Is there a scam where a seller just doesn't send anything?

[stormwarrior83]

In the past couple of weeks I've bought the same item (a difficult to find, out of stock everywhere else eczema cream) from two different sellers.  One provided a tracking number, the other sent untracked.  Nearly two weeks later, according to the tracking, the seller hasn't even handed the item over to the courier yet, and is ignoring all my messages.  I haven't received the untracked item either and that seller is ignoring me too.  What do they hope to gain from this?  Ebay will surely refund me.  Is this some weird scam?  It's weird that it has happened with two sellers both selling out of stock, difficult to find items for a huge mark up.

[**peaseblossom**]

If the sellers are private sellers they may be caught out by ebay's new Simple Delivery system, and using different postage than they are supposed to.   That would explain the tracked one not being given to courier.

eBay will refund you but you must open a case within 30 days of the estimated delivery date on the listing.    So when that has passed select "Report an item you didn't receive" on here:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/buying/returns-items-not-received-refunds-buyers/get-help-item-hasnt-arr...
and escalate it 3 complete working days.

[stormwarrior83]

I don't understand about how they could be caught out by the delivery.  The seller put a royal mail tracking number, but the tracking says royal mail is still waiting to be handed the item from the seller.

[theregoesatenner]

At a guess I'd say they are both drop shippers, they do not actually have the item themselves but take the order than pass it onto a stockist for dispatch.  Item is scarce so most probably oos. 

[tressygirl]

Sounds a plausible deduction, but as @**peaseblossom**   explains you have 30 days from the last estimated date for delivery to open those 2 cases for item not received.  

Don't time yourself out, and  listen to no excuses from those sellers.  Open those cases,  and escalate on day 4 if not refunded beforehand.

@theregoesatenner 

[insidethe93]

Is it maybe cheaper and more conveniently available via your GP and their linked pharmacy's free delivery service?

As it's eczema, which tends to be a long-term thing (flare-ups etc), consider getting yourself onto (if not already) the 'frequent flyer' discount on prescription charges? Or no prescription charges at all if you're over 60.

The above apply if your GP deals with it, whether the starter emollients and/or topical corticosteroid ointments/creams.

Obviously I don't know your circumstances and I apologise if you already know the above info. I'm afraid I couldn't help thinking there's no need to buy ointment, and not at probable mark-up. As you may've gathered, I speak from (long) experience.

[crg_music]

Its probably not a scam in as far as they intend to send the item but highly likely they are a drop shipper and dont have the item ready to ship so would sell for a lot then source it after with the money from you. If they are struggling to source it there is a delay.

Probably is sold with honest intentions and on the face of it its a good business model, list a million items you dont own with zero costs but if you are unable to fulfil or even its more expensive then it can go wrong and your account is at risk. I'm pretty sure Ebay are against listing items you dont have in possession to ship immediately. I see it a lot with record dealers.