Shipping Label Payment Updates

Here is a handy flow chart of how postage will be credited or charged. From USPS to Stamps.com, from Stamps.com to Bonanza, from Bonanza to you.

Automated Package Verification

As of August 2017, USPS is implementing a new Automated Package Verification (APV) system. This system automatically verifies whether the correct amount was paid for postage. This change is a mandatory change driven by USPS. You're not required to purchase postage through Bonanza, but any packages shipped through USPS will be subject to the APV system.

Why did USPS switch to this APV system?

The APV automatically verifies whether postage has been underpaid or overpaid by a sender. In the past, if a seller underpaid for postage, the remaining balance was charged to the recipient upon delivery or the package would be returned to the sender, neither of which is a good customer experience. If a sender overpaid for postage, the extra money would be kept by USPS. With the APV system, packages with insufficient postage will be delivered, and the postage due will be deducted from the sender, resulting in fewer delays for order deliveries. Any overpayment is credited back into the sender, saving you money.

How does it work?

USPS processing centers have new equipment that will automatically check shipments to confirm details like weight, dimensions, and packaging against the postage paid. If an incorrect amount of postage is discovered (either too little or too much), USPS will issue an adjustment, which Bonanza will either deduct or credit to sellers.

How does this affect me? 

Starting September 1, Bonanza will start crediting extra payments and billing overages back to Bonanza sellers who purchased shipping labels through Stamps.com.

If you overpaid on your postage:

• We will credit your Bonanza shipping fund. If you do not have a shipping fund set up, we will create one for you. This will only contain the amount of your postage credit - we will not auto-fill your shipping fund.

If you underpaid your postage:

• If you have a Bonanza shipping fund with sufficient funds to cover the postage chargebacks, we will deduct the amount due from the fund.
• If you do not have a shipping fund, or if there are insufficient funds to cover the chargeback amount, we will add the chargeback to your bill if the amount is less than $3.
• If the postage chargeback amount is more than $3, you will be charged a $10 postage adjustment fee in addition to the extra postage charges. If you do not have a shipping fund, or if there are insufficient funds to cover the chargeback amount, this will be charged to the credit card on file.
• If a postage chargeback fails, you will not be able to purchase labels in the future until charges are paid and / or a new card has been added.

Please note that you must have a credit card on file (or a running shipping fund balance) in order to be able to purchase shipping labels from Bonanza.

How can I avoid under or overpaying for postage?

You can avoid underpaid and overpaid postage costs by ensuring you've entered the correct information when purchasing your shipping label. The USPS will check the following parameters to make sure that the correct postage was charged for the package:

• Weight
• Dimensions
• Mail Class
• Packaging
• Origin ZIP Code
• Destination ZIP code
• Postage paid 

How long does it take for APV adjustments to be processed by the USPS?

The USPS has up to 30 days after a package is shipped to issue an adjustment. However, their site stays that "we expect the vast majority of adjustments to occur within just a few days of the package being shipped." 

What if I believe an adjustment was made in error?

While the new system is state of the art and catches both underpaid and overpaid packages, there are situations where an error may occur. If this happens to you, please contact Bonanza with the following information:

• Bonanza order number associated with the shipping label
• The reason for the dispute (please provide as much information as possible)

Bonanza will contact the USPS to file a dispute on your behalf. Once a dispute is filed with the USPS, it may take up to 20 business days to receive a response. Please note that the USPS will not be providing partial reversals. A dispute will either be approved or denied. If the dispute is approved, Bonanza will credit the overpayment back to the seller.

Where can I find more information about this?

To read more about the APV system and how it will affect you, check out this help article.