Seller provided tracking number 4 days ago - USPS shows package has not been scanned

[globespy72]

I purchased an expensive electronics part from a fairly new seller who has reviews in the high 90%'s.
 The purchase date was Thursday 23rd, I messaged them on the day I paid as is normal for me to begin communication with any seller.
I also requested use of an alternative shipping option to USPS since the item was $500, and as a small seller I have always offered multiple options such as Fedex 2-3 day with insurance.
I have sent 3 emails to date without a single reply.

On Saturday 25th, early in the morning, a tracking number with USPS was created by the seller.
Since then there has been no activity, with USPS website and customer support saying that the package has not dropped off with them, nor have they picked up the item from the seller.
I live virtually in the next state, so it should have been almost here if the seller dropped off Saturday morning with that tracking number. Items usually arrive within 3 days tops even with basic shipping.

I'm not that worried if the seller is being dishonest/fraudulent, I used an offer on PayPal credit with nothing to be paid until 6 months (interest accrued beyond that).

The biggest thing is the complete dead silence from the seller, a seller who is a very low volume seller with less than 10 items currently for sale.

Appreciate advice.
Thanks.

[1tuna]

its not normal for a buyer to communicate with a seller after you have paid in most cases.

after the sale communication is viewd as a problem with ebay

thats why they have the communication stars

I do not want to sound mean but please stop bugging your seller

sellers are not required to respond to you.they are required to have the item arrive within a certain period

after the due date you can start an item not recived.  I woud be anxious if I bought something for 500 but I woud never try to badger a seller

I am sure it appears the seller is doing nothing but they dont need to respond to you

they are suposed to respond to the MBG problem if you care to file an INR or item not received

[kensgiftshop]

@globespy72 

Did you notice what their handling time was or the estimated delivery date?

If they have a 5 day handling time, they have 5 business days to get it shipped.

[globespy72]

Appreciate your feedback and opinions on buyer/seller communication.
For high volume sellers I can see the practicalities involved in communicating with every buyer.

I think that new sellers with very few items for sale are likely not doing this as their main source of income, instead they are very keen to get paid for EVERY item they sell.
They should be open to basic communication with their buyers, it's good for creating a strong seller feedback status.
Other than that, I'm perhaps 'old school' and still like to have basic communication with anyone I buy from, especially higher $ value items.

The seller has 6 other sales for exactly the same item, all within a day of each other, mine makes that 7 identical items sold.
But it shows as 'private listing -- buyers' identities protected', except of course my eBay name.
Seller's other 9 items for sale are extremely random, low value items, and looks like he has never really sold electronics before that - yes I know I should have checked before buying but it was end of day and I was in a rush to order that specific part.

I will report back what happens, but my gut instinct says I'm being scammed. 

[globespy72]

Thanks for the reply.
No details on handling time. It was delivery by October 1st, this coming Friday. 
USPS say they do not have the item and the shipper just created a label for an item that has neither been handed over or picked up.

[stuff4divas · Accepted solution]

@globespy72 

While you may not like the way this seller is handling - not handling the situation, the bottom line is you don't have a legit gripe until the day after the last estimated delivery date. Today is Tuesday, so still time to receive your item by Friday. If not, open an item not rec'd case. If so, put your frustrations onto the seller's feedback.

Personally, I think sellers should answer any messages from buyers, especially those who have already paid for something.

In the end, how you feel sellers should conduct themselves will not necessarily come to fruition. 

Hope you get your item!

[globespy72]

What a thoughtful answer, objective and fair.

I hope that I get the item also! I've been a member since 2001 and have had good experiences with eBay.
if anything, if this turns sour I will just avoid eBay in the future and stick with Amazon even if a little more expensive. Amazon's policies are much better for buyers, especially as a Prime member for 15+ years (since it's inception).

[cstpos]

@globespy72  I respond to every message - I just think it's good customer service. As mentioned, they might have printed the label but have not yet dropped of the package. Also, I have had to open 6 Find my Mail cases with USPS just this month. Tracking will show that the item has not yet been picked up by the USPS, even though the carrier stood there and scanned it in front of me. They have found all the orders - a couple were stuck in limbo and the research case got them moving in USPS again.

As mentioned, sellers don't have to respond, but it's a red flag for me when they don't answer. If you don't get it by the date specified, open an Item Not Received Case. They do recommend giving an additional day or two because of the carriers having issues. Sometimes the item is on it's way, but either the post office and/or ebay are not showing the updated status on the tracking. If ebay doesn't come through with a refund from the seller and you don't get your item, you can always dispute the charge with Paypal and then your credit card (if you used one). Best of Luck. Hopefully you'll get your item.

[kensgiftshop]

---

@globespy72 wrote:

Thanks for the reply.
No details on handling time. It was delivery by October 1st, this coming Friday. 
USPS say they do not have the item and the shipper just created a label for an item that has neither been handed over or picked up.

---

If it doesn't have far to travel, the seller could ship it today or tomorrow and make it by the estimated delivery date.

Let us know how it turns out?

[globespy72]

Still no reply from the seller, even after a nice/relaxed emails simply asking for updates.
Whether eBay policies state that the seller has to reply or not, it's just good business to communicate with sellers when they ask questions about very specific parts of the process. 
I'm convinced that this seller simply created a shipping label, then did absolutely nothing else.
Not even sure what benefit there is to this when, come tomorrow I can request a refund?
Why even bother wasting people's time and energy when you have no intention of selling the item you say you have?

[stuff4divas]

---

@globespy72 wrote:

Still no reply from the seller, even after a nice/relaxed emails simply asking for updates.
Whether eBay policies state that the seller has to reply or not, it's just good business to communicate with sellers when they ask questions about very specific parts of the process. 
I'm convinced that this seller simply created a shipping label, then did absolutely nothing else.
Not even sure what benefit there is to this when, come tomorrow I can request a refund?
Why even bother wasting people's time and energy when you have no intention of selling the item you say you have?

---

Barring any other extreme circumstance, ie health related, etc I would say the answer is "Because they are LOSERS"

[vintagecraze50]

When you buy you must make note of what the sellers handling time is on their items. They can buy the label then wait to ship depending on their stated handling time. If a seller IS going to extend handling time that needs to be UP FRONT, in the listing. Also, you must know that USPS is often very sloppy in their scanning of packages and it might have missed being scanned for the first time. Understand you urgency for a response from seller. I answer every single one of my messages on here becuase I do not want buyers to worry. Some sellers may not have the time. Always good to answer anytime one has a question or concern.

[dn32844]

I bought something from ebay and receive tracking number couple of hours later. Checked USPS for 3 days to see if they have the item nothing showed up cancelled order. USPS shouldn't issue tracking number unless they are in possession of merchandise, but we are talking about a runaway system.  

[house*of*paws]

@dn32844 

Online sellers usually purchase shipping labels online ... so there is no way to avoid having a tracking number issued before USPS receives the package.

BTW, you are posting to a 2-year-old thread.  It might be better to start a new thread about this if you want more input.

[kh-taylarie]

Due to the age of this thread, it will be locked in order to keep discussions current. If you have the same or a similar question/issue we invite you to start a new thread on the topic.