So When Is eBay Shipping TOO Long?`

[AeroplaneDriver]

I understand that in these COVID days overseas shipping is taking a hit, but I ordered an Airfix Canberra from an eBay model shop in Italy in mid June, and the shipping status did not update.  I messaged the seller on July 29 to ask for the status. The said they would investigate.  The same day it showed shipped, which to me indicated my order sat for almost 6 weeks.  Once it was shown "shipped" eBay updated the ETA to August 10 (Original was mid July).  The tracking info still shows "enroute" last updated on August 3rd.  Obviously I'm not very happy with this and if it does not arrive tomorrow (unlikely I feel) I can ask eBay for a refund.  Is this unreasonable?  The fact that it sat for over a month before they actually dispatched the kit makes me feel it is not.  Obviously I should have reviewed feedback before placing the order, but this seller has a significant amount of negative feedback over shipping times.

Thoughts?

[jcf]

Because 'ebay' doesn't do any shipping? 

[AeroplaneDriver]

Because 'ebay' doesn't do any shipping? 

But eBay does provide tracking information when the shipper provides it and eBay does hold sellers to actually ship the item in a reasonable time.  I feel like sitting on an item for 5 weeks before shipping is a bit much.  Do you not agree?

[dadlamassu]

Ebay guide:
This can range from the same working day, to up to 30 business days from when they receive payment. Postage or courier services – Most sellers offer a variety of delivery options, so you can choose the service you prefer when you're checking out. Delivery times can vary depending on which service is used.

With the COVID-19 restrictions https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/buying/postage-delivery/delivery-date-options-buyers?id=4025#:~:text=This%20can%20range%20from%20the,on%20which%20service%20is%20used

Deliveries may be delayed due to COVID-19. We recommend waiting a few days after the expected delivery date before contacting the seller to let them know that your item hasn't arrived yet.

With this in mind - wait 3 or 4 more days and then on (say) 14 or 15 Aug start your claim for a refund.

[Hobbes]

If the ETA is August 10, asking for a refund tomorrow is IMO, too soon. Every shop I've used recently warns of longer-than-usual shipping times. You also already know the item was shipped on the 29th of July.

The fact that the package has had no tracking updates for a week is a bit annoying, but not unusual either. Customs clearance tends to take time.

I'd do this:
1. wait until the end of the week
2. if the package hasn't arrived by then, call the postal office and ask them for a status update.

The package has been shipped, and is now beyond the control of the seller. If you ask for a refund now, he's not getting paid for the order while there's a good chance the package will turn up. 

[AeroplaneDriver]

But these replies do not address that the kit did not even ship until I contacted them to ask about the status 5 weeks after I paid for it.  And the seller apparently has a bad history of slow shipping.  It just seems a bit much.  I have ordered from hannants since COVID and not minded a bit that it took two months to get my box of goodies. I've ordered on eBay from other overseas shippers and whether Asia or Europe so far the longest has been 7 weeks.  Maybe I'm just being impatient but this seems a poor seller.  I suppose I'll give it a few more days, but I think if I don't have a notification that it is close to delivery by Wednesday I will be asking for the refund.  Again, the initial delivery estimate was about 5 weeks after ordering, which I thought was reasonable given the COVID situation.  Now it just seems like a crap seller. 

[Old Wombat]

If it's actually on its way now, I'd give it a while. Even inside Australia postal transit times are rather erratic since COVID struck.

Fred (zenrat), who lives in Melbourne, had to wait (IIRC) nine days for a parcel from BNA Model World (a Melbourne-based company) to travel less than 70km, while an order I placed from Adelaide (800+ km & a state line away) at about the same time arrived in only two days.

I've also had to wait over a week from the same source.

The seller's tardiness in shipping the item is another matter & is something I would take up with ebay once the item has arrived, & also post (another) negative review against the seller as a poor deliverer.

[NARSES2]

The seller's tardiness in shipping the item is another matter & is something I would take up with ebay once the item has arrived, & also post (another) negative review against the seller as a poor deliverer.

Totally agree

[AeroplaneDriver]

So this kit finally arrived. The box is damaged because tge sipper shoehorned it into a box that was too small for shipping.  This "new" kit had been opened and the Raspberry Ripple limited edition decals included with it are missing.  To say I am furious is an understatement. 

[PR19_Kit]

A prima facie case of asking for your money back, either direct or from ebay.

The kit was NOT as described, in the slightest.

[AeroplaneDriver]

Yeah, I've asked for a refund. If the seller doesn't respond I'll request it through ebay.