Thank you for the information, I didn't know if I could leave feedback because the sale had been cancelled.
I did try to file a complaint sooner but I received a message from eBay stating that I had to wait until the estimated receipt date had passed; so I waited and then filed the complaint the next day. Next I got a message from eBay stating that they had notified the vendor of the complaint and that I should expect to hear from him/her soon; but the seller never responded.
Finally, I got a message from eBay stating that the seller had not provided the requested information and that the sale had been cancelled. I was very glad to promptly receive a full refund!
You can't open INR (item not received) until the estimated delivery date has passed. The system is totally automated.
When you open the claim, the seller gets a message that their funds are held due to a claim and they're given 3 days to respond. In this case, they'd have to provide the tracking number. If tracking shows movement, they might give a few extra days for delivery. Especially in winter, delivery can take longer than estimated, plus ebay tends to be overly optimistic in their EDD (estimated date of delivery) guestimates.
If the seller doesn't respond or if there's no tracking showing delivery, you can go back to the case and in the dropdown box of the dispute, there'll be an option to have ebay step in. (That box doesn't show until after the seller's timeframe for responding passes.)
At that point, once ebay steps in, it's usually just a matter of minutes before you get notice that your claim was closed and the refund was issued.
It's never to a seller's benefit to ignore a claim. When ebay has to step in, the buyer not only gets the full refund but the seller doesn't get their FVF credited back to them and they get a huge ding on their account. (If the seller issues the refund themselves, they get credit for the FVF less 30 cents transaction fee.)
As long as you paid for the item and the seller lost the case you can leave feedback.
This is important!!
DO NOT MENTION GETTING EBAY INVOLVED OR HAVING TO FILE A CLAIM. Any language to that effect can let the seller successfully report and get the feedback removed.
I'd suggest something like one I left a couple of months ago: "Very disappointing experience. I looked forward to getting the item but the seller never shipped it."
ETA: Oops, I see that you left feedback. Hopefully it won't be reported and will remain for future buyers to see.
