How long should I wait before asking for a refund?

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Just over two weeks ago I ordered an expensive gold bracelet from Etsy. The seller is based in the US and I have bought from them before with no problem. Because I wanted this in time for Christmas I paid the top price for Express delivery, assuming he would use UPS as he has done in the past. The last item I bought arrived in 4 days. I still haven't received the bracelet and when I look at the tracking it just says 'in transit' and doesnt appear to have left the US yet. He didn't use UPS this time, but used UPSS, which is the main US mail company (like Royal Mail is for us). It is also apparent that he didn't use the express option, which is the one I chose and shows on my order - just International Priority Mail, which is a cheaper option they offer. That said, even with the Priority mail, it should have been received by now. The latest estimated date for arrival was given as 14th December (it is now the 19th). It looks like I am going to have to buy something else as this one is probably not going to arrive in time, if at all. I have emailed the seller and at first he said he would look into it, but since then - nothing. I messaged him again the day before yesterday and asked if he had any updates, but he hasn't replied. I have the option of requesting a refund, but I don't know if I should leave it a few more days to give him and the post a chance. Any advice would be much appreciated. I wouln't worry if the item wasn't so expensive!

I would request a refund if I were you. You have chased it and waited and now he isn't responding. That would be enough for me.

International Priority Mail from the US Postal Service can take up to 2 weeks (i.e. 10 working days) to arrive. And that's without the volume of Christmas mail and any potential customs delays. So I think you're being a bit optimistic to have expect it to have arrived by now if you only placed the order 2 weeks ago.

Did you actually pay for Priority Express shipping (which is $60+) or Priority (more like $30)?

I paid for priority express (as was listed as an option with Etsy,which cost me £60 . Looking at the tracking details though it looks like it was sent International Priority and not Express, so someone has messed up. I have just had notice that it has arrived at a USPS distribution centre in Florida. Considering that’s where it came from I’m not holding up much hope I’ll get it in time for Christmas!