Etsy tracking not updating, orders stuck in pre-transit

[HELPeRbot3D]

Etsy takes a minimum of 2-3 days to update the tracking info, causing my orders to get stuck in "pre-transit" and my funds to be held in reserve. If I expand the order info, I can see the package moving between cities but Etsy still says "pre-transit." I am using USPS postage purchased through Etsy. This happens to me now on every single order.

[HabitudePaperCo]

Same here, this has been a rather big issue and I’m having to refund orders because of this

[ArtDollsbyJD]

@HabitudePaperCo   You are shipping as flats/letters.  This is a service from Pitney Bowes made available to Etsy by PB.  It is not actual tracking.  It is delivery confirmation only.

USPS does not normally scan letters/flats so if you are just dropping off they may not notice the request for scan. 

IF you take to the desk ask them to scan the item.  

The solution may be to increase number so you can ship as a package.

This has been going on since January 2022 and no resolution in site because at times the delivery confirmation does work.

Oh and you do know that this cannot be tracked on USPS site.  You have to use Pitney Bowes to 'track'.

[ArtByVictoriaSkye]

This has been happening to me for some time. I always click on through to the USPS to get proper tracking info and advise my customers they need to do the same.

Also, when the pre-transit status doesn't resolve itself by date of delivery, I contact Etsy via chat so they can make it right - which takes at least a half hour as they must have order number + other info like mom's maiden name, dad's hair color, the gender of my first pet, etc. 

[ArtDollsbyJD]

Are you shipping outside your processing time frame?  That can cause issues with Etsy tracking. 

Are you taking the item into the post office and getting the first scan?  Are you using the kiosk?  Does your post office not scan all packages?  They are supposed to but not all do.

Does your package size make it look more like a flat?  That can cause confusion at the post office as it may get put into the wrong pile.  

[HELPeRbot3D]

This has nothing to do with the post office not scanning packages. There are a dozen tracking updates shown on the order info page on Etsy, but the status still says pre-transit.

[PrintFanaticShop]

This is an ongoing issue. Once your order is marked as "Delivered" does it update on your Orders list as that? Once it does, then your money in reserve should be released.

[hopeandjoystudios]

Are these flats or letters? This is an ongoing issue with Etsy and Pitney Bowes with both of them finger pointing at the other. Your options are realize this will be an issue if you use flats or letters and get used to reserves or don't use  letters or flats. Maybe raise your price a couple dollars and charge a $2-$3 everywhere domestic shipping on very light "flat sized" items and ship them in a rigid unbendable mailer as a FC package which start at around 4$ for lower weight tiers.. If people balk at $2-$3 shipping I'd not consider them a legitimate customer. They also may know you will possibly have no proof of delivery and be waiting to open a case for a free item. If you can finagle your business to cover the issues that is your business decision. If not I'd not use FC letter or FC flat.

[HELPeRbot3D]

Nope, these are bubble mailers with 3D printed parts. 2-3" thick

[Gavalloni]

This is also happening to me. I always buy tracking (I can't send things abroad without it as per out post policy, costing bout 10-15$ ) but only a few updates in etsy. I am located in the EU, and even inside the EU it is not consistent, like it updates for french packages but not for german ones. Once I check on other tracking sites like my country's post site or on any tracker (like 17track etc) it is updated and is giving info where the packages are, yet etsy refuses to update the pre-tansit status so my orders are also stuck in reserve. Which is hell of a ride for someone depending on this income and also being a small niche shop. Those stuck in pre-transit never update to delivered either and the reserve does not lift even when people add reviews, indicating the items are there and good.

[SassyScrubCapsCo]

Yes, I also had the same issue in the past. Try tracking the sold orders through the USPS website itself. I have done this in the past and USPS updates the tracking history consistently. In addition, I notify my customers to view tracking information on the USPS website.

[FigsnFruitadens]

I always try this but USPS says my tracking number isn't real. I wonder if it's because I send mine as letters though.

[FigsnFruitadens]

Same issue, I send stickers through letter 5 x 7 x .5 for tracking and currently have 14 orders in pre transit with customers receiving their orders a week after the "1-3 day shipping" option USPS shows them or they don't show up at all. I've had numerous customers this month say they don't know where their package is. It might not seem like a lot of orders but for my little sticker business it is a huge amount. I wish there was a way to see updates with this "tracking" glad I'm not alone but if anyone has advice let me know.

[DoodadGraphics]

Same here. I'm sending flat pendants in a 6 x 4 x .25 envelope. Only 1 out of 4 have had a successful scan with tracking info all the way to delivery.  The other 3 show "pre-transit ... label created" and seem to be lost in the system. Etsy should hold Pitney Bowes accountable to make sure these flats are scanned by the USPS. Very frustrating!

[ArtDollsbyJD]

@DoodadGraphics   If you are using flats/letters to send your item does not truly qualify.   First the item must be completely flat and be able to bend in the middle.  It cannot be rigid.  It would be better to send your items Ground Advantage.  

It is not real tracking. It is delivery confirmation only and is not treated like a package.  You should at least ask the post office to scan.  Some may balk because your item is not seen as a package.

It is best to get scans for any items shipped.  

And this ability to use letters/flats is a new item that when Etsy partnered with Pitney Bowes was made possible.  We never had this option prior to Pitney Bowes.  There is nothing Etsy can really do as USPS can do as they wish.  Since they don't see letters.flats as packages they are less likely to scan. While using flats/letters qualify for SS, a seller has to willing to reship or refund if the buyer says they never got it as delivery confirmation is not always utilized.  It's just unusual for carriers to scan flats and letters so it is easily missed. 

[BagmakerSupply]

@FigsnFruitadens @DoodadGraphics : USPS does NOT offer tracking for 1st Class Flats and therefore that class of mail is not automatically scanned. The "tracking" that Pitney Bowes offers for that class of mail is really just a serial number for the label and whether or not USPS attempts to scan the label anywhere during its journey is hit or miss.

[DoodadGraphics]

Thanks for the info. I’ll have to evaluate how I’m shipping. A $4 shipping fee on a tiny $10 item seems excessive.

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