Thank you for your input, I do appreciate it (have Bookmarked several of your contributions to the Community). I have communicated at length with my seller and copied him on what I found here (the info you highlighted), on the Hold policies, and on my conversations (two on his behalf, two on mine) with eBay and Paypal. After 10 days had passed with no word or indication of mailing, I also posted a lengthy summation of my experience under the tag Holds, Payment Holds. I needed some reassurance and/or direction.
I like my seller, and trust them (to the extent that one trusts another enough to do business with them here on eBay, paticularly when buying a high dollar laptop). This seller rarely, if ever, sells and never a high dollar item. He told me he was selling a computer because he was surprised with another one from his family, and I believe him. But the things he told me and his refusal to mail, even after having been explained, in detail, the procedures and reasons for a Hold; when he himself initially (upon hearing of the Hold placed on my payment to him) related to me that he knew the funds would be held until I received the laptop, after 11 days, with no explanation for not shipping other than a pretense that eBay instructed him not to...It is upsetting, and concerning. I have been supportive of him and patient with him; reassured him, and directed him here to the Community to read of the many even very experienced sellers who have to deal with Holds. I am even willing to wait the 21 days. But not to hear ANYTHING, except an entreaty to intervene on his behalf-which I also willingly did-it has left me wondering about his good faith. He has been repeatedly reassured by eBay AND Paypal that my payment is good, that it cleared immediately, and that he needs only to contact Paypal. Which, I don't think he has done.
I like what I know of the seller, I really want the laptop, I have been very willing to work with him through this, but he has not completed his responsibilities to the transaction in response to my good faith payment and extensive supportive communication. Clarity and transparency, and the truth, is what I have asked in return. So far I have not received any of these, nor have I received the laptop. I am bummed. eBay recommended that, in absence of his action and/or communication, I have them step in. Reluctantly, I did.
I have bought more than usual recently following a long period of personal challenge. Some clothing did not fit, a couple of items descriptions were not true to the item, but in all of these transactions the sellers have kept me informed and we have worked things out. Buying is stressful: you pay, but often you do not know exactly what you have paid for (and anticipated) until the package arrives (which is its own challenge) and you open for the reveal. Did it make it? Is it what the description said it was? Is it counterfeit? Does it fit even passingly enough to keep? Is it wonderful? (which, in most cases, for me it often is) or disappointing (which is a real blow because it is such a hassle to return things and buyers are criticized for returning). I have returned things, I have had items not work as they should and been refunded or partially refunded, and I have kept things that weren't at all what I wanted because I accept that no information can be perfect, but it takes communication. I know you know that because you are very good at communicating and show great equanimity in your contributions. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk (apologies...I really wanted this purchase to be one of my wonderful ones).
I really want/need this laptop and I really want to feel good about the seller. I hope my good faith in him has been justified. It shouldn't have to be this difficult or protracted to receive something that one is thrilled to find, and that one has happily paid full BIN asking price for.
