tracking numbers

[bearhunterblue]

What's the point of tracking numbers, other than to cover the sellers behind.  These numbers don't track anything.  We, as buyers, pay extra for this type of shipping, we're not given an option as to what type of shipping we want, and these numbers are useless.  What a scam!!!!

[heidilynn0_3]

Whats wrong with sellers covering their butts lol. If item is expensive and outside their risk comfort zone , will likely choose Priority/Expedited.

Cheaper items don't warrant IMO. US sellers can now have delivery confirmation on first class if labels are printed through eBay. I really thought that would make a big difference.

[dmil8030]

Hello 'bearhunterblue',

What do you mean the numbers don't track anything?  I find it depends on the number.  If you buy from the US and it is shipped Priority, the tracking number will work.  In the US you can follow it here:

https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction!input.action

and once it crosses over the border it will show up here:

http://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/track/personal/findByTrackNumber?execution=e1s1

Otherwise those 'fake' tracking numbers sellers provide could be to fool the buyer into thinking a non-traceable item can be tracked to the buyer's door, - or at the very least it does let you know when the item was first scanned in the outgoing post office.  Not much, but at least you know it's on its way.

Tracking is fun, but if you've got it you probably paid for more expensive shipping.  You're right, - as buyer's we have to pay this extra and it benefits the seller.  But let's face it, - it is far too easy for people with both a paypal account and a moral flexibility to file a false 'not received' claim and get the item and the money.  Hence, many sellers are simply refusing to send without Priority.

When you see an appealing listing which offers only Priority, you can always ask the seller if she will consider shipping with First Class.  You have a high feedback score so unless the item is expensive, large and/or heavy (there are size/weight restrictions on First Class) the seller may agree.  If not, it is only because she has been the victim of too many fraudulent claims.  At that point she deserves your compassion, not your resentment.

You see, it's not a 'scam'.  A scam - is all those people who file a 'not received' claim when a seller does not write back right away, or the listing disappeared because a rival seller got it removed even though your handbag maybe packaged and on its way, or just because it's so easy to do.  Hurray for paypal accounts that make freebies easy whilst honest buyers subsidize their goodies and sellers won't ship a 30-dollar item for less than the $35 because they're fed up with fraud.  That's whose fault it is - the false claim scammers, - not the sellers.

So when you get an item with a 'fake' tracking number, be glad of it.  Real tracking would have cost a lot more.  It is not the sellers who set the postal rates, and not their fault Priority costs what it does.  If the number tells you the item is on its way, have patience because it is not the seller's fault if the post is slow. 

And if the item doesn't show up, you have 45 days to file a 'not received' claim.:^O

http://pages.ebay.ca/help/buy/item-not-received.html

[scifan57]

There are not many sellers who would be willing to sell an expensive item without covering their behind,this is what tracking and delivery confirmation Is designed to do.

[femmefan1946]

Most of what the postal services, paypal and eBay call "tracking " numbers are actually Delivery Confirmation, insurance, or invoice numbers. Some are all three.

DC is very cheap (less than a quarter) bought online from USPS. Canada Post charges more , but is much more flexible about claims.

The seller decides whether DC will be necessary. If you feel the shipping cost is too high, move on to another seller.

[ok_so_im_50]

I'm not sure why you are complaining since you used to sell. It is up to sellers to decide which types of shipping to offer. When you were selling, were you scamming people by only allowing them to choose your options for shipping?