eBay standard envelope

eBay standard envelope is the low-cost way to ship small, lightweight items such as trading cards, postcards, stamps, patches, currency and coins, stickers and decals, greeting cards, and seeds with tracking included. 

See some of the benefits of using eBay standard envelope below: 

• Save up to 70% vs. USPS First Class Mail Service
• Integrated tracking and easy to print using eBay labels
• Shipping Protection plans up to $20 on single items, and up to $50 on combined orders, in case of loss or damage in transit
• You can drop your shipment off at USPS locations, USPS Blue Box collection bins, or in your mailbox

How it works

Here's how to use eBay standard envelope: 

1. List your item – Create the listing for your chosen category and select eBay standard envelope in the shipping section.
2. Ship your item – Print your label from eBay Labels and attach it to your envelope, then ship via USPS (Tracking is automatically integrated). 
3. Monitor your shipment – Track the progress of your shipment through My eBay - opens in new window or tab or Seller Hub - opens in new window or tab. 

Tip
eBay standard envelope doesn't require an acceptance scan - the built-in tracking is all we need to confirm your shipment. If your buyer asks for tracking information, they can find it in their Purchase history.

Cost per weight

eBay standard envelope is more affordable than using USPS First Class Mail Service when shipping packages weighing less than 3 oz – see our rates below:

Envelope requirements

To use the service, it's important to ensure your envelope meets the below criteria. If it doesn't, the shipment may be returned to you, or the buyer may receive the item with postage due.

• No smaller than 3.5” x 5”
• No larger than 6.125” x 11.5”
• Envelope thickness is uniform, less than 0.25” inches at all points, and not too rigid
• Weighs up to 3 oz.
• Envelope contains NO clasps/strings/buttons or similar closure devices
• Envelope has recipient address parallel to the longest side
• Envelope is NOT enclosed or made of any plastic material

You can also use the eBay standard envelope template - opens in new window or tab to ensure the envelope you're using to ship your items qualifies.

Tip
You can find branded eBay heavyweight envelopes that are specifically designed to be used with eBay standard envelope on our eBay supplies store - opens in new window or tab. 

Category details and restrictions

You can use eBay standard envelope to ship trading cards, currency and coins, postcards, stamps, patches, stickers, decals, greeting cards, and seeds. Some of these categories have shipping recommendations in addition to the envelope requirements above:

Trading cards

• No more than 15 raw cards per package per envelope
• No more than 2 trading cards with top loaders
• No graded trading cards

Coin & paper money

• No more than 5 raw coins or pieces of paper money
• No more than 3 coins in plastic flips or pieces of paper money in protector holders
• No rolls of coins
• No graded coins or paper money
• No bullion

Postcards & stamps

• No more than 10 stamps or 3 postcards/postal history items
• Plate blocks that fit the eBay standard envelope dimensions are allowed
• No coils or sheets of stamps
• No graded stamps

Shipping protection

Each eBay standard envelope shipment includes a $20 shipping protection plan on a single order, and up to $50 on combined orders to help in case of lost or damaged items.

If your buyer claims they have not received the item, we suggest working with them to resolve the issue, and then raise a claim with the included shipment protection to cover your losses.  

eBay’s seller levels and performance standards apply as they would for any typical eBay order.

Filing a claim 

If you believe your envelope was lost in shipping, you'll need to wait 30 days to file a claim. Claims must be filed no later than 90 days from the date the shipping label was created.

You can reduce the amount of the claim if your shipment was only partially lost or damaged, however the claim amount cannot be more than the item's sold price.

To file a claim, select the button below and add the following information to the form:

1. Tell us what happened - was your item damaged, or was your shipment lost?
2. Enter the claim information and your PayPal email address
3. Enter the following additional information:
   • Your first and last name
   • The buyer’s first and last name
   • Shipment tracking number
   • eBay item number
   • Screenshot of eBay Order Details
   • Screenshot of buyer’s complaint message or dispute details regarding the lost or damaged item

File a claim

Checking the status of a claim

To check the status of your claim, contact PIP (Parcel Insurance Plan) at:

• Phone: 1 800 325 7390
• Email: claims@pipinsure.com
• Chat: select the chat button on www.pipinsure.com

FAQs