I recently bought a small item that came from Brisbane area in an envelope. I am in Melbourne. It was posted on 14 Aug, Arrived yesterday, 19 Aug.

The estimated dates of arrival were 17-19th Aug.

I know ebay sets those dates but I bet a lot of buyers don't know or particularly care how the dates are set, they just think of them as a reasonable expected range. I know I look at them too. I don't take them as gospel but more as a ballpark guide.

In the case of my purchase, had it not been delivered Friday, it could not have arrived here till next week. I wouldn't have marked down their postage stars as I have bought from them before and I am confident they posted asap. But a lot of buyers will just tell the truth. For the question did it arrive on or before 19 Aug, (if it arrived on eg 22 Aug) they would tick no.

So... if you can, you need to extend your estimated arrival dates out a bit more. I think you are right, stuff from Brisbane can be a bit on the slow side.