Buyer messaged 4 days after sale to say can't post for 2 weeks

[markey164]

Hi all,

As per subject I just bought a high value mobile phone, and on the day it was supposed to arrive, I received a message from the seller saying sorry i'm away on business and can't post phone until 5th August which is 2 weeks after the sale date.

Does this sound risky or scammy in any way? Its probably fine, but just feels a bit odd.

[susapric-68]

Risky to wait, could end up timing out. I would put in a none received item claim and get a refund. Politely tell the buyer to re list when they have time to send out and you will buy it next time

[markey164]

Thanks for the reply. I wasn't sure if I was worrying unnecessarily.

What times out out of interest? As I looked at the various rules it seems the money isn't released to the seller until proof of delivery, which i think protects me more than the old days. 

I notice the time to file a dispute is 30 days from the estimated delivery date, but the estimated delivery date has changed from what it said originally, as the seller hasn't posted it yet. So which date are eBay using for this 30 day countdown, if the date keeps changing 😂?

[susapric-68]

Not sure about the date changes, never heard them change after purchase. Things have changed a lot since they introduced the payment change but it used to be 48 hours after delivery confirmation or 14 days after sale if no delivery confirmation. If the 14 days still stand then they can get your payment before sending. is your purchase history showing the change of delivery date? They should not be able to change that after sale

[61stephenuk]

It's 30 days from the original delivery date as stated in your email order confirmation

[markey164]

My bad, I was looking at the original listing which showed the estimated delivery date has updated from what it said originally.  I've realised now that date is still incrementing as if the listing is still live, even though it has definitely ended 🙄.  So the original estimated delivery date remains unchanged at 27th-30th. The seller said they aren't back home until 5th. So my estimate is it won't be with me until the 7th at best, hence 14 days  by then. Assuming no further delays or excuses.

Is that definitely correct they will get the payment after 14 days  under the new rules? I thought payment was only released on proof of ebay's new tracked delivery now?

[markey164]

Actually the timing of the following rules change is suspiciously coincidental. The seller says he isn't home until 5th August, and on 6th August he automatically gets my money regardless of proof of tracking if i'm reading this right.

Source: https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814&st=10#qualifi...

[susapric-68]

Open a claim on the 31st, I wouldn't wait until they come back as you go into your 30 days to claim. Will be an excuse after excuse to try and push you past the 30 days. Looking at that the payment will be released to them on the 6th but you're still covered by eBays MBG (30days) for the next 30 days after the 30th so will get your money back even if released to them. Like i said just be polite and say you will buy it when they relist it and have time to send out

[markey164]

Thanks for the reply . I think you're right. Initially I was going to wait, but something in the back of my mind feels slightly uneasy, especially given this is a £350 purchase!!  I've never had this scenario in 20 years of ebaying, and it feels a bit odd, hence posing the question. I'm glad its not just me 😊

I think seeing that rules change, and the timing of this has sealed it for me! Thanks for the advice.