Package hasn't arrived, need advice

[kevimie_0]

I had (as I noted in the shipping forum, though I think this would be a better place for this particular situation) bought a board game from a seller in Pakistan. Bought it on May 8, it was "shipped" May 15 (a week after) with an estimated delivery date of May 16-May 25. A shipping label was created on Sunday May 19 in Chicago with the USPS "awaiting item", and that's how it's stayed since. Well, the due date has already come and gone (it's 7:56am, Texas time on May 26 as I write this). So I wrote to the seller that the item was not received and that (to make my life easier, at least) I would just like a refund. (Next time, hopefully soon, I'll order this same game from within the Continental U.S.- seems less of a headache). I received this response in return. I feel like I know what y'all will say already, but I just want to see what advice y'all would have. Thank you.

Also, keep in mind this whole exchange is being written on a Sunday morning for me, and a Sunday night for them. I have redacted any personal information. Also worth noting is that the seller has been "new in business" since sometime in 2022. New? 

Seller’s message: "Hi, (redacted) I hope you are doing well. We have dropped of your package at USPS office yesterday. We got a little late due to some reasons. We are new in business kindly cooperate with us. I have uploaded the tracking id with order and Im sending you tracking id here aswell. Tracking id: (redacted) I just checked it its not working yet I think they havent scanned the package yet. It will start today and will reach your doorstep within 3-4 days. Kindly Cooperate with us If it will not reach within 3-4 days I will give you a refund. Kindly close this request as it can be very bad for us. Sorry for the inconvenience Waiting for your response Best Regards

[bonjourami]

You have thirty days from the estimated date of delivery to file an item not received case.

[kevimie_0]

I already have. I just wanted to check in and make sure I shouldn't close the request, despite the seller's plea. If they don't respond by 6/1, then eBay is expected to intervene. Hopefully all goes well. 

[msmaggie060]

@kevimie_0 
If you have opened an INR with eBay do NOT close it. Once closed, you cannot open it again. 

[kevimie_0]

Thank you. I kinda figured that was the way to go, but I wanted a second opinion (I only shop on eBay from time to time).

[mtgraves7984]

Kindly close this request as it can be very bad for us.

@kevimie_0 

Uh... no. The request  has no effect on your seller. Non-delivery, on the other hand, would not be good for them. 

[tobaccocardyahoo]

Never close an MBG claim unless the item is in your hands and as described.

You cannot reopen it.

[kevimie_0]

Good news. Today I have received an email from the seller/eBay saying they will refund me (though the seller made it seem like I could keep the item if it came through- won't be doing that, will return if sent my way). Won't close the request just yet until the refund actually does come through (gotta play it safe), but just thought I'd pass along this wonderful bit of information. Thank you all for your advice and input.