Question for Amazon buying gurus.

[Baitball Blogger]

Is there any way to know if the seller will ship from China? My only tip-off is to look at the 3 to 4 week shipping estimation. Sometimes I don't mind waiting that long for some items. But lately I've had discussions through emails with sellers who have had to apologize and offer refunds because they know they can't ship items in time to make delivery expectations that are a month away!

I feel for them and express my sympathy and understanding. But is there a way to avoid this situation? How can you know if you're ordering domestically?

[hlthe2b]

1. Nothing comes from China faster than a few weeks, though I've gotten things in the past without

problems.

Look for products that promise delivery in a week or less. Or are shipped by Amazon.

[Baitball Blogger]

2. Thank you!

[Aquaria]

9. I've gotten items faster than a few weeks

But it really depends on the item, especially the size/weight of it. The smaller the item, the faster it gets here.

I order fountain pens and assorted accessories or parts for them from China, and I got a bunch of international converters in only five days. The weight was negligible, and it fit in a wee packet thing.

But when I ordered a hefty pen in a gift box with a bottle of ink, that took over a month to get here.

If you’re willing to pay for it, nearly every Chinese vendor will arrange for EMS (express) shipping that gets here fast. I got a pen for my mom’s birthday that way in two days.

I otherwise accept that Chinese shipments take forever, and have the fun of forgetting about some of them, only to get the “surprise” in my mailbox.

[hlthe2b]

10. I was referring to routine shipping--not expedited which is VERY costly.

I went back through Amazon orders over five years and it appears I've ordered from Chinese venders 8 times. Always small items and always routine post. It looks like the soonest I ever got anything was 16 days.

[MissB]

3. Yep the shipper from is a good tip!

Shipping time can also indicate that it’s not shipping domestically.

I just had a refund issued to me for a product that was trying to ship out of India. It started its journey right before the country locked down. I had a few updates I could see - it went through a few cities within the country and then just stopped. I didn’t even have to ask for a refund.

[WePurrsevere]

4. Looking at who ships, for "In stock" and

at the delivery date/range are the only ways I can think of off hand.

[Aquaria]

5. There are a few different ways to do it

But nothing consistent.

“Fulfilled by Amazon” usually means a domestic source.

If you don’t see that, then look in these places:

On an item’s page, you can try clicking on the seller’s link underneath the product title. Some of those show where an item is from.

Another method if you can’t get that seller’s info is to look at the “Other Sellers in Amazon” list that’s below the price box with the ADD TO LIST feature. If you hover your mouse pointer over each additional seller. their location will sometimes pop up.

The final method I know of is to click on the “new (or used) from (x price)” link under the item price. It will take you to a page showing all the sellers available. If they’ve put the info in their seller profile, you can see where the item’s coming from.

[Baitball Blogger]

7. Thank you. Good information.

[mercuryblues]

6. Amazon

is crazy right now. With the grocery stores being out of goods and many other stores closed, they are behind on filling orders. they have pushed out delivery times to weeks. I think some of it might be a CYA situation. I ordered some stuff and they gave me an April 8 delivery date. I started getting it a week later and the last delivery came yesterday.

From what I have read, you do not have to worry so much about the contents inside the box, as it hasn't been touched for days.But if you don't have anything perishable in the box you can leave it for a few days before you open it. If you have to open it, use gloves or disinfect the box before you open.

[Baitball Blogger]

8. I have been cautious with my boxes and parcels for a couple of weeks now.

There is also a facebook post circulating claiming that an Amazon delivery guy warning a person to take precautions because someone at the Amazon facility came down with coronavirus. He made a point saying that the item came from their Distribution Center.

So, is it possible that some items inside the box might still have the potential of being contaminated since the virus can live on plastic for three days?

[LisaL]

11. Quarantine it for a week then. Or two to be sure.

If people have garages, and those items are not perishable, you can put your boxes in a garage or basement and let it sit. The virus has to croak eventually.
You can also wipe the box with Clorox wipes. You can also wipe some items with Clorox wipes or spray with Lysol (depending on what you ordered). If you are ordering clothing, wash it before wearing it.