How long to wait for an ebay item to arrive before opening a dispute?

iieee

I'm trying to buy a new phone on ebay because my I lost my last one. It goes a bit like this.....

- 16th Aug: Auction closed and I paid straight away with Paypal. Seller sends a message later that evening stating that they will post as soon as the money has cleared in their bank account.
- 17th Aug: Replied to seller stating that I'm not happy with that, they should post once money is in their paypal account.
- 18th Aug: Seller apologises and agrees to send "asap".

I went abroad on the 22nd, and when I got back last night, the phone still hadn't arrived. I wrote asking when it would, and they've replied that they couldn't post it last week because they didn't have enough money in their account!! They also said "it's not my fault you lost your phone" which is a fair point, but if I had used a different seller I'm sure I would have a new one by now.

They're now saying that they posted it yesterday, but I find that somewhat hard to believe. :rolleyes: They're new to selling (but have bought a few times before) so I'm trying to be patient, but I'm really getting angry as I still have to pay line rental even though I have no phone. And in spite of claiming they have no money, they still bought something off ebay last week!!

I'm starting to think I could wait forever, so how long should I leave it before I open a dispute with ebay or request a refund? (Which they no doubt can't do as they've already spent the money. :rolleyes:)

nomoneytoday

As newbies they are probably waiting for paypal to transfer the money to their bank account. This normally takes 3-4 working days from when they click on the transfer button.

Maybe they didn't realise they had to switch the funds until later.

That being said they should now send the phone immediately by 1st class / courier. If its not there by the end of the week I would take further action.

FloFlo

How did they send the phone 1st class, recorded, this will give you an idea of when you should receive it. I only post first class and usually the day after receiving payment, most of my buyers then receive it the next day. So if they posted it 1st class yesterday you should be receiving it today or tomorrow. I would open a dispute tomorrow if it doesn't arrive this will either spur them into action or you'll get your money back.

iieee

They said first class in the item description, so if they had posted yesterday then it should arrive today (I'm at work so I won't know until I get home - not holding my breath!!)

FloFlo

There is no reason a seller should wait for payment to clear to a bank account, their priority should be getting the item to their buyer asap. I would not be happy waiting 2 weeks for delivery - although I am still waiting for a payment from 4th August.

robnye

i would start a chargeback via paypal....... if it hasnt arrived by today....

if they have removed the money from their paypal account then you wont get it back...... dont delay.....

Sugar_Coated_Owl

I hope the seller was posting the phone via special delivery.

A seller doesn't need to transfer the money to their bank account before posting an item.

The seller not having enough money in his/her account is irrelevant and isn't your problem. It should have been posted to you within a week or just after at the latest.

If it doesn't arrive today then I personally would contact the seller and ask for a refund or alternatively start a dispute with PayPal.

soolin

I'm making a habit of this....but..I agree 100% with razorbladekisses. Paying by paypal means you should normally expect your item within a week, this delay is unacceptable. If it isn't with you today start a chargeback.

I am also a bit concerned with a new seller selling a mobile, but it is too late to worry about that now. I'm also worried, like razorblade, that the seller didn't quote for special delivery, as that is th eonly way to send a phone if it is over £32.

Did you back your paypal payment with a credit card BTW, and was there buyer protection thingy showing when you checked the seller?

Soo

iieee

It was a debit card, and I'm not sure about the buyer protection....I thought that was automatic with Paypal, probably me being stupid. It's only a £30 phone though, in my defence.

I just looked at the feedback they've left for others though, and they made a complaint about slow delivery four days after an auction ended. :rotfl: I'll start a dispute tomorrow if it doesn't arrive then, just wanted to check I wasn't being unreasonable. Thanks everyone.