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After the Auction: Playing the Waiting Game continued ...

How Long Should You Wait?
Many variables come into play in determining how long it will take to receive your item. Of course, it's mainly determined by the carrier used and service requested. UPS Ground Service takes at least a week, whereas USPS Priority Mail often takes only two to three days. Different carriers have different timetables at different rates, so understand the typical delivery lead time before you worry about foul play.

Next, consider the location from which the item is being shipped--international shipments can take up to six weeks if traveling via surface (the literal "slow boat"). Also, don't forget to consider the time of year--if it's the holiday season, for example, expect the increased volume of packages to affect your item's eventual arrival. And sometimes a package just takes a wrong turn but will show up eventually. Though it happens infrequently, some packages take the scenic route and many carriers will state a standard waiting period before investigating the whereabouts of the parcel. Give it some time before you call out the bloodhounds.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!
But if the item seems to be taking too long to arrive, then what? Have you been scammed? Before you jump to any conclusions, jump to your email first. The best way to ease any anxiety you may have about your item's arrival is by maintaining open communication between yourself and the seller. Confirm when your payment was sent and when the seller received it. Confirm when the seller shipped your item and which carrier is delivering it (don't forget that tracking number if one was issued). Most sellers are just as interested in seeing the deal come off as smoothly as possible, so team up and work together to unravel the mystery.

(Although we hope it doesn't happen, if you truly are scammed by a seller, read our tip on deadbeat sellers--help is just a hyperlink away.)

With a Cherry on Top
When your item arrives, send a final email to the seller to confirm receipt, especially if the package went a bit wayward during its trek. The seller will want to know the case is closed and that, hopefully, you're a satisfied customer. And don't forget to indicate you'll be posting positive feedback--that's always a good way to wrap up the deal.

Dennis Prince is the author of Online Auctions at eBay: Bid With Confidence, Sell With Success. He has been an active buyer and seller at various online auction sites since 1995. Send him email at dlprince@bigfoot.com.

Dealing With Deadbeat Sellers
Contacting Sellers
Making Informed Bids