Retirement of USD from eBay.ca Selling Flows

[raphael@ebay.com]

Hello Canadian sellers,

This thread is open for discussion regarding the recent announcement about eBay Canada retiring USD support from its selling flows. Myself and other employees will come visit this thread and do our best to answer any questions on this topic.

[my-june]

I understand completely! After 8 years on ebay I've seen far too many negative changes. I'm really discouraged and am constantly making plans to find another way or place to sell my craft pattern books. I have buyer in USA, UK, France, Germany, Australia, but hardly Any in Canada! I tried listing in CAD and sold next to nothing! And to complicate matters even more, the ebay 'calculator' is now underestimating the cost of shipping parcel ~ I telephoned ebay 2 years ago when I first notice it and they could see the problem but didn't know how to fix it.  Add to that problem, for more than a year a lot of buyers are unable to make multiple purchases on my site and ask for the invoice ~ the ebay system insists they pay individually. I telephoned ebay about that the rep could see the problem, said it  was a technical issue and he would pass the info on. Well that was over a year ago and it still isn't fixed ~ I hardly make any sales now. I've lowered prices, I've tried listing in CAD, I've bulked items together and Nothing works ~ ebay just won't or can't fix my problems and, quite frankly, I Don't Think They Care!

[pocomocomputing]

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@my-june wrote:

I understand completely! After 8 years on ebay I've seen far too many negative changes. I'm really discouraged and am constantly making plans to find another way or place to sell my craft pattern books. I have buyer in USA, UK, France, Germany, Australia, but hardly Any in Canada! I tried listing in CAD and sold next to nothing! And to complicate matters even more, the ebay 'calculator' is now underestimating the cost of shipping parcel ~ I telephoned ebay 2 years ago when I first notice it and they could see the problem but didn't know how to fix it.  Add to that problem, for more than a year a lot of buyers are unable to make multiple purchases on my site and ask for the invoice ~ the ebay system insists they pay individually. I telephoned ebay about that the rep could see the problem, said it  was a technical issue and he would pass the info on. Well that was over a year ago and it still isn't fixed ~ I hardly make any sales now. I've lowered prices, I've tried listing in CAD, I've bulked items together and Nothing works ~ ebay just won't or can't fix my problems and, quite frankly, I Don't Think They Care!

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Regarding the eBay shipping calculator issue, post an listing that has the issue and the dimensions and weight entered as well as the shipping service entered.  The eBay shipping calculator is almost always correct and the issue is the data entered for the Canada Post shipping service used is incorrect.

[my-june]

By going into Canada Post website and using postal codes and zip codes I keep handy, I am able to determine the actual shipping costs of parcels.  I have a Venture One card which allows me to pay Regular Parcel rate and ship at Expedite or Business rate for the same cost for parcels within Canada.  For usa buyers I can use Small Packet Air (surface has been eliminated by CPC) or Tracked Packet rates for parcels weighing no more than 1 kg, valued at no more than $100.00 and measuring no more than a total of 90cm.

For international buyers I can use Small Packet or Tracked Packet (if the buyer can afford it! for items weighing no more than 2 kg and if the measurements are within a total of 90cm). Once I determine the Actual CPC cost to ship anything Over 1kg, then I input the shipping service, package measurements but I alway have to Double the Weight in order to have the ebay shipping calculator come up with the Correct amount for shipping parcels ~ Keep in mind, when using the Canada Post website, the prices quoted do not take into account the use of the Venture One card. Whenever I am given a discount from my V1 card, I simply refund the buyer for any extra cost they have incurred. As I mentioned, unless I input Twice the Weight of the package, the ebay calculator UnderEstimates the postage Each and Every Time. (The Rep I dealt with experimented with the figures and she said I was correct, But they Don't know how to Fix it.)

