Seller level and late delivery rate

[zenohki]

So this time last year I was a top rated seller.

But then over Christmas delivery times via post were seriously poor. Even to the point where one item I sent to the US took 3 months to arrive (expected delivery time 5-7 days. Ha!)

My late delivery rate hit 14% and over the year, with now sending everything recorded delivery I've managed to only reduce it to 11.60% because I'm not getting enough feedback.

Is anyone else in a similar situation at all? I was wondering what everyone else does to cope with delivery over the Christmas shopping period? I've switched all my international deliveries over to the ebay global shipping program to stop my percentage rising, but I really hate that this seems like my only option. :/

[No Joker]

I upload a screenshot of Royal Mails Christmas cut off dates into all my listings, ship international tracked and signed and upload all tracking details. Mostly worked last year.

[zenohki]

Originally Posted by No Joker

I upload a screenshot of Royal Mails Christmas cut off dates into all my listings, ship international tracked and signed and upload all tracking details. Mostly worked last year.

Well I was planning on the tracking helping me out, but as I mentioned last year USPS just randomly held onto my parcels for over 2 months before delivering them, and after speaking to eb.ay if USPS do the same again even with tracking I'm still held responsible.

As for the Royal Mail dates, I actually have my last post dates set to 3 days before the Royal Mail ones, and still got bit in the arse by late delivery.

Is there a good way to encourage users to leave feedback? I've never chased anyone for feedback before but I'm starting to consider it to get this percentage fixed :/