express and the thermal labels cannot be generated with foreign languages.

With UPS, customs is electronic for most countries. no additional documents are included with the label. DHL still uses paper documents.

Either way I'm not translating my customs info into other languages.

reallynicestamps

·1 year ago

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I agree that if the label will not print out in the original characters that it becomes Undeliverable and the seller should be able to cancel as Problem with Address.

EBay should take notice that the Universal Postal Union has as its working languages:

Arabic
Chinese
French
Russian
Spanish

And that English was only added as a working language in 1994.

But since we are here to make money, have you tried using Message to ask the buyer for their address in Roman characters?

biglittleape

OP1 year ago

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Yes, I always have to ask the buyer but like right now I have a label I cannot print and its 3am where the buyer is located. My handling time is same day with cut off mid afternoon. I won't be able to ship this package today, just hoping the buyer replies before the day ends so at least I can mark the package as shipped today.

We shouldn't have to deal with this. It's easy enough to detect the language used in the shipping address and if the seller is not located in the country where that language is used there should be something to handle that.

Don't get me started with Puerto Rico PO boxes passing the "do not ship to po boxes" option.

lotzofuniquegoodies

·1 year ago

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@biglittleape wrote:
Yes, I always have to ask the buyer but like right now I have a label I cannot print and its 3am where the buyer is located. My handling time is same day with cut off mid afternoon. I won't be able to ship this package today, just hoping the buyer replies before the day ends so at least I can mark the package as shipped today.

We shouldn't have to deal with this. It's easy enough to detect the language used in the shipping address and if the seller is not located in the country where that language is used there should be something to handle that.

Don't get me started with Puerto Rico PO boxes passing the "do not ship to po boxes" option.

@biglittleape

@devon@ebay

This is a nuisance that has been reported to eBay for a number of years. Addresses that are not in the standard North American format. I've had situations where the customers address has been shortened to a certain number of characters hiding/skipping key info required for delivery. Same goes for countries with unique formats or languages. When eBay started adding VAT collected the info was dumped over part of the address. It's not always known if this has happened. Best to confirm with customer prior to label generating or advance google to confirm. Made more challenging when address info needs to be 1 way for Canada/USA and another for the recipient. Link on variations below. (Note: You can manually add a computer generated label to parcel. Just make sure to locate it as per end recipient requirements.)

https://www.postgrid.ca/international-postal-address-standards-formats/

There are countries where customs document requirements are in language of their choosing along with additional government certificates. Unfortunately there is no way to accomplish this with eBay labels and/or CP Snapship. When shipping to any off the wall countries best to confirm using CP's checker for specifics.

Several countries require customs documentation in a specific foreign language or require certain documents to be translated. For example, Mexico requires the NOM (Official Mexican Standards) for specific goods, and Angola mandates a CNCA waiver certificate in English. Many countries also require commercial invoices in English, especially for assessing customs duties, according to the International Trade Administration.

Specific examples of countries and their requirements:

Mexico (NOM):
Specific goods require compliance with the Official Mexican Standards (NOM).
Angola (CNCA):
A CNCA waiver certificate is mandatory for all shipments.
EU:
Documentation in English is generally required for customs clearance, though some specific inspections might require local language documents.
United States:
While the official language is English, some documents like the SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 may need to be submitted alongside passport and visa information.
India (EPR):
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certification is required for certain electronic goods.
South Africa (ITAC):
Import permits for specific goods are governed by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC).
Hong Kong (HKTID):
The Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department ID (HKTID) is required for certain restricted goods.
United Kingdom:
Certain export licenses may be required for specific goods.

General Requirements:

Commercial Invoices:
Many countries require commercial invoices, which detail the goods and value, and they are often required to be in English for clarity and ease of assessment by customs authorities, as explained by the International Trade Administration.
Certificate of Origin:
This document confirms the origin of the goods and is often required in English, especially for trade agreements.
Other Documents:
Depending on the goods, other documents like packing lists, bills of lading, and import/export licenses may also need to be in a specific language or accompanied by translations.

Fedex has a tool to assist with this process.