Valid Tracking Rate - Do we have to use Tracked?
In some rare instances, typically books, are we forced to use a Tracked Service?
Would this actually impact our VTR metrics? Not sure I fully understand the VTR metric. Again, the number of orders in there is a lot less than the number of items we have shipped in the window?
64 replies
Seller_ZQyopdiwkUHOZ
You don’t have to send using a fully Tracked Service, but if you’re using a service that isn’t tracked at all, you have to purchase the shipping through Buy Shipping.
If you’re using a service with delivery confirmation you can purchase it from other places, like Click and Drop, but you need to make sure you mark them dispatched correctly (or have C&D do it automatically).
Seller_DTufFoxJuMU0M
No
If you want to buy your postage off Amazon however, you will have to use a service that provides a delivery confirmation, such as BPL or CRL (if you have an OBA with RM)
If you buy your postage on Amazon then it is either 100% for VTR if it is a tracked service, or if it is 1st/2nd class then it is exempt from VTR (and will therefore not be included in the VTR calculation which is possibly why the number of orders on the VTR screen is less than you actually shipped)
To be honest if its not for many items, and you don’t have an account offering you discounts with a courier, I would just buy from Amazon, it will cost the same, and save you worrying about VTR, they will also strike through any feedback about late delivery and not hold A-Z against you (though you might have to fight with them to get them to adhere to these policies…)
Seller_DROodOAYHftnc
No, you do not HAVE to use a tracked service, and a waste of money for items under about £20 value.
Depending on the number of items you send, then using Amazon’s Buy Shipping is probably your best option as you say you do not understand the VTR metric !
Doing so, will mean your VTR will be fine, and for small parcel size (you mentioned books) it is cheaper than over the counter at the PO.
I have started using Buy Shipping for almost all my items now (also a bookseller), though do use another courier at times depending on the weight and value.
Seller_fFylOZ9rejlBH
Well. I’ve booked it and the label hasn’t printed off correctly.
It’s printed landscape and some information is off the edge!!!
Cannot see how to adjust these QZ Tray settings…
Seller_fFylOZ9rejlBH
Great! Printing that ONE label off has knackered my printer settings for my C&D now.
What a complete rigamarole.
I’ll have to try and work out how to check for a trackable code on C&D but I am guessing that I would actually have to book something. Could always do that and do a label refund request…
Excuse me whilst I just tear my hair out over the C&D printer settings!!!
Seller_fFylOZ9rejlBH
Only wasted 10 labels to get it right. Could have been much worse.
I just hope that my C&D Print settings do not need adjusting!
Seller_DTufFoxJuMU0M
I know for sure Little Shop using Buy Shipping for her letters, and I know Jilly uses buy shipping but not sure if she posts letters or not.
both must just be busy right now 
Seller_CXiDpm7SIS3OI
I buy 2 & 1 st class through Amazon. Occasionally 1-2 times a week I send a large order via Tracked 48 - which I buy through Click and drop, I input the tracking and mark it as tracked 48 when dispatching on amazon. Never had an issue.
Seller_fFylOZ9rejlBH
It’s like a bus that never arrives and two turn up at the same time.
Just doing a Click and Drop on this letter sized item we have to post today.
In C&D, it only gives OLP1SF, Signed For 1st Class for anything below 100g. I’m sure Amazon BS includes Tracked 24 and 48 options.
I imagined that C&D would also offer Tracked 24 and 48 for a letter so I was a little surprised to find it didn’t.
As SF 1st is not a tracked service, presumably this also will not hit the VTR metrics?
