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Seller misleading delivery date
Summary: er873547 shared an experience where they purchased an item on eBay that was advertised with 'Free 2–4 day delivery.' However, the seller shipped it using USPS letter mail, which can take up to 3 weeks, and offered an option to pay extra for faster shipping. er873547 questioned the discrepancy between the advertised delivery time and the actual shipping method used by the seller, expressing concerns about whether this practice is permitted under eBay's policies.
I purchased an item advertised on eBay with “Free 2–4 day delivery.” After purchasing, the seller told me that because my order was under $20, they intentionally shipped it via USPS letter mail with a postage stamp and no tracking. They said this method normally takes about a week but can take 2–3 weeks.
I contacted the seller to ask why the listing advertises 2–4 day delivery when they knowingly use a shipping method that can take up to 3 weeks. The seller responded that eBay's 2–4 day estimate “is not really accurate with letter mail” and acknowledged that their letter-mail shipments can take up to 3 weeks. They also said I could pay an additional fee to upgrade to Ground Advantage if I was concerned about delivery time.
I understand that USPS can have delays, but my concern is that the seller appears to knowingly use a shipping method that is substantially slower than the delivery timeframe advertised on the listing. I would like to know whether this is permitted under eBay's shipping/listing policies.
mr_lincoln
Mentor3 weeks agoHi @er873547
Actually, the Seller is taking a BIG RISK using postage stamp mail without a tracking number. Any Buyer who files a claim one day past the original estimated delivery will win the claim and get to keep the item and be refunded by eBay unless the Seller refunds through the claim. There is nothing in eBay's polices that prevent Seller from shipping without tracking but as mentioned, they are at risk doing it.
Make sure you do not wait longer than 30 days to file a claim, otherwise you will lose your eBay Money Back Guarantee protection.