Chinese seller scamming me?

Looking for advise here guys. I ordered a bunch of flashlights online through a Chinese seller that I have been talking to through skype. Paid via Paypal so I know I have a 45 day window to file a dispute.

Here is what has happened so far:

Placed order on 4/22
-They said they were low on stock and would have to ship it out in a day or two when more comes in

Got tracking 4/25 via UPS

Tracking number showed no results 4/27
-They claimed the called UPS and they couldn't ship it because it has "Military markings". So they would return it to the seller

Claimed to ship via DHL 5/1
-Gave me tracking number, but showed no results

They contacted me 5/3 saying DHL can not ship it because it has "fluid" in it.
-There is a tiny bit of fluid in the flashlight.

Later that day 5/3 gave me tracking for EMS

Still now shows no tracking information for EMS.


I've got a feeling they are BSing me and are trying to string me along. I'll let it go another couple days and then file a dispute if there is no tracking information.

I'm well within the window so I'm not too worried.

What do you guys think?

File a claim. If it shows up you can close it. Sounds like they are trying to give you the run around until you cant file a claim. "Fluid" in the flashlight? Tell them to send you a new light that isnt damaged if there's fluid in it...

I agree file a claim now! Do not wait, because you can close the claim, but atleast it will be filled before the deadline.So you are protected for your money!

I say wait a bit and see what happens with the shipping. If it gets to be day 40 and still nothing go ahead and file the claim.

What kind of flashlight has fluid in it?:wtf:

I think I will give it a couple days. Yes the flashlight does have fluid in it. Only a tiny amount. It is for something else that is incorporated into the flashlight. I'm being vague for a reason.

No me so solly, fruid in yo frashrite.... No ship today...

Click to expand...

Yup, sums up Chinese sellers nicely. File a dispute.
Curious what liquid is in the light. Did you order some baiju or something?

I suppose I need to wait until these arrive for you to reveal the great secret? The suspense is killing me.

Are they "survival' flash lights?

Secrets gotta remain secrets man.

No seriously though. Nothing ground breaking. Just a kit I hope to soon offer

Ok, update.

Last night I got annoyed that there was still no tracking info so I started a dispute through paypal.

Get up this morning and refresh the page, and bam, tracking info works.

Still seems a bit suspicious though. They claimed to have shipped through UPS and DHL and the tracking info never worked.

I'm not going to close the dispute until after I receive the product, IF I receive the product.

I would give it 30 days before filing a dispute, the Chinese tracking #'s usually don't work until it hits the U.S.
But since you already filed a dispute it doesn't matter.
Chinese orders usually takes 2 to 3 weeks and I won't file a dispute until 30 days, it goes against them when you do file a dispute.
You have to be more patient.

When shipping from china via UPS, DHL, or EMS, tracking should be instant. Only china post doesn't have good tracking systems.

I order a lot of stuff from China and the tracking does not usually work until it hits the U.S. it doesn't matter if it is DHL, EMS or UPS.

Oh really? Weird. Whenever I have had tracking numbers from China they worked. But that was only a couple instances. It is still fishy that they claim to have had the package sent back to them twice though.

Th fact that the tracking only updated after you filed the dispute is a strange "coincidence."

I really hope your fancy, liquid containing flashlights arrive safely. I'm dieing to see what you are up to...

Really guys. Like I said, its nothing ground breaking...

Get a refund then repeat the transaction, this resets the timer.