Why are my Etsy Global Shipping labels being adjusted to the wrong weight?

Hi! For Etsy Global Postal Shipping labels, the “big surprise” adjustments almost always come from the carrier re-verifying the domestic USPS leg (to the Asendia processing center) or from a package being re-classed due to dimensions/package type—so the best approach is: (1) pull the adjustment receipt in your Etsy Payment account to see exactly what was changed (weight vs dimensions vs package type), then (2) dispute it with the correct party (USPS for USPS adjustments) within the allowed window, and (3) start keeping a little proof on the shipments that are most likely to get hit.

1) First, confirm what Etsy says was adjusted

Go to your Etsy Payment account and click the specific Shipping Label Adjustment line item (or use the “See my adjustments” link in Etsy’s email). On that receipt, look for:

• Carrier (USPS vs something else)
• What changed (weight, dimensions, package type, origin acceptance ZIP, etc.)
• USPS Adjustment ID (if it’s a USPS adjustment)

This matters because a “6 oz → 2 lb” jump is sometimes not actually a pure weight reread—it can be triggered by dimensions/package type being corrected on the carrier’s side, which then changes the billed rate.

2) If it’s a USPS adjustment, dispute it directly with USPS (don’t wait)

Etsy’s process for USPS label adjustments is: you dispute with USPS, not Etsy. You’ll want to file quickly—USPS disputes have a time limit (commonly 60 days from the adjustment notification).

What to send USPS so you have the best chance:

• Tracking number
• The USPS Adjustment ID from the Etsy adjustment receipt
• A short, specific explanation (“Entered 6 oz; package weight verified on my calibrated scale at 5.8 oz; USPS adjusted to 2 lb at APV”)
• Any proof you have (see next section)

If USPS agrees it was wrong, the correction typically comes back to you as a credit through your Etsy Payment account.

3) What proof actually helps (and how to collect it without slowing you down)

For adjustments that are obviously wrong, evidence makes a huge difference. The easiest “routine” that doesn’t take much time is:

• Photo of the packed parcel on the scale (show the reading and the label in the same shot if possible).
• Photo of the parcel next to a ruler/tape measure showing L x W x H (especially if you use boxes).
• If you hand packages over at the counter sometimes, ask for an acceptance receipt (not every receipt includes weight, but it’s still useful for acceptance timing).

If you don’t want to photograph every single order, do it for:

• Any order close to a 1 lb / 2 lb break
• Anything in a box (dimensions matter more)
• Anything with a “puffy” mailer that can scan larger than expected

4) Prevention: the 5 most common causes I see with Etsy international/global labels

Here are the practical fixes that reduce adjustment risk the most:

• Measure and enter dimensions (not just weight). If Etsy asks for dimensions, fill them carefully and round up. Carrier systems can re-measure size automatically.
• Don’t let packaging “bulge.” Soft mailers that puff up can get scanned as much larger than you think. Switching to a slightly smaller rigid mailer or box can reduce dimensional surprises.
• Double-check the package type you picked when buying the Etsy label (package/thickness category, flat vs parcel, etc.). A mismatch can trigger re-rating.
• Calibrate your scale (even a good one drifts). A quick check with a known weight once a week can save a lot of money.
• Avoid letting labels get damaged or wrinkled (especially barcodes). Bad reads can create weird exceptions in automated systems.

5) If the adjustment isn’t USPS (or it’s unclear), escalate through Etsy Support

If the adjustment receipt shows a non-USPS carrier or it looks like it came from the Global Postal partner workflow (not a USPS APV adjustment), then your best move is to contact Etsy Support and give them the label ID and a screenshot of the adjustment receipt, then ask who must receive the dispute for that specific charge.

If you want, paste (1) what the Etsy adjustment receipt says was changed (weight vs dimensions vs package type) and (2) which carrier name appears on it, and I’ll tell you exactly which dispute path to use and what to say so it doesn’t get bounced around.