how long to wait before deciding it is lost in the post?

roxalana

I like to be a nice ebay buyer and i haven't really had too much of a problem so far but I bought a low cost item and paid for it as soon as the auction ended and for 'first class recorded delivery' which it said should take 1-2 working days.

I paid on 31/3 and it still hasn't arrived...

I contacted the seller on 8/4 to say I hadn't got it and she replied it was on its way and to let her know if I still didn't get it.

I haven't got it and emailed her yesterday to let her know but no response yet.

I know people don't check their email everyday but how long should I leave it before contacting her again. As it is recorded it should have a tracking number - I don't know why she doesn't check with the post office or give me the number to check?

I don't want to hassle but whilst it isn't a vital item I do need it fairly soon which is why I chose a seller offering recorded delivery (I know it isn't guaranteed next day).

also if worse comes to worse and she won't respond at all, what do i do next?

vangirl_2

I would say check your sorting office first but as she replied on the 8/4 with 'its on its way' i think your right to be concerned, surley she would have expected you to have received it, assuming she posted it fairly quickly.

Wait until tomorrow and if she still hasnt replied take it up with ebay as an item not received. If she still doesnt responed go for a paypal chargeback.

I think she is lucky you have been so patient.

soolin

I'd open a basic dispute in paypal now, that just means you are corresponding with the seller via paypal rather than via ordinary email. Then depending on her responses to that maybe escalate it to a full chargeback in a few more days. Whatever you do leave it all open in paypal until you receive either your goods or a refund. You could also try phoning your local delivery office to see if they ar eholding anything for you.

A a seller I would normally expect my buyers to wait a couple of weeks before expecting a refund, most are happy to wait at least that long.

The only other thing I would mention is that the 1-2 days for 1st clas is something ebay put and is only based on the assumption that a seller ships immediately payment is received. Sellers are actually 'allowed' to wait a week before sending goods (although it is not recommended) so you don't really count from day 1 when estimating delivery times. Also, standard 1st or 2nd class mail (and that includes recorded) is not a guaranteed service and even Royal mail do not consider it lost until 15 working days from shipping. Although whatever the rules it seems odd that the seller hasn't rushed to give you a tracking number to confirm item has actually been sent.