My daughter ordered a product on eBay and it came today in a Priority Mail box, turned inside out, with postage due of $11.70. I am going to get on my soapbox here and scold any eBay sellers who are doing this, or who think this is a clever workaround. It isn't for 2 reasons:
1. It is illegal. Priority mail supplies clearly state, "This packaging is the property of the U.S. Postal service and is provided solely for use in sending Priority Mail shipments. Misuse may be a violation of federal law."
2. It puts your customer in an awkward position because they will have to pay the postage due, and will contact you about the inconvenience. We have asked this seller to send the $11.70 due via Paypal ASAP.
3. It puts your account in jeopardy. The customer may open a case against you, or leave you negative feedback.
When turning Priority Mail supplies inside out, the inside of the package, which becomes the outside, is clearly marked so the post office can identify it - the box is marked so it is a visual cue for the post office. Sellers who are doing this aren't outsmarting anybody. Here is what the outside of the box looks like, clearly marked with "Thank you for using Priority Mail - Priority Mail postage required." I am wondering how the seller missed this and thought they could sent it Parcel Select:
Finally, the seller included this note with the order, "If for any reason you are unhappy with your order, please contact us before leaving feedback." My daughter did contact them, but many buyers may not in the heat of the moment and just leave a negative. She is awaiting a response.
It is so easy to follow the rules. The rules are clear on this. Is it really worth risking your account doing these tacky and unprofessional workarounds? My daughter says, "Come on, it isn't that hard to just do it right." I agree.
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