Global Shipping Program: Processing at Consolidation Center??

[captain_nimoy]

Hey all,

I'm based in the UK and bought an item from the US. They used Global shipping program to ship.

Looking at the tracking details is very concerning. The guy shipping it on 27th July. The latest update is from 29th July saying 'Processing at Consolidation Center' and that's it! No updates since.

It was estimated to be delivered by the 18th of August, though I'm not even sure it has left the US. Can anyone advise what to do next? I spoke to the seller and said I will wait a week after the estimated date to see if there is any progress. Then after that he will try to open up a claim. I have 30 days after estimated shipping date to get a refund or escalate.

Last time I buy anything that uses the terrible global shi**ing program 😞 any advice would be great folks.

[releasethekraken_1]

Does the tracking info show the location of the Consolidation Center?

[mudshark61369]

@captain_nimoy,

The Global shipping program (GSP) sometimes hold packages at the processing center until they have enough packages to fill an airline container before shipping.  Once a package leaves the center it should update but there could be delays once it arrives in the U.K. for customs processing. 

I do not buy from sellers who use the GSP, because of the higher cost, longer delivery times and often unnecessary customs fees. 

[captain_nimoy]

Hi, Unfortunately not. Though the update before that says: Out for Delivery, Expected Delivery by 9:00pm

ERLANGER, KY 41018, which is on the same day July 29th. So assuming it's in ERLANGER. From what I've read on the forums many parcels get held up here.

[captain_nimoy]

Thanks for the info mudshark. That makes a lot of sense.  If there are no updates next week then I'd have to assume this parcel is going nowhere as it would be a month of being stuck at the processing center. I will definitely stay clear of GSP delivery and ask the seller for another option. I think it's just particularly bad at ERLANGER from what I've been reading.

[d-k_treasures]

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@mudshark61369 wrote:

@captain_nimoy,

The Global shipping program (GSP) sometimes hold packages at the processing center until they have enough packages to fill an airline container before shipping.  Once a package leaves the center it should update but there could be delays once it arrives in the U.K. for customs processing. 

I do not buy from sellers who use the GSP, because of the higher cost, longer delivery times and often unnecessary customs fees. 

---

Not from the 29th - it probably would be long gone now.

However, getting space for air cargo or even ocean freight service right now is incredibly backed up!

[captain_nimoy]

Yeah I think it's safe to say this is lost. Hasn't even stated that it has left the US. Really disappointing. What makes the global shipping program different to say just shipping with Fedex or something?

[48hrs-clothing]

Re: The latest update is from 29th July saying 'Processing at Consolidation Center,

This means export declaration preparation in accordance with world trade organisation/ UK customs and  some days later item is  moved from the processing centre to an Airport.

Your order should show an additional tracking number to one provided by seller and you should track this on track24.net website.

If this 2nd tracking number is not shown then this implies that item has not left the processing / consolidation centre or there is a problem with eBay's system and details are not getting uploaded as in the past month I have had at least 6 shipments where I have uploaded tracking on eBay but somehow these orders do not show any tracking information but they do track on Royal mail's track and trace website as delivered.

Steps you have taken and you are proposing to take are in my view perfect and in view of current situation with COVID 19 I would give 2 weeks past expected delivery date to give GSP every opportunity of delivering and if item does not turn up then you as buyer open an INR case. 

In case of non delivery it is GSP that refunds the buyer and not the seller.

I am a seller and I have been using GSP for quite a while and I have found their service to be excellent with shorter delivery times and no disgruntled buyers. GSP provide much more than just the postage part as they ensure that items meet receiving country's customs regulations and buyer has one stop shopping experience.

[captain_nimoy]

Hi, unfortunately no additional tracking number or anything. Is it 30 days from estimated date I have left to open a case? Any idea who the seller could call to chase it up?

[48hrs-clothing]

You have 30 days from the estimated delivery date to inform the seller that you didn't receive your item (Open INR case). Once you've told them there's a problem, the seller has 3 business days to provide a delivery update, offer a replacement, or give you a refund. 

Seller can and should contact eBay's CS to send a message to GSP.

[captain_nimoy]

So still no updates on the tracking info. Would the seller need to contact a specific number or email to claim for an undelivered package at his end? I feel bad for the seller as there doesn't seem an obvious course of action like with the buyer opening up a case. Would they need to contact ebay customer services or the GSP directly?

[48hrs-clothing]

No need to feel bad about the seller as he is fully protected because he dispatched the item and GSP received it.

When you open an INR ( Item not received ) case seller will get a notification from eBay to advise him that a case is opened and that seller at this stage is not required to produce/ provide any information and GSP will investigate and respond.

If item is lost then a few days (In my experience 3-5 days) later I would expect eBay to message you that a refund has been issued to you and seller will get a message that GSP has issued a refund to you and seller's account will not be debited as he was not at fault.

Advantage of buying and selling items shipped via GSP is that items lost in transit or damaged in transit are in my experience resolved quickly and without any arguments.

[captain_nimoy]

Thanks for the info 48hrs. I opened an INR case. As the seller proved shipping info, ebay said:

'eBay Customer Support has placed the case on hold until Sep. 11 to allow time to provide additional documentation'

Not sure what this means. Is this all documentation from the seller or GSP side? I assume after this if there are still no updates they will refund me? It's still not very clear 😞

[downunder-61]

It is also possible that UK customs may not allowed some items in to the country and Erlanger will automatically refuse to send if that is the case.

Either way you will be protected: If you have received no refund or notific ation by that date Sep 11 - you go to the case and ask eBay to step in.

[48hrs-clothing]

Message you received is standard procedure.

This time till 11th September allows GSP time to check status with customs and or their overseas delivery partner and if possible to deliver the item to you.

If the are unable to do this then case will automatically close with a refund to you.

If you do not receive notification by 12th September then see iof you can escalate the case/ ask eBay to step in or you call eBay's CS and they will resolve the issue.

In short you will either get your item or your money back.

Unfortunately process is long winded/ takes time to resolve.