seller has sent email saying item was shipped. 2 days later seller contacts me and says item is out

[lynne6245]

item is supposedly out of stock but is still listed on sellers offerings. Is this a lie or just a mistake?? Is a shipping notification issued before the item is really shipped??

[reallynicestamps · Accepted solution]

Is he dropshipping?

This means the seller does not actually have the item in his hands and has no control over.... well anything. The inventory, description, quality of product, shipping method, shipping time, packaging are all handled by his supplier.

It's a mug's game as many (lazy or naive) sellers have discovered.

He probably isn't lying. He was giving you the story his supplier gave him. The supplier may have been lying or mistaken. Or ,since a lot of these suppliers are in China, there may have been a miscommunication.

Ask the seller for an immediate refund. Do NOT allow him to promise a replacement. It is very very unlikely to arrive. Ever. 

You have up to 60 days to leave appropriate feedback. The most effective feedback is calm and factual. 'Paid, out of stock, didn't ship. Prompt refund" or "Paid, out of stock, didn't ship. Slow refund" or 'Paid, out of stock, didn't ship. Needed dispute for refund.' depending on the situation.