Countries
Read only
Buy shipping dilemma
My on-time delivery rate has plummeted to 57% and I am very confused.
The Unit On Time Delivery report shows that the carrier (USPS) always scanned the items on the day or the day before I was required to ship. In all cases, I purchased the shipping through Amazon, using methods they suggested for on time delivery.
Upon reviewing all the tracking numbers, there were no postage assessments at the USPS to cause a delay, but all packages were delivered a day or two late.
I spoke out to Account Support and they verified that all my settings were correct, such as reviewing handling times, SSA, ship methods etc. and she suggested I contact the Seller Support Team and let them know there is an error in the metrics and to dispute my OTDR.
Of course, my reply from support was to suggest I review my settings, case closed.
So I'm reaching out to see if anyone has any idea what's going on and if maybe I should start using Pirate Ship, maybe their delivery dates will be more accurate.
0 replies
Seller_bej6pyCmlC76G
I'm seeing a lot of other post of people having this same problem. It probably is the fault of USPS, but even if it is, I don't like seeing a giant warning every 5 minutes about my account at risk of deactivation. Amazon shouldn't lower my good standing because of the post office. Support also says, don't worry, your account is in no danger at this point. Not as reassuring as they think it is.
Seller_DdmPiA1p1S2Wu
Do you have AHT (Automated Handling Time) enabled? That is also required to be enabled to not be held responsible for late deliveries.
Seller_C2NiEkAU4xTGT
Our OTDR has dropped to 71%. Until the last few weeks, it has never been below 90%, usually mid to upper 90's. Now every day it is lower. We ship everything on time.
Most of the problematic orders show "delay in transit" by USPS somewhere along the way. I can't understand Amazon's logic for penalizing sellers for the carrier's problem.
Seller_LTNvvFJ2jqJOv
They added something that they didn't test fully, go figure, now we suffer. Keep up the mediocre work!
Seller_LyYw7fQRKc5G7
USPS is indeed having an issue with on time delivery. We have been in discussion with them for the past two weeks.
Seller_wnc1pjYEF5ZqF
Nonetheless, if AHT is enabled and Buy Shipping is used for all orders, OPs OTDR should be 100%.
Seller_9EdlrqgJyv25K
USPS is the worst. I’m seriously done with them. Don’t bother with Pirate Ship either, because if you buy postage outside of Amazon, you lose their protection and are on your own if something goes wrong. I now use UPS or FedEx for 99% of my shipments. They might cost a bit more, but their delivery accuracy is better.
Seller_EGAYxdv2MmpO0
Where are you shipping from? Are your shipments going coast to coast?
There have been fire and other weather events this year that might effect shipping times if you are shipping into, out of, or through those areas.
Seller_XUbj0HSMfbRJb
OTDR (Order Tracking Defect Rate) issues on Amazon can happen for a number of reasons, and one common cause delays in carrier scanning. For example, if you're using USPS and have package pickups scheduled, sometimes the driver may not scan the packages at pickup. If those items aren’t scanned until a few days later, it can appear as though your orders were shipped late—even if they weren’t.
Here are a few suggestions to help you avoid OTDR defects:
Take Packages to the Post Office
Bringing your packages directly to the post office and having them scanned at the counter ensures that your shipments are marked as "accepted" right away. This helps confirm timely shipment with Amazon.
Use UPS or FedEx
These carriers typically scan packages the same day they’re picked up or dropped off, which provides accurate tracking info and reduces the risk of OTDR defects. However, make sure to evaluate whether this option is cost-effective for your products and margins.
Understand Delivery Delays
USPS is often a couple of days late on delivery compared to estimated windows. While this doesn't directly cause OTDR issues, late tracking updates can affect metrics—especially if scans are delayed.
So... summary points are below-
1. Ensure Timely Tracking Uploads
Always upload tracking info before the expected ship date.
✅ 2. Get Packages Scanned Immediately
USPS Pickup Issues: USPS drivers often forget or delay scanning packages. If they don’t scan, Amazon sees it as a late shipment.
Solution:
Drop packages off at the post office and ask for a scan receipt.
Or, schedule a pickup with scan confirmation.
✅ 3. Switch to UPS or FedEx
These carriers scan at pickup or drop-off immediately, so your tracking info updates in real-time.
This helps prevent scan delays that can trigger OTDR defects.
Pro Tip: Compare shipping costs. For lightweight items, USPS is cheaper; for time-sensitive orders, UPS/FedEx might be worth the cost.
✅ 4. Monitor Your Metrics Regularly
Go to Amazon Seller Central > Performance > Account Health > Shipping Performance.
If your OTDR is above 5%, identify which orders are causing the defects and take action.
✅ 5. Appeal or Request a Review (if needed)
If you believe a defect is in error (e.g., USPS scanned late but you shipped on time), contact Amazon Seller Support with proof—like a scan receipt or time-stamped drop-off video/photo.
✅ 6. Automate When Possible
Use Amazon’s “Buy Shipping” option to ensure tracking is uploaded correctly and timely.
If you're manually shipping, make it a routine to update tracking as soon as a label is printed.
If you're regularly encountering OTDR problems, adjusting your shipping workflow could make a big difference. Let me know what kinds of items you sell, and I’d be happy to help you figure out what shipping method works best!
If anyone has anymore suggestions, pls post. We can all help each other.
Similar Discussions
