Finally, eBay Guaranteed Delivery is only an Estimate

[reda3615]

It seems eBay has finally realized the folly of Guaranteed Delivery, and can no longer stand behind it, nor stand it.

It will arrive on Saturday, guaranteed! Maybe on Monday, you have our word. Or on Tuesday, we don't control the carrier? But we won't give your buyer a $5 voucher unless it arrives later than those 4 days, we'll make that a week soon.

[dtexley3]

IIIIInnnntesresting.... hehehe.  Those $5 handouts must be adding up.

[dtexley3]

@reda3615 were those images from an app?  desktop browser still shows single hard dates.

[postingid2017]

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@dtexley3 wrote:

IIIIInnnntesresting.... hehehe.  Those $5 handouts must be adding up.

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I was thinking the same 🙂 

For the few times that I had to mail something for my father, I've heard the Clerks state "we cannot guarantee it will be there by XX date - it is only an estimate."  Personally, I do not think that any carrier can because anything can happen.  

[castlemagicmemories]

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@postingid2017 wrote:

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@dtexley3 wrote:

IIIIInnnntesresting.... hehehe.  Those $5 handouts must be adding up.

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I was thinking the same 🙂 

For the few times that I had to mail something for my father, I've heard the Clerks state "we cannot guarantee it will be there by XX date - it is only an estimate."  Personally, I do not think that any carrier can because anything can happen.  

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I agree.  The carriers themselves make no guarantees for very valid reasons.  They can't.  As you say, anything can happen.  IMO, it is better not to set up false expectations and then disappoint.

[pburn]

I just received my first $5 late guarantee reward. I think the program's great, based solely on that experience. ;-]

[reda3615]

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@dtexley3 wrote:

@reda3615 were those images from an app?  desktop browser still shows single hard dates.

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It's Firefox on a phone at the eBay.com website across 2 buying IDs: 

1. one ID registered 16 years ago and making its first-ever purchase, so no delivery history -- the You earned $14.34 in eBay Bucks

2. and the other ID with extensive delivery history from hundreds of purchases, but not getting eBay Bucks promos anymore.

Both buying IDs also show single hard Guaranteed Delivery dates for other purchases throughout the same day, one ID earning additional 8% Bucks, and the other ID none.

Regardless, the mystery is when will a delivery be considered late and eligible for a $5 voucher if it (or the repair* on your car) is "Guaranteed by Apr 27-30"?

*I'll pick you up from school sometime this week after the car is fixed.

[membersinceaug2001]

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@pburn wrote:
I just received my first $5 late guarantee reward. I think the program's great, based solely on that experience. ;-]

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Me too!

I think the GD is set up with the search rigged to regional sales.  The closer the distance, the more likely it is to get there sooner.  Less $ they have to pay out, but it still makes them look good for guaranteeing.

[castlemagicmemories]

Maybe they will make an announcement regarding Guaranteed Delivery in the up coming Seller Update.

[kathy507]

Personally I think the guaranteed delivery program is a badly thought out idea.

If I buy something, I do not usually bother checking its shipping status every day, but I have noticed it seems to have motivated other buyers to do so.  We have an instant gratification society and this certainly speaks to that.

However, I recently did buy something that was very late getting delivered and took eBay at their word by claiming the $5.00 coupon.  Once they give out too many of those, they may rethink the program.  But my guess is the cost of the coupon will eventually fall upon the sellers.

I ship the same or next business day and even ship on Saturday, but I cannot guarantee the post office will deliver in a set period of time, nor do I control weather conditions like floods, ice storms, tornadoes and the like--all of which have direct effects on delivery.  I was surprised when this program began that eBay thought sellers could control such things.

[gracieallen01]

Well, only the important people use the app, don't ya know?   

[parkersparrow]

I thought is always say it's an estimated time?

* The delivery date is not guaranteed until you have checked out using an instant payment method. If your Guaranteed Delivery item isn’t on time, you can (1) return the item, for a refund of the full price and return shipping costs; or (2) keep the item and get a refund of your shipping costs (if shipping was free, get a $5 eBay voucher). Attempted delivery on or before the guaranteed date will be considered a timely delivery.See Details - opens in a new window or tab
* Estimated delivery dates- opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and time of acceptance and will depend on shipping service selected and receipt of cleared payment- opens in a new window or tab. Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods.

Estimated delivery date
The estimated delivery date is based on the seller's handling time, the shipping service selected, and when the seller receives cleared payment. In certain cases, the estimated delivery date will vary. By knowing the estimated delivery date, you can determine how long it will take to receive your item.

Handling time

Sellers are required to specify how long they will take to package and ship the item after receiving cleared payment. Sellers may select a handling time between same business day and 30 business days.

Shipping services

Some shipping services provide an estimate for the number of days that it will take the carrier to deliver the item to the buyer. This transit time does not include the seller's handling time. Transit time includes normal weekdays. Often Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays are not included in transit time estimates.

Cleared payment

A payment is considered "cleared" after your payment has been deposited into the seller's account. If you pay using PayPal, the payment may clear immediately. However if you pay by check, money order, or eCheck, your payment may take several days to clear.