Sellers Using COVID to Delay Shipping

[prodig56]

Has anyone had issues with sellers using COVID as an excuse for shipping delay—but the purchase was WEEKS before a declared pandemic?

I purchased two items from two different sellers in early/mid March.
Both say they shipped.

One never provided tracking and when I reached out to get info on my shipment, I got the COVID excuse. I waited 2 more weeks (total of 6 weeks) and was told it should have been delivered, but I need to give it another 4-6 weeks due to COVID. I checked their local AU postal website and delays didn’t start until the beginning of April—which was 2 weeks after they say they shipped.
I requested a refund, still awaiting that response. 
The second seller provided tracking but the item was never picked up by the post office. eBay says, “tracking number provided.”  When I requested status after waiting a month, they also gave the COVID excuse. I checked the local JP postal website, and delays to the US didn’t start until after the first week of April. 
I looked at that buyers feedback, and several people purchased after me, and received their packages.  I sent a request for status update this evening...  

I'm wondering if it’s just my bad luck or has anyone else experienced this?

[rebell45]

Did you file INR cases once the estimated delivery dates passed?

[dirk12955]

Today I received an order from the Czech republic that was shipped February 17th        77 days ago.

[prodig56]

I did with one, but not the other.
I was trying to give the benefit of the doubt before making it “official.” I’m hesitant about that kinda stuff because I never want to give the seller a bad mark, or whatever it is...

[prodig56]

Did they provide tracking, or ship right away? I wouldn’t have an issue if I could see that the package was actually shipped. In both cases, I can’t even track the package. 🙁

[orangehound]

A lot of shipments from China (or other third countries) are not even shipping ... and probably won't ship.  Yes, the reason is due to COVID-19.  But, this isn't your fault.  The best course of action is to file an Item Not Received claim and buy from a seller that is in the USA.

(Some sellers claim to ship from the USA, but they are actually shipping from China ... if you see extended handling times, it is most always going to be due to some international shipping).

[yuzuha]

If it's coming from Japan, then yes, mail has been VERY delayed since the end of March/start of April.  Just yesterday I received an EMS package that had been shipped on the 4th of April.  It sat at the post office in Japan until April 30th, when it finally was put on a plane to the US.  I have another package (also EMS) that was mailed on April 18th and it's still waiting at the post office there.

[mkaczorsee]

If the estimated delivery date has passed, file an item not received case.

I just had a package delivered today from the UK that was postmarked 3/2. Took 2 months to arrive.

[prodig56]

Thanks for the info!  I looked at Japan Post and saw there were delays. My main concern is that the JP item says, “tracking number provided,” and hasn’t even been dropped off or picked up by the shipper. I expected some delays, but it would be nice to know that it has even left the origin. It’s been since March 23... 🙁

[ayamenoop]

The estimated delivery date provided by ebay can be pretty messed up. I shipped an item at the end of March and the estimated delivery is showing as 16 Apr -_-

[toooldtorock]

"A lot of shipments from China (or other third countries) are not even shipping"

Sellers get the stuff out the door but then the package sits in a warehouse waiting for

shipment to the U.S.

I suppose this is due to reduced airline flights and ocean shipping since trade has slowed

down quite a bit due to the virus.

[cream_couture]

I haven't purchased anything from overseas, but I have had several packages be delayed/lost/damaged in the past two months. If I were you, I would just file a INR claim.