How long should I allow for dispatch of my item?

[Water_Fire]

Not entirely sure if this is appropriate as it's not pony related, but obv. if it's not then I'll know why it's been deleted!

I've bought an underskirt from ebay and there seems to be some delay in it's dispatch. I paid on the 2nd Feb (I usually pay as soon as I win an item) but there's been no action since? It's coming from Hong Kong, so I don't know if that makes a difference.

Do I need to give them a certain amount of time to send the item, or is it ok if I politely enquire as to when it will be posted? I really need it by the end of the month, as it's for the outfit I'm wearing to my dad's wedding :s.

Thanks guys!

[lovesbabysquirmy]

If it's time-sensitive, I would have contacted the seller before bidding and inquired about the shipping rates and timelines.  Since you've already paid, you need to find out how it was mailed - check your invoices.  If it's first class you might not see it in time.  Is there a handling time listed in their auctions?  If not, I would contact them within 48 hours of payment and request an answer.  Give them time but if no info has been updated, I would open a case with Ebay.  I think you have a week to wait before you can open a case to give the seller time, but I would double-check.

Regardless, don't just let them have your money and not communicate with you! 

[Water_Fire]

It's not actually been sent yet, this is what worries me. Yes, I probably should have checked before I paid but I thought a month would be ample time!!

[ponylady]

You are in the place for answers, no worries 

I would email your seller and ask if it has been shipped and when?  They may not have updated your items shipping status for some reason??

I honestly would not worry as it has only been 8 days since you made payment.  And chances are , hopefully maybe it is just a case of them forgetting to mark it as shipped.  But you will not know unless you ask them directly.

Keep us updated!   

[Enolaalone]

Quite frequently I've found sellers send packages but don't update eBay to say they've shipped. So I echo Ponylady in suggesting you message them and see.

[Ringlets]

I honestly would not worry as it has only been 8 days since you made payment.  And chances are , hopefully maybe it is just a case of them forgetting to mark it as shipped.  But you will not know unless you ask them directly.

Keep us updated!   

*nods*  this ^   contact them and find out - but hopefully you should get it in time 

[banditpony]

If it's from Hong Kong.. there is a possibility of a delay because of the Chinese New Year.   Hopefully your seller will contact you soon.

[Galactica]

I'm also guessing a delay due to Chinese New Year-  celebrations started last week and run this entire week.  Almost everyone in China (related to sales and manufacturing) got this week and last week off - and some get the entire month off. 

So I wouldn't panic. 

Also- stuff takes foreeeeeeever coming from Hong Kong even when sent by EMS so I wouldn't expect it right away.

[Water_Fire]

Y'know, I never even thought about Chinese New Year. Good call!

I messaged them very nicely, and they messaged me back they actually shipped it on the third. That makes me feel a bit better, but why haven't they marked it dispatched? Ah well, we'll see if it comes on time!

[ponylady]

That's great to hear that they responded.  Hopefully it should get to you soon!

[Ringlets]

I'm glad to hear that they responded - thanks for the update 
Yes chinese new year could have slowed things down a bit too, even though they shipped before that date. Depends if it made it out of China before the celebrations started I guess .