How can a seller have a shipping date (not int'l) that is nearly 1 month from purchase date?

[ef_toybox]

I won an auction on a small item.  Roughly 2.5 inches ling by 3/4 inch wide.
I am located in NC and the seller is in California. 
It says the item will arrive by 8/14/2021.  I purchased it on 7/18/21.  
It shows "standard shipping" as the shipping method.  I assumed that meant first class or UPS/FedEx ground.  In which none of those options would take that long.

How can "standard shipping" take that long?  

No, the seller is not marked as away on vacation.

How long can a handling time be set for?

PS.  I am aware that I agreed to the terms when I placed my bid.  I am not mad.  I am just curious as I've never had to wait that long for a first class item, shipped that wasn't internationally.

[stephenmorgan]

Could be one of several reasons why there such a delay.  Do you have a Tracking Number yet?  What is the Item Number?

[nobody*s_perfect]

When setting up a listing, sellers must specify a handling time.  The options range up to 30 days, which apparently is what your seller chose.

[ef_toybox]

No tracking has been provided yet.

294260410916

[ef_toybox]

Wasn't aware it could go that high.  Thank you for the reply.

[stainlessenginecovers]

Sounds like seller used 15 Days Handling; then allow 2-7 Business Days for 1st Class Shipping; would equate to about that date. 

If item is book or going Media Mail, they allow 2 to 20 days shipping time. 

[stephenmorgan]

This accounts for part of the delay.

Once they ship the estimated delivery date should adjust to a more accurate date.

There are some shipping services that take a very long time.  Your item I did not see a specific shipping method.

[friskya]

Your seller appears to be pretty reputable and I'll confess, my first thought (just based on the CA item location) was that he was a drop shipper. Now I'm more inclined to think that nobody*s_perfect is correct - your seller just set an extended handling time. Especially since I saw the first line of the description said he wouldn't be shipping until a later date. He may just be awaiting new inventory. 

[Anonymous]

Could be a pre order and seller is violating policy by not stating so and masking it with handling time.