wondermom

I purchased a vintage sewing machine on eBay (please no bashing; I know some people say not to do this, but I really wanted this machine!) and though I paid as soon as the auction ended (May 13), the seller hasn't shipped it yet. They did start a tracking # on Wednesday the 16th, but the item still hasn't shipped. The listing does say that it has until the 31st of May to be delivered. Should I contact them? Or be super patient and hope they do actually ship it soon?

(I know the question will be asked, but this seller has amazing reviews on eBay.)

Thanks!

Faintly Artistic

I am an EBay seller. See what the listing states as far as handling time. A lot of EBay sellers have real jobs, so they need a little extra time to ship. Since a sewing machine would take extra care in packaging well, you really don't want a rushed job. I would shoot them a message and ask. I bought something once and it hadn't shipped for a few days, turns out the seller's (nice lady) mother was in hospice in another state and she was back and forth making arrangements. Small sellers do have lives and most good sellers will let you know if they need a little extra time. IF you don't hear from them in a reasonable time, you can always contact EBay, they have been extremely helpful to me whenever I have had an issue.

wondermom

Thank you. I'm trying to be patient but I'm so excited about this machine. You are correct, though, about not wanting a rushed job. The delivery time states 4-13 day delivery, so as this is only day 8, I'll wait and message them closer to midweek. I just don't want to irritate someone who is handling my much-wanted machine! :-)

cashs_mom

My husband has bought me three machines on eBay. I'm not sure why this is worse than buying anywhere else. It's probably just more expensive with shipping and all. I'd send them a message asking when it will be shipped. Or you could just keep checking the tracking number. It should update when things change.

I also had an experience where a seller hadn't shipped a book. Knowing it was going media mail (snail mail extreme), I waited for a couple weeks before emailing. She emailed me back with tons of apologies. The book had slid off the seat of her car and down by the door. She popped it in the mail that day. My husband and I have done a lot of eBay buying and selling. I agree with Faintly Artistic. Most sellers are nice, honest people who have jobs and lives well beyond eBay.

PamelaOry

I would send an email to confirm when they plan to ship, no harm in communicating and congrats on your new machine!

dunster

I don't see anything wrong with buying on ebay. I bought my Singer 301 there. The seller packaged it well, and it sews beautifully. But I also see nothing wrong with asking when the machine will be shipped.

SusieQOH

I also see no problem buying a machine on Ebay. I've bought several vintage machines and always fared well. I'm also an Ebay seller. The above people gave you good advice.
Please show us when you get it!!! I know how exciting it is and waiting is hard!!!!!!

rryder

Absolutely nothing wrong with buying on Ebay, I bought my BrotherPQ1500s, my Kenmore 158.1914, my White selectronic and my Sweet Sixteen off Ebay- all used machines from private sellers. As long as you are dealing with a highly rated seller, there is not likely to be a problem.

I”ve had situations where a tracking number was given, and the item arrived at my house without ever having the shipping updated. That happens sometimes and have never figured out why. A good seller will not mind receiving a polite, friendly note asking About shipping.

Rob

ptquilts

Per Ebay they should be shipping within two days of your payment. The fact that they generated a tracking number without shipping it means they know how to avoid being penalized for late shipment by ebay..I would do nothing now but you can always express yourself when you leave feedback. I don't see any reason to not ship after they have YOUR money. That is a long time to wait.

sewvicki

I don't think it would hurt to send an email and ask if it has been shipped. Chances are it really WAS shipped and the post office has lost track of it. Ask me if I've had this experience!!! I certainly hope that's not the case. I would definitely contact the seller.