Buyer's protection if replacement item gets lost?

[vicfager_0]

Hello. I purchased a rather expensive item (~500 GBP) which was scheduled for delivery sometime between tomorrow (18 sep) and Wednesday.

The seller contacted me, telling me the shipping company has lost my package but offering to ship me a new item. I'd be glad to accept but for some reason I see red flags – what happens if I agree to have a replacement item shipped to me, and that item doesn't arrive either? Can I still get my money back, if that happens?

//Vic

[myboardid]

All buyers are covered by eBay's Money Back Guarantee, which says that if the package does not arrive by the latest Estimated Delivery Date, you can open a case for Item Not Received, go through a process that takes a few days, and get a refund.  You have 30 days from the latest estimated delivery date to do this, but you can start it as soon as one day after that date. 

I would suggest you do this rather than wait for a replacement.  The seller is probably trying to drag out the date so you pass the 30 day mark and they don't have to refund.  In other words, you are likely being scammed.  There is no way he would know if the carrier lost the package so soon after the shipment unless it is already very late.  Get your money back ASAP. 

[vicfager_0]

Thanks for your reply!
Really taking your advice to heart. I have to add, though – It's a "trusted seller" with thousands of positive reviews, 99.4% positive feedback in the last 12 months. I placed the order on the 11th of September and it was shipped on the 13th. Still plenty of time and they're estimating the new item to be with me next Friday.

No changes to the current order has been made, it's still showing as "delivery pending"...
(Shipping from Poland to Sweden)

But I understand your experience is not to be underestimated so I really appreciate your advice.
Is there anything I can ask of the seller to provide, or with this information in mind – is it still wise to just get my money back?

[no_zero369]

@vicfager_0 

I wouldn't necessarily quickly default to "the seller is scamming you".   Perhaps the seller has some insight into the cross boarder transfers and was able to make that determination?  A responsible seller tells you about problems BEFORE they occur.  Which is what I see in the stated communications. 

I have often alerted a buyer when a package takes a cross country detour or appears to be stalled in the process.  Most appreciate that I am being proactive and watching the shipment for them.  Since you have 30-days from the last estimated delivery date (which doesn't start until tomorrow), I am not sure how a note BEFORE that time would be designed to get you to 'run out the clock?'   But hey many people see a scam up every tree & under every bush.

But under the rules we understand here, you will need to wait until Thursday Sept 19 to file an INR claim.  Once you get a full refund, THEN you can decide if you wish to repurchase from this seller or select another seller.

Also, since this is a USA board and eBay in different countries has different rules, it might make some sense to find the boards for that part of eBay and ask there just in case the rules there are significantly different!