On August 1, 2017, the USPS is introducing a new Automated Package Verification system called "APV". This new technology automatically detects postage overpayments or underpayments, bringing the USPS in line with industry standards and improving the shipping experience for both buyers and sellers. USPS is requiring all PC Postage providers, including Stamps.com, Bonanza's postage provider, to participate.
Starting September 1, 2017, sellers who purchase shipping labels via Bonanza will participate in Automated Package Verification.
How does APV work?
USPS processing centers have new equipment that will automatically check each package for the correct weight, dimensions, mailing class, etc. to ensure the correct postage was paid for the delivery of that particular package.
If an incorrect amount of postage is discovered (either too little or too much), the USPS will issue an adjustment, either a debit or credit, via your purchase method (the debit/credit card or shipping fund you used to purchase the shipping label on Bonanza).
Why is APV a better system for buyers and sellers?
Prior to APV being implemented, a package with insufficient postage was returned to the sender, or worse, delivered with postage due (a poor customer experience). Going forward, packages with insufficient postage will be delivered to the buyer, and the postage due will be automatically deducted from your account. This is a much better system since it prevents delays in delivering items to buyers no more delays.
Additionally, if too much postage was paid for prior to the APV system, the USPS would keep your money. 
Now, with APV, any overpayment is credited back into your account! 
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
What happens if I pay too much or too little for postage?
With the new APV system, the USPS will automatically issue an adjustment for the cost of the label. The parcel will still be delivered to the buyer. And you don't have to lift a finger.
Overpayments
- When a seller pays more than the required postage, Bonanza will credit the overpayment back to the seller's pre-funded shipping account.
- If the seller does not have an existing pre-funded shipping account, Bonanza will automatically create a pre-funded shipping account for the seller and will credit the amount to that account.
Underpayments
- When a seller’s shipping label purchase incurs a postage chargeback due to underpayment, the amount due will be deducted from the seller’s pre-funded shipping account if it exists AND sufficient funds are available.
- If the shipping label is underpaid by $3.00 or more, Bonanza will add a $10 Postage Adjustment Fee to the amount due and either deduct the total amount from the pre-funded shipping account (if it contains sufficient funds), or charge the total amount due to the seller’s card on file.
- If no pre-funded shipping account exists, or if the account does not contain sufficient funds, and the shipping label is underpaid by less than $3.00, the postage due will be added to the seller’s monthly bill.
- If an APV chargeback fails, sellers will not be able to purchase additional shipping labels via Bonanza until the additional amount and any applicable Postage Adjustment Fees have been recuperated.
Can I dispute a postage chargeback for an underpaid shipping label?
While the new USPS APV machinery is state of the art and catches both underpaid and overpaid packages, there are situations where the scanning tool can have a false positive (i.e, a package will be flagged for being underpaid even though the correct postage was applied).
If this happens to you, file a dispute with the USPS directly. Email VerifyPostageHelp@usps.gov with the following information:
-
Package Barcode (Tracking) Number – Full Tracking Number
-
Package Dispute ID (known as Revenue Assurance ID at USPS)
-
This can be found in the shipment invoice
-
-
Reason For Dispute
-
Contact information (name, email, and phone number)
You have 60 days from the APV adjustment date to file a dispute with USPS for a given transaction.
You have additional 30 days from the APV adjustment date to appeal one-time against a dispute decision with USPS for a given transaction.
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 be notified and will credit the overpayment back to the seller.