I would take the advice from @mam98031.
The best plan is to stay in contact with your buyer. Fill out the forms with USPS, I use the text and emails update, and also fill out a package research request. You will get a 1st contact email confirming that they received the request and they usually follow up with-in 48hrs with some status of the package.
I post all the updated info from USPS in a message to the buyer. Most buyers will give you some extra time if they know you are staying on top of the problem.
For buyers who do open an INR, respond to the request with tracking and let them know you are working on it. *** If you receive any update on the tracking OR the package request, post that with-in the INR. any movement will most likely extend the INR.
I have had both case scenario's above. These are the ones the buyer did not open an INR, two items arrived very late and the buyers were patient and all ended well. (excluding stress on my end) Another package I refunded on my own after USPS request stated it was backed up at a sort center with lack of manpower...
The item arrived out of the blue 2 days after I refunded, asked the buyer to refuse and it is now in "return to sender mode.
The ones INR's were opened, I worked with the buyers through the INR and kept them informed. I was up to the final day where the buyers could ask eBay to step in since there were no updates for 7 days to the tracking or package request through USPS. I asked the buyers if they would give it few more days and not ask eBay to step in and they said they would.
I received an update from the USPS request the next day with updated tracking, uploaded to the INR and kept the buyer informed of expected delivery by the end of that day. I was getting close to refunding them before my extra 2 days the buyer gave were up. Both items were delivered and eBay closed the cases. No dings on my account.
Sorry for the long post, but I am trying to give you a sense of my experience maybe something will help.
You have also received good advice from the other members here. They have helped me greatly when ever I have had questions.
As the last poster said, the "in transit arriving late" is a non event, as you will notice all are time stamped 12:00. When I see 3 or 4 days of that tracking status it is usually followed by no updates, and that is the time to start with the advice given to you in the beginning of the topic.
I hope things get moving for you soon!
