Tracking Number from an item in China not being given.

[maverickhunterrob]

Alright, So I bought an item from a seller in china last week, around thursday-ish which would be friday for them I believe? Anyways, sometime around the weekend, the seller lists it as "Shipped" and after 3 business days, has not given me a tracking number despite me asking for one numerous times, and he/she keeps giving me the same answer.

"The tracking number is still not processed with Fedex."

How the hell do you not have a tracking number after 3 business days? It's wednesday now, probably thursday for the seller and still no tracking information? Have I made a mistake buying from this seller? They do happen to have several negative feedback but I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt but now I feel that, that was not the wisest choice.

I've never had any item purchased through ebay take THIS long to get a tracking number for. Not to mention the seller's replies are always after a 24 hour period, just to tell me the same thing. Honestly, anyone knows what I should do in this situation? I feel like the seller actually hasn't shipped the item, which is probably why they don't have any tracking info for it despite being marked as shipped.

Some advice would be greatly appreciated.

[chrysylys]

Tracking numbers are not always provided. I've received many packages that never had one. It's also possible it could be several days before one is available.

Just be patient.

[tarpedge]

Sellers are not required to provide a tracking number. You bought an item, not a tracking number.

[maverickhunterrob]

Even before I purchased the item, which is over $500, I asked if tracking information would be made available, the seller said yes.

A weekend and a few business days later, still no tracking information.

"Just be patient" doesn't cut it. I have a right to be concerned about it at this point.

[chrysylys]

Since there is a significant difference in time zones, they probably answer inquiries only once per day (their time) which accounts for the delay in replies.

If the item is being shipped from Asia, a tracking number may not be available until the item enters the US and is transferred to the carrier who will deliver it. That could be seven to ten business days, maybe more.

[phcd1 · Accepted solution]

---

@maverickhunterrob wrote:

...Honestly, anyone knows what I should do in this situation? ...

---

There is no requirement on eBay to give the buyer a tracking number, many sellers don't. Most items from China take 30 days to arrive in the US, I have received some in 2 weeks, but that's the exception. Just wait until the last estimated delivery date passes, then open a INR (Item not Received) claim in eBay and I promise you'll get a tracking number or a refund. (My EBay, Purchase history, the item, I didn't receive)

[maverickhunterrob]

Requirements or not, I always ask if tracking info will be provided before a purchase and depending on the answer, I go through with a purchase or not. If they aren't able to supply me with one, I tell them to send me an invoice so that I can take care of the expenses myself to have one added when the item is shipped. The problem is, I bought several things from different sellers in Asia, mostly china, all on the same day, and all but this one, had a tracking number issued to me that was legit, they all arrived within the last two days...but this one has not given me anything regarding a tracking number, despite asking for one numerous times, so I have no idea what it's status is.

I suppose I'll just take your advice. If my purchased item isn't here by the expected delivery dates, then I'll just open up a case. Thanks for the reply.

[arun7500]

Although I love the chance to pounce on anything Chinese related, if this case the seller isn't leading you astray. As in Thailand, FEDEX and UPS are franchise operators, not the national organization that your are probably use to. Here when we ship FEDEX/UPS we bring it to the appropiate outlet to mail, a receipt is given, but a tracking number isn't always immediately provided because the vendor may not actually ship the parcel for a few days. Now if you think this system sounds a bit screwey, wait until you have an insurance claim and are told that claims cannot be made by the recipient, but must be initiated by the shipper, who in this case is the franchise operator, not the merchant who sold you the merchandise.