Just a couple responses to some posts:
As for the size of the envelope that is allowed, according eBays info about the envelopes, they say that the minimum dimensions have to be atleast 5" by 3.5" and the maximum allowable is 11.5" by 6.125", so a 6" by 8" should work.
Here's what I mainly wanted to comment on though. I spent about 30 minutes today talking with 2 different reps from eBay regarding how does the tracking work. This came about becasue I went to drop off my first envelope that will be shipped with this new "eBay standard envelope" method, and I asked the USPS clerk how tracking works and she said there isn't tracking, because there is no barcode to scan into the system, so I showed her the tracking number and said that's not a USPS tracking number and when she searched it in USPS, it says invalid. It was her opinion there is no way to track that envelope. So, after speaking with her, I called eBay and asked them to explain how it works to me, and they kept giving me a lame answer saying the system automatically tracks it when you print the label off eBay. I asked how they can track it, if USPS system isn't communicating with eBay's system because the package has no barcode to scan when I drop it off to ship, at the various checkpoints/hubs, and then finally when it arrives at the buyer. She could not answer me and kept trying to talk me in circles. Needless to say, when I received an email asking me to rate my interaction, I was very direct and didn't hold back, and said I don't neccessarily think it's the agent fault, it's the fact that she isn't properly trained on how to explain one of the most important, and beneficial, aspects of this new shipping option.
At any rate, it makes me very leery. Of course there won't be any problems with cards that are delivered and when dealing with honest buyers, but I can see disputes arising when a buyer doesn't receive a card or they try to pull something. Then, as a seller with 100% positive feedback, I'd have to decide to refund, or take a negatvie feeback...
The only form of tracking I can think that would be associated with these new labels is the QR code that is next to the postage. Perhaps when it goes through the USPS machines, and they scan them to confirm there is enough postage, the machine scans that QR code? I'm strictly guessing on this, but if this is the case, that's a simple concept, and an easy explanation, so you would think the eBay rep could explain that in about 30 seconds
I will be sending this off tomorrow, so I will be very curious to see how the first one goes.
Thanks
PS: I've bought 3 cards off eBay where the sellers used this shipping. When you look at the tracking history in eBay, 2 of them have the full timeline of tracking and ultimately say they were delivered, however the 3rd one says it's still in transit, however, I got the card a week and a half ago.
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