Global shipping programme tracking issues 2

[terrymjohn]

I have sent a parcel from UK to Australian buyer using the Global Shipping Programme. (first time I have used this service).

Initially there was a long delay after sending to the UK Shipping centre in the UK. i.e. no confirmation that the item had been received there.

I sent it Special delivery and it was delivered there on 17th Aug at about 07:45 am.

No tracking number appeared on the item details until 21st Aug. This information included the Global tracking number and that it was being sent via multiple carriers and it had been transferred to WNDirect for delivery to the final destination.

A link on the eBay window, opened up the WN Direct tracking info, which included 4 entries dated 18th August, including;

Retailer: wnDirect
Order: LPDxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Carrier: wnDirect Australia
Carrier Reference: UWRxxxxxxx

Consignment Code: DMCxxxxxxxxxx

Parcel: 1 of 1
Tracking Code: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

In transit AIRLINE:AIRLINE:BA/FLIGHT:015/AWB:125-21558832/FLIGHT #: -/AWB

Also included a link named "visit Tracking Site WNDirect Australia.

I checked (after some digging around manually) the BA Flight freight container number and it landed in Sydney on the 20th Aug.

However, the lin to "WNDirect Australia" opens a tracking page on AusPost.com which reports "Invalid Tracking Number", and none of the other numbers give any tracking information.

So the global shipping programme does not do what it says! i.e. Quote "Once the item arrives at the UK Shipping Centre, we generate a global tracking number for you. This global tracking number appears in My eBay and on the Order details page and allows you to track the package until the time it reaches your buyer".

The tracking system is apparently useless and there is no tracking information available after it leaves the UK. (and the limited UK tracking information is very much delayed)

I do not think I will be using ebay's shipping system again. Tracking information is essential for both seller and buyer and at the moment my parcel is missing somewhere??

It was originally due for delivery to the buyer on 26th Aug but I have no idea if it has been delivered as yet or if I will see any further tracking information. According to the tracking provided, It has not been logged as arriving in Australia, let alone delivered to the buyer!

I did speak to eBay customer services initially, when no tracking number shown on the item details, but they could provide no information and kept repeating a script  saying I had nothing to worry about because once i sent the item to the Shipping Centre, I was not liable for it being lost. Not helpful and not true. As I pointed out, I was responsible for the item until it was received by the Global Shipping Centre, (not once I sent it to them) and I was worried because I had not had any acknowledgment that they had the item and no global tracking number. (which only appeared 3 days after Royal Mail delivered it to them).

NOT a good experience so far!