Are you a buyer looking for an update on your parcel? Read our article on tracking an item you bought
Uploading tracking lets you and your buyer see where an item's got to, giving buyers more confidence that their order will arrive. If funds from a transaction were placed on hold, tracking information helps determine when funds can be released.
When you buy shipping labels on eBay, tracking is uploaded automatically and you could also save money on postage with our discounted rates. Because all services are fully tracked and delivery stays visible on eBay, you'll benefit from additional seller protections for eligible delivery issues.
Australia-based sellers who are enrolled in free selling are generally required to buy a label on eBay on eBay to send eligible items. It's not required for items where a label isn't available (such as bulky items) or isn't practical (such as items that may be sent in an envelope).
If buying a shipping label on eBay is required for an item you've sold, you won't be able to view the buyer's delivery address or upload tracking manually. The buyer's address will be pre-filled on the label and tracking will be uploaded for you automatically when you buy the label.
To offer alternative postage options, you'll need a Pro plan - opens in new window or tab. We offer 4 eBay Pro plans to choose from, including a Pro Starter plan that has no monthly cost.
If you're not required to buy your shipping label on eBay, we recommend using an integrated carrier and uploading tracking within your handling time. This helps protect you in case your buyer doesn't receive the item and opens an eBay Money Back Guarantee request or payment dispute.
When tracking is uploaded automatically
Tracking is uploaded automatically if you buy a shipping label on eBay.
We also upload tracking automatically for some orders using eBay's Virtual Tracking Number (eVTN). We add a unique, seven-character code to the first line of your buyer's address (e.g. 'ebay:12aB3cd') for most orders, and use this to capture accurate and detailed tracking information if the parcel is sent via Australia Post. Even if tracking was retrieved automatically using an eVTN, you can still upload tracking manually for the order.
It's important that you don't remove or interfere with the code on your orders. We only add an eVTN code when there's room to do so, so that it won't affect the accuracy of the address or delivery of your parcels. It also won't change your eligibility for eBay seller protections.
Tip
The eVTN code only retrieves tracking for Australia Post parcels where you paid for the label online and printed it off. If you're paying for postage in store, sending with letters or using a different carrier, make sure you upload tracking to eBay manually.
eVTN and printing postage via third-party portals
If you're printing postage labels through an external portal via API, you don't need to do anything – the eVTN code will flow through automatically.
If you're printing your labels manually through a portal such as eParcel, you'll need to enter the whole eVTN code ('ebay' + 7 characters) in the first address line of the label. Please make sure you enter the code exactly as it's displayed on eBay.
If you're combining postage on multiple items, you just need to include one of the eVTN codes on the parcel.
How to add, edit or delete tracking details
Once you've sent your item, you can add tracking details (up to 6 tracking numbers per order) through Seller Hub or My eBay, whether your item was bought by an eBay member or a guest buyer. You can also edit or delete tracking details in the same place. Here's how:
We recommend you copy and paste tracking numbers directly from your carrier's website to avoid typos or missing digits.
Note: If buying a shipping label on eBay is required for your item, you won't be able to add, edit or delete tracking details manually.
Tip
To quickly upload tracking from a post office receipt or Australia Post pre-paid satchel or letter, simply open the eBay app and find the order. Tap Upload tracking and then scan the barcode or QR code with your phone.
Marking a non-tracked item as sent
An item will be automatically marked as sent if you buy a shipping label on eBay or manually upload a tracking number. If you posted an item to a buyer using a non-tracked method, you can mark it as sent manually. Here's how:
International tracking
You can add tracking details for items you're sending overseas in exactly the same way as for domestic orders. Just remember, when creating your listing, choose a carrier that provides international tracking, and make sure your postage price reflects this cost.
Troubleshooting tracking issues
If you experience any issues tracking items you've sold, or if the tracking information on eBay is different from the details displayed on the carrier site, try the following:
- Check that you've uploaded the correct tracking number. The tracking number on eBay should match the tracking number on the carrier site
- If the uploaded tracking number is correct, make sure the carrier name and details are also accurate
- Compare the date the order was confirmed and the date the tracking number was uploaded to eBay to see if there is a significant lapse of time. Most carriers can only send tracking information during a specific time frame, so tracking information may have been uploaded too late
Tip
For items where you're required to buy a shipping label on eBay, you won't be able to add tracking details for a different carrier.
Postage insurance
As a seller, you're responsible for the safe delivery of your items to the buyer. So you might want to consider purchasing postage insurance, particularly for high value goods. Check with your carrier to find the best coverage.
You can include the cost of insurance in your postage rates, but you can't charge it as a separate cost.