Hello ladies! So, I purchased a set of books from *bay on December 6th. It was a Sunday and I paid immediately. Well, I heard nothing from the seller. NOTHING! Not a "congrats you won the item"..nothing. I didn't worry until I hadn't received any kind of shipping notice within 7 days.

I emailed the following Sunday, the 13th asking if it had been shipped and for the tracking number (These books are a key words series only available in the UK..very expensive typically to get here in the states, so I REALLY WANTED these books!).

On Monday the 14th, the seller marked the item as "shipped" on ebay but didn't provide a tracking number. So I sent a message on the 16th, when I still hadn't received tracking, asking for a tracking number. The seller emailed last night, the 17th saying she was looking for the tracking slip and would have it to me by 10PM [yesterday].

Of course, this morning I haven't received a tracking number yet! I emailed again... today is now the 18th (12 days after purchase!), and again requested the tracking number. I also asked where it was shipping from (I live on the east coast, so I was wondering if it was shipped via parcel post from the west coast, hence the reason I haven't received it since being supposedly "shipped on the 14th!).

So the big question-- Should I file a dispute with ebay? Not paypal, but go through ebay resolution? I REALLY need these books, and this was a fantastic deal compared to the other alternatives to buying these. My kids really have learned to read very quickly with the first one that I bought individually. I don't want a refund--I just want the books. So would opening a dispute possibly make it so that the seller just refunds instead of shipping the item? Help!!!

Thanks you all!

I think that if she doesn't give you the tracking number by tomorrow you should send her another email stating that you are ready to open a case with ebay....see how she reacts....on the positive side maybe she lost the tracking info and it is just taking time to get to you because of the holidays....i had a priority package that took a week due to the back up at USPS....either way she is not very communicative....send her an email requesting tracking again and if no response then go the ebay resolution route...hope it all works out!!

Originally Posted by beckman03

Hello ladies! So, I purchased a set of books from *bay on December 6th. It was a Sunday and I paid immediately. Well, I heard nothing from the seller. NOTHING! Not a "congrats you won the item"..nothing. I didn't worry until I hadn't received any kind of shipping notice within 7 days. I emailed the following Sunday, the 13th asking if it had been shipped and for the tracking number (These books are a key words series only available in the UK..very expensive typically to get here in the states, so I REALLY WANTED these books!). On Monday the 14th, the seller marked the item as "shipped" on ebay but didn't provide a tracking number. So I sent a message on the 16th, when I still hadn't received tracking, asking for a tracking number. The seller emailed last night, the 17th saying she was looking for the tracking slip and would have it to me by 10PM [yesterday]. Of course, this morning I haven't received a tracking number yet! I emailed again... today is now the 18th (12 days after purchase!), and again requested the tracking number. I also asked where it was shipping from (I live on the east coast, so I was wondering if it was shipped via parcel post from the west coast, hence the reason I haven't received it since being supposedly "shipped on the 14th!). So the big question-- Should I file a dispute with ebay? Not paypal, but go through ebay resolution? I REALLY need these books, and this was a fantastic deal compared to the other alternatives to buying these. My kids really have learned to read very quickly with the first one that I bought individually. I don't want a refund--I just want the books. So would opening a dispute possibly make it so that the seller just refunds instead of shipping the item? Help!!! Thanks you all!

Well, you shouldn't have received it yet depending on the shipping method they used. I say give it until next week. If you haven't received the package yet then file INR and escalate it.

I'm not really worried about the not received part..not yet anyway. What I want is a tracking number, and it's just irritating that the seller hasn't emailed it yet, and I'm just put off that they didn't mark it "shipped" until after I emailed asking about it EIGHT days after the closing of the auction. And even then, no tracking number to give ebay and me an estimated date of arrival. Anyway, I know my story isn't as fun as designer bags, but I appreciate the feedback ladies!

Since the item were books, it is very possible the seller shipped with media rate which is extremely slow, compares with Priority Mail or First Class. You could file a INR dispute a couple weeks later IMO, consider this extremely busy shipping time during the holidays.

Originally Posted by lovemyangels

Since the item were books, it is very possible the seller shipped with media rate which is extremely slow, compares with Priority Mail or First Class. You could file a INR dispute a couple weeks later IMO, consider this extremely busy shipping time during the holidays.

Oh I totally misread the OP and thought the books were coming from the UK!

If they sent media mail maybe they didn't get tracking or as lovemyangels said there are delays right now in the slower shipping methods. My priority packages are still getting to their destinations in 2 days.

I am thinking maybe the seller can't find the tracking number or forgot to purchase confirmation!

So my advice is still the same, wait until Monday then file.

What kind of shipping did you pay for/the auction state?

I have sold many books on ebay, and the only shipping option your allowed to use is by ebay when shipping books is media mail for 4$, this takes about 2 weeks usually for the item to arrive.

Thanks for all of your advice! I paid $8 for what they described as "flat rate shipping" with no other description. I assumed it would be parcel/media mail, but I didn't know where it would ship from (Yes, it's in the states). The frustrating thing is the complete "lack" of communication. I know it's a busy time of year but it takes at least 48 hours for the seller to respond, and they just don't seem to have that tracking number. Anyway...if I get the books, I'll be happy, and even if they're not here by Christmas I'll live..as long as I get the books. Again, you guys are awesome here! Thanks so much! I won't freak out..I won't freak out..

I just wanted to update you all who were so generous with your time and advice. I *finally* heard back from the seller who gave me the tracking number. It was sent media mail, and it should get here *possibly* by Christmas. I'm just happy to have the tracking number! She said that she's been running all over the place with Christmas, so that was why she didn't respond faster. I'm thinking, if the books arrive in good condition, I'll leave feedback like, "Books in great condition--worth the wait!"

ITA ...She should have mentioned the books would be coming media mail ,and also EVERYONE is swamped right now with Christmas.... but still a good seller will spend 2 seconds to email you back with a tracking number.I cannot stand a seller who does not communicate.I hope they arrive soon and are all in excellent condition I would ding her stars and possibly mention her lack of communication on her feedback as well.That is just so unprofessional