When's it reasonable to ask whether an item's been sent?

[MirandaWest]

Won an item on 24th January which is being sent 2nd class signed for. Hasn't been marked as dispatched but I know not everyone uses that. How long would people generally wait before checking with the seller that it's been sent?

What was the expected delivery date on the listing?

I usually check the estimated dispatch on the listing. If you go to the original listing it's normally at the bottom of the postage and payments page (remember it's working days so not the weekend). If they should have dispatched by now I'd contact them and check it's been sent.

Some sellers don't seem to mark despatched. Have a look at estimated arrival dates. I just normally send an email asking if its on its way.

Have looked properly now and it says will be dispatched within 2 days of receiving payment so that would be Tuesday 28th. Estimated delivery is 30th - 31st so hopefully will turn up today. Will probably wait until Monday and then send a message if it hasn't.

I know not everyone uses the dispatched part or sends any messages but it is quite useful when they do.

If it was me I would send a quick message today asking if it's been sent. It probably has been but I find it annoying when a seller doesn't mark as dispatched (I also get a little irratated when the postage method has tracking and they don't give you the tracking number until you ask but I think that's just me).

I normally ask after 7 days if not even marked as dispatched - I think that is reasonable. I agree, you shouldn't have to ask for the tracking number, common courtesy for them to provide it at point of dispatch surely.

I think I'll wait and see if it comes today - if not then I'll send a message later on. For some reason I don't want to make a seller feel grumpy with me....

Didn't come yesterday so I sent a message but no reply. How long do I leave it before contacting eBay? It's more straightforward if someone doesn't pay but if you don't get things there's a bit of a limbo where you're not sure if they're delayed or not being sent.

you can open a case now - need to wait another 8 days to escalate anyway

Thank you - I suppose I don't want to annoy the seller which is a bit daft but maybe opening a case will spur them on to do something, like communicating with me :)

Have opened case now so will see what happens.

well he has annoyed you not sending the item - and he can't leave you bad feedback if that is what you are worried about.