[pocomocomputing]

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@my-june wrote:

By going into Canada Post website and using postal codes and zip codes I keep handy, I am able to determine the actual shipping costs of parcels.  I have a Venture One card which allows me to pay Regular Parcel rate and ship at Expedite or Business rate for the same cost for parcels within Canada.  For usa buyers I can use Small Packet Air (surface has been eliminated by CPC) or Tracked Packet rates for parcels weighing no more than 1 kg, valued at no more than $100.00 and measuring no more than a total of 90cm.

For international buyers I can use Small Packet or Tracked Packet (if the buyer can afford it! for items weighing no more than 2 kg and if the measurements are within a total of 90cm). Once I determine the Actual CPC cost to ship anything Over 1kg, then I input the shipping service, package measurements but I alway have to Double the Weight in order to have the ebay shipping calculator come up with the Correct amount for shipping parcels ~ Keep in mind, when using the Canada Post website, the prices quoted do not take into account the use of the Venture One card. Whenever I am given a discount from my V1 card, I simply refund the buyer for any extra cost they have incurred. As I mentioned, unless I input Twice the Weight of the package, the ebay calculator UnderEstimates the postage Each and Every Time. (The Rep I dealt with experimented with the figures and she said I was correct, But they Don't know how to Fix it.)

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Please give an actual example where you have to input twice the weight. I am very skeptical of your claim. I have tested and checked the eBay shipping calculator many time over the years. Whenever any claimed that they was something wrong I or other members have found the difference to be user error, not the calculator. Only when the new Tracked Packet was introduced, was the calculator in error and it was fixed. That was just a bad implementation of Tracked Packet.

Not to offend you, but I would like a specific example. If true, then I will give that example to eBay.ca Canada staff in Toronto to investigate and fix if needed.

[my-june]

My item number 152059203216 actually weighs 3.112kg  In order for the correct shipping amount to show up for potential buyers I've had to input 6.7kg for the weight.

[pierrelebel]

" I've had to input 6.7kg for the weight."

Do you mean 6.7 pounds?

What were the measurements?

What specific service did you select?

[pocomocomputing]

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@my-june wrote:

My item number 152059203216 actually weighs 3.112kg  In order for the correct shipping amount to show up for potential buyers I've had to input 6.7kg for the weight.

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Do you know what volumetric weight is? Also called dimensional weight.

Expedited Parcel Canada uses volumetric weight (dimensional weight override). If the box is big, then the dimensions will create a dimensional weight that will be used instead of the actual weight.

What dimensions are you using in the listings? What are the actual dimensions of the box used to ship? Inches or cm?

Are you just putting in any dimensions for the box and not the actual box to be used dimensions? I ask because some sellers used to put in a standard set of dimensions (not actual dimensions) and the real weight in the eBay listings thinking the real weight is always used. When they ship they fill in the real dimensions used and are charged more when they go to the post office or use PayPal shipping with the real dimensions. A misunderstanding of dimensional weight and the seller thinks the calculator is not working when it works fine for the dimension input in the listing.

For example, a seller will put in 30 x 20 x 10 cm in all their listings thinking it does not matter but is very careful to put in the actual weight. The dimensional weight of this set of measurements

DW = 30 x 20 x 10 /6000 = 1 kg.

When they create the listings they put in those dimensions and then the actual weight of the items 3.1 kg.

Then when the item is sold, they use a box of 40 x 30 x 20 cm which is

DW = 40 x 30 x 30 / 6000 = 6 kg.

The dimensional weight of 6kg will override the actual weight of 3.1 kg.

PS Lettermail, Light Packet, Small Packet and Tracked Packet do not use dimensional weight. Expedited Parcel, Regular Parcel, XpressPost, International Parcel all use dimensional weight.

[my-june]

No, I do not mean 6.7 pounds

In Canada we use kilograms and measurements are taken in centimetres

The box measures 36cmX27cmX24cm and Actually weighs 3.112kilograms

In order to have the ebay calculator arrive at the Correct Rate for Expedited parcel, one must input the aforementioned measurements But the weight has to be increased to 6.7kilograms. Otherwise, the ebay calculator underestimates the postage.

