eBay Sends Free Shipping Supplies To Promote International Shipping
eBay is surprising some sellers with free shipping supplies as part of a push for the new eBay International Shipping program, but lack of communication also causes concern.
Since eBay didn't communicate directly with sellers, their only heads up was a tracking notification from FedEx, and that raised alarm bells for a possible fraud or scam.
I just received an email from FedEx that I am receiving an 18 pound package from eBay shipping supplies in Las vegas. I looked up the address and it just doesnt make sense. Has this happened to anyone else? Yes the tracking number is real. I have no activity that could correspond to this.
The FedEx notice shows the shipment originated from 2970 N Lamb Blvd, Ste 107, Las Vegas NV 89115-3489 - which is one of eBay's sneaker authentication locations.
One seller guessed it may be a free gift for participating in eBay's recent seller check event, but the original poster was not even aware of the event and did not attend.
Others suggested since the invoice said "1 x International Shipping" perhaps it was an international return, but that didn't make sense either. Still others thought it might be a brushing scam or some other form of fraud.
Then more sellers chimed in to say they also received similar notices from FedEx, but from different addresses.
I got the same FedEx message today for an 18 lb package from eBay Shipping Supplies, 1081 Aviation Blvd, Hebron, KY, US, 41048 . I don't do international sales. I didn't attend any eBay event. I can't think of any package that I should be getting - return or otherwise. Although the number tracks through FedEx, I'm always suspicious when I get strange emails.
The message says the package is to arrive Monday in Michigan. Very weird that we both got the same message and can't think of any reason why we should be getting a package. Thanks for posting.
I received the exact same notification, and the package dimensions are also exactly the same (weight). I haven't sold any international orders so this makes no sense.
Finally the mystery was solved - one seller who had reported receiving the notice reported the package contained shipping supplies from eBay to encourage sellers to ship internationally.
SO I just received my fedex package from ebay. it is full of packaging material ... padded envelopes in 2 sizes , cardboard mailers, small cardboard boxes .. ebay tape (6 rolls) .. stickers - 3 varieties ... thank you postcards .. ebay tissue paper ..
it is to encourage sellers to ship international ... tho none appears to be marked "international only". the box is big and pretty dang full
The free gift is a nice gesture, but I'd suggest to the eBay marketing department that giving chosen recipients a heads up next time might avoid some stress and worst case scenario guessing. 😉
