Why are sellers allowed to put postage time of two months or longer on an item?

[cryovolcanic]

Why are sellers allowed to put postage times of over two months on items, especially given that feedback cannot be left for a seller after this amount of time has elapsed.  Surely maximum postage times should be less than the period for which feedback can be left

This has happened to me twice. 

The first time was where a seller indicated two weeks postage in the listing, and two months after purchase.  In this case I did recieve the item, after around three months, the seller not having posted it untill after two months had elapsed to avoid negative feedback. 

The second time the seller did indicate a long postage time on the item as it was pre-order, but has not communicated since purchase, and the item is now overdue.  I have messaged them twice with no response. 

[springyzone]

I'm a bit hazy on the actual ebay conditions as they apply on feedback as all my recent purchases have been local and quick, so time hasn't been an issue, but I agree with you that logically, you'd think feedback could be given for up to 30 days after the last estimated date of arrival. That would make sense.

But I think your first concern has to be about getting the items you pay for. The ETA should be your bible (I know this will make sellers on here grind their teeth, but that date should be your baseline.)

If you see something with an ETA 2 months away, then at least the seller is being upfront, you know where you stand.

You're saying that the second item you bought did have a long postage time but that has now passed and the item is overdue. Others will correct me if I am wrong but I think you can still open an ebay claim for up to a month after the ETA?

So I'd give it maybe a couple of days grace and then open a claim. Don't let that 30 day period elapse because getting a refund is your first priority if an item doesn't arrive at all. Good luck with it all.

[jellybirddesigns]

Chinese sellers are notorious for this. 

I would never send messages back and forth with sellers in these instances - if you are able to open cases in Ebay for "Items Not Received", then do so the minute they become eligible. If the time period has passed, then open a case through Paypal.

Support domestic businesses - you'll probably have a much better experience.

[*tippy*toes*]

Some people will increase their handling time if they are going away and don't want to end their listings. Usually done by non store sellers. Others will have a long handling time if they are drop shipping, but are trying to hide the fact (sellers are meant to be open about drop shipping). Others, as already mentioned, are Asian sellers who do it on purpose for a number of reasons.

Regardless, if the item is overdue by more than a week, open an item not arrived dispute. Don't close it until you have a refund, or the item. If you have no resolution after 4 days, ask eBay to step in and help (there should be the option in the dispute after 4 days). A refund should come not long after that. If the item does eventually arrive, you can always resend the money to the seller if you wish.

[cryovolcanic]

Thanks to those who replied.

I oipened a dispute and got a refund for the item I was waiting on.

I agree that feedback should be able to be left for a month after the latest estimated postage time.

Thanks again