Almost 2 years ago, when this first happened, I telephoned ebay and the Rep I spoke with checked into the matter and Agreed with me that it was actually happening and said they would find an answer and call me back.

I did received a call about a month later only to tell me they still didn't have answer.

As I mentioned, ebay confirmed that I am correct (not out to lunch) But they couldn't find a solution to the problem.

[my-june]

Just for the record, Small Packet and Tracked Packet have regulations:  The weight cannot exceed 1 kilogram if travelling from Canada to USA. Also, the measurements (length + width + height) cannot exceed a total of 90centimetres (900mm) Also the value is only insured on Tracked Packet up to $100.00. Small Packet Air or Surface is still available from Canada to other International destinations (eg UK France Germany, etc) and that rate allows up to 2 kilograms in weight. The measurements totally 90cm still applies.

(Small Packet mail is no longer insured whether it be Air or Surface and about 2 years ago or more, Canada Post stopped shipping from Canada to USA by Small Packet Surface)

I use the Canada Post website almost daily to find shipping costs and as I live within walking distance of the Post Office, I personally ship out my items.

When I list an item I both weigh and measure the package. Canada Post website is Very easy to use:~ all you need do is have the measurements, weight and destination, fill in my own postal code and the destination (Canadian pc, USA zip or name of State, or for other international shipping, just the name of the country).

Hit, the quote bar and the website give a list of choices and prices.  One can also upgrade the quotes for extra insurance, signatures, etc.,  As I mentioned above, I use it almost daily.

The actual cost to ship as given by the CPC website does not coincide with what the ebay calculator comes up with. Now we're back to "square one" ~ I telephoned ebay about this problem almost 2 years ago and they could see the problem, but still cannot come up with a 'fix'.......................

[my-june]

Well all I can say is that any Seller who puts in 'any old dimensions' and estimates the weight is downright stupid!

It goes without saying that the ebay pages ask for the measurement in centimetres and the weight in kilograms and/or grams.

So it would be useless to input anything else! and then expect accurate quotes from the calculator.

[lisella64]

I've tried to use the existing migration tool with the purpose of moving my existing listings over to Ebay.com. I got as far as when I was asked to create a file. My computer told me that I needed the Microsoft Excel program since my computer was unable to read the newly created file. I've given up and decided to wait for May 1 when Ebay has promised to have a new migration tool available.

I hope that the "new tool" works without us having to purchase new programs and that the instructions are made for general "consumption" and is not designed for computer nerds! Come on Ebay, you've never been able to fix the Canadian Shopping Cart in two years, surely you'll be able to come up with a migration tool which will work flawlessly! 

[pjcdn2005]

Some of us here are on the boards quite often and have dealt with many shipping issues and as poco said, most can solved by changing the information that is being entered. I've never before seen a post about the problem that you mention and if it is a site glitch, I'm sure that someone else would have commented on it before. I'm not sure why you would be seeing it and others aren't but there has to be an explanation.

Please check something for me. Go to your account, site preferences then shipping preferences and click on show on the right side.

The fifth item under shipping preferences says:

Offer this Canada Post Shipping Rate  -- To the right of that does it say Retail? If it does not say retail then at one time a discount was set up for your calculated shipping.  To change that, click on edit and uncheck the 'offer discount' box.

That's an easy fix so hopefully that is the problem...if not...then we'll have to think of something else to check.

As far as the problem being confirmed by cs, I don't have any confidence with them when it comes to specific Canadian issues including the calculator and they sometimes will tell you what you want to hear when they aren't sure what is going on.

[pjcdn2005]

I have a Venture One card which allows me to pay Regular Parcel rate and ship at Expedite or Business rate for the same cost for parcels within Canada.

As far as I know, Venture one gives you a 5% discount unless your volume is quite high. If you use Paypal shipping the discounts are higher.  They've changed them a couple of times so my figures might be a bit off but I believe that the discount is 14% for Expedited parcel in Canada and the U.S.  10% for tracked packet USA and international and 9% for Xpresspost.

