ETSY Needs to Alert Customers USPS Is REUSING Tracking Numbers Again

[ReImagineBrewing]

Beware. You are going to get a lot of messages that need responses or your "Star Seller" will go to heck.

Etsy, please tell customers and sellers that USPS is reusing tracking numbers again. So, if you see a package as delivered when you first drop it off that is what is going on. OR If you see a package as delivered in a different state months back but you know you dropped it off today, that tracking number too was just re-used.

Typically, after the next scan during transit everything updates just fine.

I have sent this to a bunch of customers....I try to give it a bit of humor.

Hi,
Oh the fun is now starting...again. Actually, the tracking is totally wrong. It was dropped off today. I 100% know. I'm the only one that works here other than my father that packages and dropped this package off at USPS.

So, USPS re-uses tracking numbers. This happened last year too. Packages were marked as delivered months back in the wrong cities or when they were first scanned. It is weird and makes everyone freak out. USPS doesn't fully tell customers they do this.

Don't worry. When this is scanned at the next location it will be fine. Also, pass this on. It is one of the most confusing and weird things ever.

https://support.shippingeasy.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407005717659-Why-does-USPS-show-my-package-as-De...

I wish this didn't happen, but don't worry. The package is in transit.

RB

[UniqueGiftOrnaments]

USPS has always recycled their tracking numbers.

[ReImagineBrewing]

They do but I'd say 98% of the population doesn't realize this. Also,  it typically only becomes an issue or is seen in November and December.

So, if Etsy doesn't say anything you get bombarded by "Help Requests" asking for new items because their item was not delivered and is missing/stolen even though it was just shipped. 

Until you have a bunch of customers freaking out in a row sucking up half your day this won't matter to you. However, when Etsy could do something to calm customers and pass on useful and relevant information they should do it. Customer service shouldn't only be on the seller's shoulders. Our fees should pay for something helpful...

[SoulStoneBracelets]

Thank you for sharing!! I never knew this. 

[nineteen27]

i have not had any customers contact me about anything weird happening with tracking numbers.

[bradgoodell]

Not sure why Etsy would need to do this.  Etsy doesn't know how everyone ships.  We sellers are the ones picking the shipping service, so shouldn't it be up to the individual sellers? 

[ReImagineBrewing]

A few reasons they should. ONE a customer can put in a buyers protection claim because the tracking when created immediately indicates "delivered". Do we want our fees going towards that or for something hopefully useful like a better message system or better customer service for us? Or letting us know why shops are out of the blue down 80%...search is the core reason...why what changed??? 

Also, we pay Etsy fees. They already tell customers about other things related to shipping and delays. This is something VERY RELEVANT that they could easily communicate at the same time. DO YOU want a bunch of freaking out customers that then give you bad reviews for marking tracking as delivered or being blamed for using fake old tracking? YES, this is what happens...some customers no matter what will not believe you. Then you can refund the full order or take the bad review.

This is not a "choice issue" for sellers. Yes, we can choose not to use USPS but really? Who will never use it if you are a US seller with smaller items? $4.50 USPS VS $10.80 UPS VS $13.90 FedEx for a $22 item. Do we really have a choice, if we want to try to make anything after Etsy takes potentially up to 27% in fees and then shipping is Free or $4.40.

98% of the population doesn't even realize USPS reuses tracking numbers and since it is so simple to communicate this

Also, Star Seller stuff...a ton more messages are generated, the system can't handle "delivered" then back in transit half the time, and then that review again because the tracking was messed up but the customer blames you.

Since this is a whole USPS system thing and Etsy sellers mainly use USPS, Etsy determines what customers can contact sellers about when they "Need Help With An Order" and select "Did Not Receive" and "Send Replacement" and Etsy has the ability to simply add a disclaimer about tracking being reused, why couldn't/shouldn't they do something.

We do pay them to use the site...we are their primary customers too. Without us, sellers, the site would not be here.

[myclearstamps]

@ReImagineBrewing

I have a question so your numbers don’t show pre-transit, when you first purchase them?  Also, do you buy labels from Etsy or a third party.  

[ReImagineBrewing]

When a tracking number is re-used, they say "Delivered" when the label is printed. It does not matter how you buy the label. This happens when large quantities of mail start going out. 

Typically, they should update after they are scanned the first time and then switch from "Delivered" to "In-Transit". However, sometimes this does not happen. I still have some that are wrong from 2021.

I've only seen the impact of tracking being reused in November/December and last year was the first year. Now, it is happening again. 

It gets very confusing and frustrating for customers. They freak out in the "stalking of tracking numbers" Era we entered into truly due to COVID and people not having much else to do. Now that pattern has become a habit. People get very mad and many are not trusting in situations like this. So, any assistance explaining this from Etsy when they are already posting and sending information about shipping delays would be appreciated. Then it is seen as "real" verses an excuse from a shop that is making things up. This is why I always provide a link to prove this is happening too. It helps a lot!

https://help.shipstation.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405873531931-Why-does-USPS-show-my-package-as-Delive....

https://querysprout.com/does-usps-reuse-tracking-numbers/

https://support.pirateship.com/en/articles/6423949-why-does-my-usps-label-have-an-old-tracking-numbe...

[myclearstamps]

@ReImagineBrewing, thank you.  I will be on the lookout for that. So far, I have not had that happen.  That is crazy.  I will read your links.  Thanks again.

[AAANativeArts]

USPS has always recycled tracking numbers. They are reassigned after 120 days. Star Seller only counts the last 90 days, so it should not affect your star seller status. I have never had a customer contact me about a tracking number when they have received their order, so I don't know why this would cause an increase in inquiries.

[TonsOfPaper · Accepted solution]

Hello @ReImagineBrewing,

There are some instances wherein carriers do reuse tracking numbers. When the new shipment begins to show tracking, the old tracking events will disappear.

But please be assured that we will take note of your feedback and we will be sharing it with the team to consider for a future update. Please know that we take comments from the community to heart, and we make many changes to the site based on what we hear.

Thank you very much!