Tightening of Package Screening to the US (Expect Shipping Delays)

Trading Advisory: Tightening of Package Screening to the US ( Expect Shipping Delays).

The recent foiled bomb plot from Yemen to United States has resulted in tightened screening of all cargo to USA.

The new security measures would potentially delay your shipments to buyers in the US.   These are the immediate steps you need to take to minimize the impact and prevent Bad Buyer Experience :

• Open up all communications channels with the US buyers
• Leverage a sample shipping delay notification we have drafted in your communications to the US buyers
• Include tracking information lets both you and your buyers easily check on the status of your packages and reduces the need for buyers to send you questions about shipping.
• Proactively inform the US buyers about the possible delay in your shipments
• Add in additional days of handling time to the US
• Put a notice on listing description; informing the US buyers of the situation and provide your contact details
• If you sell multiple items, do not combine the shipment. Ship your items individually to facilitate smoother delivery; communicate to the US buyer accordingly.
• If the item has been shipped out of your country; contact the US buyer immediately and inform him of possible shipping delays.

You are advised to monitor the situation closely and proactively communicate to your US buyers as often as necessary. Manage your US buyers’ expectations upfront and avoid misunderstanding on shipping and handling time.
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Sample shipping delay notification:

Dear eBay customer,

Thank you for your recent purchase of (name of item) on eBay.  We would like to inform you that due to the recent foiled bomb plot from Yemen to United States has resulted in tightened screening of all cargo to USA.  The new security measures would potentially delay our shipments to you in the US.

You would be continuously be updated on the progress of the shipments via email and My Messages. Alternatively, you can track the progress of the shipment from this url (provide the url of the site which you have uploaded the tracking number) and be updated on the delivery date of your item.

Should you have more questions regarding the delivery of your item, you can contact us at this email address (provide email address) and mobile number (provide mobile number).

Thank you for your patience. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Thank you for shopping with us at eBay.

Regards
Name of Seller

Source: eBay SEA team