When Sellers Don't Ship

[warlock664]

About 6 weeks ago (9-14-13), I entered into a transaction with a seller for some EMCE Trek figures. The order wasn't huge ($85), and I knew going in the seller's reputation for slow shipping, but I wanted to complete my bridge crew, the price was decent, so I resolved to be patient. I paid, and was told the figures would ship on Monday.
After 2 weeks passed, I inquired as to the status, and was informed that while the figures hasn't shipped when promised, they definitely had shipped. After another 2 weeks, I sent another inquiry, to which the seller responded that he was sure they had been sent, but that he did keep confusing me with another buyer who had purchased Trek figures, and he promised to send tracking info.
It has now been 10 more days, and still no figures, no tracking info, and no contact. My question now is, at this point, should I just put in a claim with PayPal? I am closing in on 45 days, after which that option closes for me. I still want the figures, and as far as I've been able to tell this seller eventually always makes good. I guess I have a hard time understanding why someone accepts money for in-hand items and takes over a month to ship them. Particularly when they apparently count on these transactions to make extra income. Personally, when I sell something, I can't wait to ship it out.
I really have no one to blame but myself, though, as I knew going in it would probably be an exercise in frustration.

[z3zep]

I would go ahead and put in the paypal claim, especially since you have not been contacted by the seller.

[Hector]

Claim asap...the dude looks like he's stringing you along...plus the super slow shipping is unacceptable to begin with anyway.

[Hedji]

Yes, put in the claim immediately. It may light a fire under him.

Is he a Museum member?

[KLAATU]

I had the exact situation buying recently from a Museum member (however it was over $100). After several private messages, I finally received most of the goods on the 45th day after sending my money through Paypal (so I did not file a claim). I am still owed one item and several MM cards - but the member has not responded to my messages in over two weeks. I've bought several items from this member before, and he has always come through - just dreadfully slow at shipping (and apparently forgetful). I remain positive my situation will be resolved satisfactorily.

[TomStrong]

I'd file a claim. Maybe it will inspire him. That's much bunk that he's jerking you around.

[thunderbolt]

wow, this same story over and over again. Amazing.

[Mikey]

The title of this thread sounds like a show on Animal Planet

[Gorn Captain]

As you're closing in on 45 days, file it now, don't hesitate!

[warlock664]

*sigh*
I really should have known better. As Thunderbolt says, its the same story over and over. I knew this seller's rep going in.
I just don't understand how someone could not ship something they've been paid for and not have it bother them. Once I receive payment for an item I'm selling, the item is no longer mine, and it bugs me until I get it shipped off. Even a couple days delay bothers me, I can't imagine how I'd feel after 40 days.
I fully understand things can happen that might delay shipment and I don't even inquire as to the status until at least 2 weeks have passed. As a seller, though, every time you delay shipping a package you risk losing potential future business with that buyer. I would think that would be enough to light a fire under you, but obviously some are just wired differently.

[Zemo]

wow, this same story over and over again. Amazing.

[warlock664]

Update 10-31-13:
Finally received my figures today, 47 days after making payment. I decided against opening a case, as I felt confident that I would eventually get them. I'm pretty patient as a rule, but 6&1/2 weeks was definitely pushing it. Lesson learned.