Ebay protection for buyer?

Worried_fool

So on 4 August I made three separate purchases on Ebay, from three different sellers. All three said they used Royal Mail second class for delivery.

Two of the items arrived soon afterwards; one is still missing. Because of the timing, I am confident that this is not an issue with RM in my area. What is worrying is that my Ebay account for this purchase provided a tracking number, but the link led to a website that said the number was not recognised. And there was an automated message saying that despatch had been delayed, but the seller sent me a message saying it had been posted as normal and the delay must be the postal service.

I tried to open a case with Ebay, but the system forced me to wait until today in case it turned up. I did open a case today, and Ebay now says that they are waiting until the end of August because the seller has "provided tracking information that shows the item is on its way to you".

Since this is a business seller with good feedback, I suspect that this is a scam and the account has been hijacked. Is there anything I can do? And since the purchase was for something I wanted to use at the time, I don't think that waiting until the end of August is an acceptable resolution.

soolin

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6680170/ebay-protection-for-buyer

I’m surprised eBay are expecting you to wait so long after opening an INR, they can usually be escalated after 4 days at which point without proof of delivery a refund will be made.

Worried_fool

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82107004#Comment_82107004

I think the seller has provided a link to a tracking service and claims that it is proof of delivery. Ebay have probably not looked at the link: when I do so, the website (which is not RM) says the number is not recognised.

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6680170/ebay-protection-for-buyer

Its highly unlikely to be a scam. More likely is a postal delay. Wait for the ebay process to follow its normal course, if the item turns up and it os too late for you to use it then you can return it.

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82107018#Comment_82107018

Have you tried the tracking number in the RM website directly?

Is this possibly a shipment coming from China, and the tracking only kicks in once the item hits the UK?

Worried_fool

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82107029#Comment_82107029

The tracking number is given as a link, which leads to a website called Inpost. That site says: "Oops! We couldn't find your parcel
Please check your tracking number and try again."

The Ebay site now shows a delivery history (it wasn't there earlier today!) that ends with the item reaching my local Royal Mail depot on 7 August.

molerat

What format is the tracking number ? Is it Royal Mail standard - AA123456789GB - or something else ? Inpost often hand over final delivery to RM. Have you tried the tracking number in the RM site ?

savergrant

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82107041#Comment_82107041

What was the value of the item?

Iirc when a seller inputs a tracking number ebay verifies it, so I can't just use 12345678. Of course that may only.work with some couriers. Can you see if your postcode matches the delivery address? A week sitting at your local depot (delivery office?) Isn't unfeasible, but it is a concern imo.

Dark_Star

I bought a book from one of the large book sellers on eBay. Sent via Evri. Lost.
However, eBay also did the “ wait 10 days for additional info” thing too.
Eventually got a refund but had to wait….

Seller did nothing but re-advise tracking number. I chased Evri who kept stating it was lost but I still had to wait for the 10 days to expire…

Worried_fool

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82107189#Comment_82107189

The value (amount I paid, it was post free) was only £4.99.

Here is the format of the tracking number (digits changed):
SM87495000123405670900F

Spoonie_Turtle

If you haven't already tried, it could be worth putting the tracking number into a site like parcelsapp.com It's not a typical Royal Mail tracking number but there's a chance it could be a reference number for a standard untracked parcel. (I don't have one to compare to, to find out for sure.)