Bought item in February, hasn't shown up yet

[ashdth]

Scratching my head here, maybe you all can help...

I purchased an item from China in February, with the shipping date saying it would arrive from March 10th-April 6th. No problem, I can wait that's cool by me.

February 18th the tracking number was provided and then February 20th another entry was made:

"Your item was picked up by a shipping partner at 2:14 am on February 20, 2020 in FREMONT, CA 94538. This does not indicate receipt by the USPS or the actual mailing date."

I have not seen it move since then, I've asked the seller about this and been told, rightfully so that coronavirus has really slowed things down but to wait. 

The problem is I've waited and waited and the seller said they'd open a complaint with their postal service and if they don't hear anything about it, they'd send another replacement product. 

I agree to this but I start doubting the truthfulness in this conversation, a friend of mine who is a lifelong ebayer said I need to open a claim with ebay for item not received. I file the claim and let the seller know and they're instantly upset. 

Ultimately, with all the respect and calm I can muster I just tell the seller that they can figure this out and to let me know what the deal is. 

Do I just wait this out? Am I being taken for a ride? I'm just trying to protect my butt here, I just want what I paid for.

[frodobagginskennedy]

He is scamming you.  That is what is going on.  DO NOT close out your Paypal case until you recive your refund.

[ashdth]

That's what I was thinking as well.

[candd205]

Yes, do not close your Paypal case. See it through until you get refund. No need to respond to the seller any more.

[soh.maryl]

ALL buyers need to learn to protect themselves when/if a transaction goes wrong.

eBay gives buyers the Money Back Guarantee to use if/when this happens.

If you're not using it, then you are basically shooting yourself in the foot.

Please read and apply all the suggestions given to you here.

You can open an item not received case once the item is overdue by more than a day or two.  At this particular time, we generally suggest giving it a little more time.  Notice I said a little more time, not months?

There is no reason or need to open a dialogue with a seller which is usually a stalling technique on his part.

Open the case, wait 96 hours, escalate the case, get a refund.  Don't accept any promises to reship.  That's another stalling technique. 

[ashdth]

Seller is sending lots of empty promises currently, very irritating

[myboardid]

The seller is trying to steal your money by making you wait until it is too late. Do NOT believe a word he says! IGNORE him and close your Paypal case as soon as you are permitted to do so. Don't give him another 5 minutes!