Nice to see a voice of reason - checking with the seller BEFORE purchase, which courier they use (for confirmation if it's stated, or FYI if it's not denoted), and if they might be amenable to changing the courier, if the one they state does not suit, is the only sensible way to go. Simple Delivery is, it seems, anything but simple, but, ways to circumnavigate it, couldn't be more simple.
Understanding that for some sellers, changing the courier is just not possible, should help to mitigate any eventual disappointment. Some sellers have delivery contracts with a courier, which is for them convenient (parcels collected - especially convenient for those in rural locations), and economical (bulk payment deals/ special introductory rates). Some sellers just don't want to change to your preferred courier, because of negative experiences they have had with them, and that is more than fair. I've found more sellers to be amenable than not - just be polite, friendly, explain why you want to avoid a courier and which couriers you'd prefer, the ball is then in their court. When a seller has made an offer, but they use Royal Mail, I've said I'll happily pay full-price, if they are happy to use Evri, instead - two sellers, so far, have been happy to do that.
That said, I have been stung a few times; one guy, that was incredibly rude before purchase (it seems he didn't like my asking questions, one reply said "just buy it smeghead"), he told me he'd send the vinyl via Evri, then he sent it via the one courier I said I didn't want (Royal Mail), eliciting anxiety until it finally turned up - I only proceeded with the purchase because it was pretty rare, it seemed in good condition (it was), and his listing was cheapest - suffice to say, I did not look at his other listings and I did not leave feedback (I am loathe to leave negative feedback, as I don't want my profile tainted with red dots). Another time, it said Yodel 48 - I double-checked with them, and they still sent it via Royal Mail instead. No feedback left, also no repeat purchase - and that is where we have some power - repeat custom is killed stone-dead when a seller proves themselves to be untrustworthy. If they can't honour a simple thing like the courier they claim to be using, their lack of integrity will doubtless burn you in other ways if you entertain them again. I make sure to politely tell them why I will not be leaving feedback, or making a repeat purchase, too.
I really miss eBay how it was, and I wish it could go back, but I have accepted, that this hot mess is what we're stuck with, so, we just have to get creative with our problem-solving, is all, or, simply buy elsewhere.
