item not received Advice needed please

[shoppingbag*]

I bought an item from the UK, paid 5/1/18. Marked as sent 12/1/18, no tracking.  Estimated delivery date 19-29 January,2018.  I think it is about time to open a "not received case" via eBay, my very first one, so I really would appreciate some advice.

When opening I am asked, if I want a refund or if I want the item.  The answer, "I want the item" but just wondering how this works, the seller has around 10 in stock. This would obviously run over the time if they send another, so does a new time for this start from the date of the case being opened.  I really suspect that the item hasn't been sent, as they don't appear to actually have the stock but rely on a supplier, many bad feedbacks for item not received, but seeing as they are the only ones selling the item, I would really like it.  I am fairly sure I have dealt with them in the past without problems, but for a different item. If anyone has any experience of knowledge they could pass on, it would be much appreciated. 

[twyngwyn]

you have 180 days to lodge claim via PayPal

[padi*0409 · Accepted solution]

30 days from the last ETA for an eBay MBG case, and it doesn't extend for a new item sent, so watch the cut-off time on the case.

[digital*ghost · Accepted solution]

If the seller is anything like me, they won't send a replacement if you open a request.

Things might be different on the UK site, but in Aus, the second a request is open, the only option I will provide to a buyer is a refund., because despite being given the option to choose between a refund or the item on the buyer's side, the seller only gets the option to A) send the buyer a message, B) upload tracking information or C) refund the buyer. 

Option B is for the original package - the MBG timelines do not get extended if the seller sends a replacement and uploads tracking for that, therefore the risk to them is that they send a new item, and then 3 days later, when the buyer has the option to and well before a new package could arrive, the buyer escalates the request and not only automatically gets a refund, but the seller gets a defect (this is the type of defect they are only allowed 2 of before their account can be restricted). 

General rule of thumb - if you want replacements, contact the seller directly without opening a request and they're more likely to be willing to send them. If you want a refund, contact the seller directly, or open a request.