Shipping date estimates?

[ch-771743]

I recently sold my first item, a used video game, on July 16th. The buyer is from Thailand, got standard Small Packet Intl (Surface) shipping. They've opened a DNR after 1 month from the buying (and shipping) date, and ebay is backing them up, saying it should've been there by the single-digits of August.

My question is: where on Earth did eBay get these delivery estimates?? The Canada Post website states that this package type's shipping time is 2-3 months to Asia. Canada Post says EXPRESS shipping is 2 weeks to Thailand. I've run an Etsy shop for over two years, pretty much exclusively shipped with Small Packet Intl Surface, and I've never had a single problem from continents away (even though Etsy rules with a draconian fist) because Etsy delivery ballparks are truthful.

I feel scammed. There's nothing I can do about this, is there...

[msau4301]

It is unfortunate that this was your first item sold here. International surface is a very timely method - I only tried it once to Australia many years ago, it was also my last time since yes a case was opened (most people will think months is too long), back then I think the window was 45 days and the case was opened on the 46th. The time frame of 2 - 3 months to Asia is going to risk the sales/orders information disappearing. It only stays on the site here for 90 days and then there is no access to the information. 

You can still try to fight this (respond to the claim with date information) since it is only at 30 days (this is the number the buyer has to wait for to open a case, he looks like he was watching the calendar!) Problem with untracked international shipments is sometimes they don't even show an estimated delivery date since it is unknown. You may be able to talk to customer service and have them lift/or extend the date for the case but since there will be no proof of delivery with small packed surface, even after the 2 - 3 months the buyer could still say he hasn't received it (even if he did). A buyer who is so quick and unreasonable to open a case that quickly doesn's sound very trustworthy.

[mrdutch1001]

I have sold on various selling venues over the past many many years and I have found eBay buyers to be the most impatient, the most lacking of understanding shipping...so I take nothing for granted on eBay...

I no longer ship International, no longer ship outside of Canada and USA and it is so much less complicated, so much less stressful, so much less worrisome...just so much easier all around. Oh I know there are many many sellers who say a goodly portion of their business comes from International buyers, and that's all well and good on them...

but several years ago, I  found my wee percentage of International sales did not warrant promoting shipping outside of Canada and United States and I have never regretted my decision.

For those sellers who continue to ship International, my only advice would be to NEVER ship "Surface">> ship AIRMAIL only and with tracking, but sellers have to make their own decisions on what risks they are willing to take...

[reallynicestamps]

Pre-covid, Surface shipping took upwards of three months.

So slow that USPS no longer offers the option. (Canada Post does.)

Never choose Surface.

Never allow a buyer to choose Surface.

With covid delays, which are still going on, the three months is optimistic.

I hope this was not an expensive learning experience.

[100milehowie]

Years ago I sold internationally on ebay and quit altogether due to complaints about shipping times and buyer did not receive item claims. After some time away and on my new account I offer shipping to Canada and US only and I have far less drama.

[dinomitesales]

While it's unfortunate this happened to you, I do agree that something has definitely changed with eBay's delivery estimates.

I've been using just general flat rate "Economy International Shipping" for the longest time - it used to provide months before an INR case could be opened. I sold an item to Mexico on Aug. 1 with shipping set at Economy International and the estimated delivery date is Aug. 22 (I did ship by air, but I'm not confident that it's going to arrive in this time frame regardless).