Pet Peeve

Is anyone else bothered by the extreme amount of packing tape that is placed on envelopes and boxes when you buy something from ebay? I can't get this stuff opened and sometimes it literally takes 15 minutes just to open a box. I think I am going to start giving neutral feedback when someone goes overboard with the tape.

Reply to
Scout Lady
Loading thread data ...

Kind of makes you wonder if their shipping charges are for the TAPE? I understand how you feel! I sometimes think they reuse boxes so often and the tape gets built up.

Linda

Reply to
Linda C

I know when I've sent stuff, I sometimes go overboard. I do it just because I'm worried that the envelope will get ripped and the stuff will get lost. But I don't do it on boxes. I can see where boxes would be a pain.

Reply to
Shannon

I think it is done because if it arrives in damaged condition, then they will get negative feedback and they don't want that. And the postal service in both Canada and the USA are not noted for being GENTLE!

Reply to
bigsam

Reply to
Gina Bull

I got a neutral for not putting enough tape on the box and two things fell out during transport even though the buyer DID NOT opt for insurance eventhough I urged her to as she lives in Hawaii and I in NY. I secured the box but I can't help the USPS or UPS' handling of boxes. She ripped me apart in an eMail even though she admits she has NEVER SOLD on eBay. I'd suggest you contact the seller and ask for a part refund since her/his packaging utlimately caused damage to the product.

Kate

Reply to
a-scrapbooking-diva

Well I think there is a reason the "utility knife" has been renamed over the years to "box cutter." It's because we can get into those dang boxes and all their tape! You practically need a lethal weapon to get into them.

Lynne

Reply to
King's Crown

Oh that;s one of my biggest fears ... damaging the contents trying to get to it through all the tape!

Lynne

Reply to
King's Crown

It's really a catch 22, because if you secure the package really well, then you annoy the receiver who has to open it, and if you don't then there is a pretty good chance that the USPS or UPS is going to split it open while handling it. Have you ever seen them loading the packages into bins, they just throw them. I've seen them many times at the airport standing on the ground and throwing packages up and into a huge bin.

Reply to
roxyerwrld

I think I'd rather have to wrestle a bit more tape than have a half-empty box arrive...

Reply to
Kajikit

Hi! As a seller on Ebay and owner of an Ebay store, I know that I tend to be generous with the tape. And, believe me, my handling charge doesn't even cover the cost for the mailer, let alone tape and bubble wrap. Sellers are truly caught in a no-win situation.... too little tape and the package can open. Or, if any spaces are left, moisture can get into the package. Despite my best efforts, I just had a buyer email me that her priority mail box arrived with gouges and her papers were all dented. She was frustrated and I am taking a loss as I am replacing the entire contents and re-shipping at my expense -- for something totally out of my control.

If you want to make sure that your seller doesn't over-tape packages, send a little note and ask them not to mummify the package in tape and mention why. I am sure they would be more than willing to be accommodating.

Over the last few months, Ebay has instituted a new methodology for determining seller final value fees and results in searches. Ebay has some sort of secret formula using the seller's feedback scores and DSR ratings (those little yellow stars) to determine where a seller's product shows up (if at all) in buyers' searches. If a seller has a DSR rating under 4.3, their account is actually suspended. So, please, be gentle when leaving feedback. Too much tape does not mean a bad seller, just a little over zealous.

Reply to
Helen from NY

The thing is we get anywhere between 5 and 20 packages a day. I have yet to have any package opened and other than from ebay no one goes crazy with that damn tape. I am actually making notes at this point to stop buying from sellers who can't ship a simple envelope or box in a normal manner and I will not buy from them again.

I have had paper arrive with the ends crushed. All the tape in the world is not going to prevent it if the box is dropped on a corner. Perhaps you could offer insurance so you are not responsible if the carrier damages the package.

Reply to
Scout Lady

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.