[pocomocomputing]

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@pjcdn2005 wrote:

I have a Venture One card which allows me to pay Regular Parcel rate and ship at Expedite or Business rate for the same cost for parcels within Canada.

As far as I know, Venture one gives you a 5% discount unless your volume is quite high. If you use Paypal shipping the discounts are higher.  They've changed them a couple of times so my figures might be a bit off but I believe that the discount is 14% for Expedited parcel in Canada and the U.S.  10% for tracked packet USA and international and 9% for Xpresspost.

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http://pages.ebay.ca/sellerinformation/ship-smart/ebay-shipping-partners/canadapost/

• Save up to 18% on Canada Post domestic shipments via Expedited Parcel™. Save up to 18% on Canada Post US shipments via Expedited Parcel™-USA.
• Save up to 14% on Canada Post international and US shipments via Tracked Packet™-International and Tracked Packet ™-USA.
• Save 8% on Canada Post domestic shipments via Xpresspost™ and Regular Parcel.
• Save 9% on Canada Post U.S. shipments via Xpresspost™-U.S.A. and international shipments via Xpresspost™-International (Discounts not available on all USA and International Small Packets and Light Packet services).

[pjcdn2005]

I thought the rate was 18% and then went down. But perhaps I'm just confused. That happens more often these days!

[my-june]

Just checked again and it definitely is set for Retail 

When I spoke to an ebay Rep almost 2 years ago (up until then there was no problem), she did a thorough check and also used some of my measurements & weights to compare to the Canada Post Website.  She found there was a difference of $4. to $6. just on the examples she checked.

Most of the items I sell can be shipped by Lettermail, Letterpost, International Letterpost, Light Packet, Small Packet, Tracked Packet and for those items I know the cost to ship within Canada and/or USA and other International destinations. So I try to keep everything within those categories.

It's only when I put together items that weigh over 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) OR items that won't fit through a 20mm Lettermail slot that I have to input measurements and weights and rely on the calculator to quote potential buyers a shipping cost. In those cases, I find that increasing the weight will allow the ebay calculator to come up with the right amount. At present I am clearing out a stash of Beanie Babies and those can only be shipped by Parcel rate within Canada. Once they're gone and any other bulky items gone, I'll be just fine selling the pattern books.

[my-june]

I myself don't know how much the discount is but I do know that Venture One "bumps up" the shipping service for parcels within Canada by allowing me to pay Regular Parcel rate and still ship by Expedited or Business class.

For packages going outside of Canada, the Venture One gives a discount on Tracked Packet rates and Parcel rates. It doesn't offer discounts on Lettermail or Small Packet rates.

[my-june]

I'm currently downsizing my items to just pattern books which give me no problem at all as I know the shipping cost for all countries.

Once I succeed in that endeavour I'll have no problems in that respect.

After running into so many problems with ebay "gliches" I decided to dispose of any items that caused problems and sell only pattern books as a hobby.

[my-june]

I decided last year to give up selling the type of item that required parcel rates and downsize to a hobby only by selling pattern books.

I stay up to date with the postal rates, I personally pack and mail everything myself and while doing so I have a nice walk to the post office! So basically I've come up with my own "fix" ~ just list less items and only certain items.

Now, if only ebay could fix the "technical" problem they said was on my site ~ Many complaints coming in by potential buyers who can't make multiple purchases without the "system" forcing them to pay individually.

December 2015 a USA buyer make 13 purchases and had to pay for each one individually!  If she had contacted me first I could have offered her a solution but I'm always happy to make sales so I handled it.

[pjcdn2005]

Now, if only ebay could fix the "technical" problem they said was on my site ~ Many complaints coming in by potential buyers who can't make multiple purchases without the "system" forcing them to pay individually.

That is an issue with the .com cart. It has always been set up so that someone using .com to shop can only use the cart for listings that were originally posted on .com.   Also, in most cases, .com requires that if a cart is not used, an item has to be paid for individually.

The newer carts such as the one on .ca works for listings on all sites. The UK cart is also an older one and set up just like the .com one.