eBay seller hasn't sent item

[MrsJackRackham]

I won an auction for an item of clothing which ended 15th December. Unfortunately I was ill with proper flu. I was sent a email reminder which I sent a brief response explaining and that I would pay when I could. I paid first thing on 20th December.
I still haven't received my item, it's not been marked as dispatched.
Has enough time elapsed for me to raise a dispute, bearing in mind I was slow to pay and also holiday time etc? I don't want to be an arse about it since my payment was delayed however I didn't ignore the reminder and I did pay within 7 days.

Can you contact the seller and ask if they got payment and if it's ready for despatch

Maybe they were counting on having it sent before they went somewhere at Christmas. Have you messaged them?

I never mark my items as dispatched because I forget.

Have you contacted the seller to ask whether / when it was dispatched? They don’t always mark it as dispatched against the item.

With Christmas and new year and all that I’d expect that they were busy but if they don’t respond to a message or post it this week I’d request a refund through paypal

Although as PP says, sometimes people don’t mark as dispatched

Have you messaged the seller? It could be as simple as they haven't updated to say it's been dispatched, when in fact they have sent it. They may have no idea it's not yet arrived. If you've messaged the seller, had no response and the estimated delivery date has passed you can open an item not received case.

I'll send a wee message tomorrow if it doesn't arrive, the estimated date was changed to finishing today. I feel bad because I didn't pay straight away and feel I can't complain about her delay in posting because of that. IYSWIM?

This happened to me once. I paid immediately. The sellers had gone away on holiday and forgotten about the item. They were very apologetic on their return.

Yes email them

Just drop them a message. I’ve been late as I’ve forgotten to check my eBay as life has got in the way, then they were on holiday. I’ve just said post when you can no rush. I’ve left them positive feedback and they I.

I also allow 2 weeks as they may be in hospital or a family member for example. Things can happen in their life which means they forget to check their eBay.

If after two weeks of me messaging and no response I then contact eBay and raise a complaint.

Ebay also really underestimates postal times. I send something before Christmas and it took 7 days second class. It was only 30 miles away.

eBay notify you of all the steps and time to wait while raising a dispute once you start it.
Also it is a common business procedure and not a "complaint".
It is simple and easy, and nowadays eBay are great at making refunds for items not received or whatever.