Do you know if is "legal" to marked an item as shipped and then contact the buyer a week later to tell him you are out of stock? Thank you!

[joe92d]

Hi! I bought two identic items from a seller on December 5 and 6. He marked my items as shipped on December 6, so I thought it was in his way... but he contacted me today to tell me he was out of stock. I totally understand that he can be out of stock but, is it "legal" to mark an item as shipped before you actually ship it? I am not looking to give a bad feedback to this seller, I just want some answers. Thank you very much!

[femmefan1946]

Sounds like you are dealing with a dropshipper. He takes orders, passes them to another seller (a wholesaler or manufacturer, often overseas) and then hopes the supplier has the item in stock.

Dropshipping sellers often have never seen the items they are selling.

And yes, it is 'eBay legal' to dropship, always providing the seller indicates where the item will be shipped from, for reasons of customs and delivery time.

Your besst bet is to ask the seller for your money back and move on to a seller with the same item. Dropshipped items usually have dozens of sellers with the identical merchandise.

[femmefan1946]

Sorry- if he is dropshipping, he may have a practice of marking your item shipped when he gives his supplier the order. Sketchey.

Ask for your refund.

[joe92d]

Ohh ok...! Thank you very much for your answer!