Tracking on eBay
Handling items quickly and tracking orders benefits both you and your buyer by managing shopper expectations and protecting you against buyer claims.
The Importance of Tracking on eBay
Learn everything you need to know about tracking your eBay parcels from:
- Why tracking is important
- Which eBay orders need tracking
- How to upload tracking on eBay
- Top Tips and Tricks for tracking
Benefits of Tracking Orders
Happier customers: Buyers get regular delivery updates, so they know where their item is and when they can expect it. This can mean a reduction in customer contacts by 23%* & “item not received” requests.
Protection: Uploading valid tracking may grant you protections for “item not received” claims. Click here to find out how.
Accurate Delivery Estimates: Valid tracking allows us to make more confident delivery predictions based on actual carrier performance.
Inclusion in eBay Plus: eBay Plus requires all sellers to upload tracking on their Plus orders in order to retain the badge.
*Based on all transactions on eBay.com.au from January to October 2021.
Tracking x Payment Holds
From February 2022, eBay started applying payments holds for certain transactions where a tracked shipping service was selected. These holds are transaction based and the funds from orders are held until a tracking scan from the carrier shows that the item is on its way to the buyer. If no valid tracking is uploaded, funds will be held until three days after the latest estimated delivery date.
Tracking payment holds are designed to encourage sellers to upload tracking on all their orders where they specify a tracked shipping service. Providing valid tracking on your orders can help reduce ‘Item Not Received’ claims and also means buyers can see where their parcel is through the tracking information rather than messaging you asking where their parcel is.
Learn more about payment holds →
Difference Between a Tracked and Untracked Service
We understand that sometimes sellers may send items in untracked letters due to the nature of the items they sell. Unless an untracked service (specified below) has been selected, valid tracking is required.
We consider the below delivery options as untracked:
- Australia Post Domestic Regular Letter Untracked
- Local Pick Up
- Click and Collect from the retailer
- Australia Post Domestic Priority Letter Untracked
- Australia Post International Economy Sea
- Australia Post International Economy Air
- International Economy: untracked service
All other postage services available for sellers to select when listing an item on eBay are considered trackable services.
What is classified as Valid Tracking?
A tracking number is classified as valid if:
A tracking number is uploaded to the order; AND
The carrier used is an eBay integrated carrier; AND
At least one tracking event/scan** is recorded in My eBay.
**Manifest or information scans/events are not considered stent valid tracking events. The tracking event/scans must indicate the parcel is in transit to the buyer.
Top Three Tips for Tracking on eBay
1. Choose the correct postage service used on your listing
Choosing the correct postage service on your listings sets expectations with buyers on how their item will be posted. It also allows eBay to make accurate predictions on the parcel’s estimated delivery date.
2. Upload the tracking number when you send the item.
This may grant you protections for ‘Item not received’ claims. If you send the buyer their tracking number in a message, this won’t protect you from claims. Learn more here.
3. Ensure you’ve entered the correct tracking number.
If you’re inputting the tracking number manually, double-check that it is correct to ensure it’s recognised as valid tracking.
How to Upload Tracking on eBay
When you purchase your postage service and print your postage labels on eBay, tracking is uploaded automatically. This saves you time and provides a seamless customer experience. The eBay Labels Platform offers postage options starting at $5.55 for businesses and $6.20 for standard postage, with access to pick-up or drop-off services and the ability to create and print postage labels for all your shopping channels in bulk.
If you use a third-party provider like Neto or ChannelAdvisor, tracking information should be uploaded to eBay automatically. If you’re having issues uploading tracking through your integration partner, please reach out to them directly.
If you already have an account with your postage provider, you can link this with your eBay account. This should allow you to see all your eBay orders though your postage service account, where you can purchase and print postage labels.
Click on your postage provider to see more detailed instructions.
Australia Post offers an affordable way to send and track your small items with their tracked domestic letter service. You’ll pay just $2.95 for a prepaid 125g envelope in a pack of 50, including domestic delivery, tracking and scanning on delivery. Remember to upload tracking to eBay once you’ve marked your item as sent.
If you’ve purchased tracked letters, or your postage provider account isn’t fully integrated with eBay, you can upload tracking information in bulk for your orders on eBay using Seller Hub Reports tab.
If you send a small volume of parcels and you aren’t using the eBay Labels platform, you can simply enter the valid tracking number for each of your items in the Seller Hub Orders tab individually.
There is also the option to add tracking numbers by scanning a code via the eBay app. This includes the ability to scan post office receipts as well as Australia Post prepaid products such as tracked letters. You can do this by opening the order you would like to add tracking for in the app and then selecting the upload tracking button. Once you hover your phone’s camera over the code, the tracking details will appear.
eBay Virtual Tracking Number
For sellers who are using an Australia Post product^, eBay’s Virtual Tracking Number has got you covered. This is an alphanumeric code ('ebay' + 7 characters) that ensures we receive accurate tracking information and gives your buyers more visibility on the delivery of their items. Remember to not remove or interfere with the code on your orders to ensure we get your tracking.
^f you’re not using a manifested product (for example, you’re purchasing postage in store), be sure to continue to upload tracking to eBay.
Uploading Tracking for Digital Goods
If you are sending digital goods it's still important that you fill out tracking information for your order. Simply use 'Email Delivery' as the carrier name and for the tracking number, enter something that works for you to easily track the transaction (i.e. JOHN12364HOTMAILCOM or EMAILSENT1203AEST25062020).
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