USA Seller not replying to messages

Hi Sue. Yes, international sellers have been on here for many years now. Like all traders there are good and not so good. A glance at feedback will usually show you the picture.

How long has it been since Dh purchased the item? If the target delivery timeframe (Showing on the shipping section) has passed and no item has been received you could consider opening a dispute via Trade Me.

If you haven't already you can also leave placeholder feedback stating you haven't received the item or any communication / tracking.  You can make this happy or neutral and change it later if needed.

Kia Ora Sue & your Dh,

Sorry to read you're both in limbo there,

A couple of important dates, TM only offer Buyer Protection for items purchased by Ping or Afterpay if a Dispute Resolution report is filed within the first 30 days of the listing closing and offer assistance in corresponding with Seller's beyond this and for internet banking or cash purchases if the Dispute report is filed within the first 45 days of the listing closing. - Feedback can also only be placed within 45 days of the listing closing However once placed within this Timeframe the feedback can be edited once only at anytime pre and post this initial 45 days.

As International shipping is subject to disruption it pays to file a Dispute report & place Feedback within these timeframes ensuring you are covered should things go awry - Dispute reports & Feedback can both initially state 'Still awaiting arrival of item(s)' - Dispute reports can always be cancelled and Feedback placed changed once as/when the item(s) arrive or not! - Cheers.

Just to share my experience with international purchasing - USA is the slowest, their postal service is awful. For comparison -

Japan 5 days

Thailand 5-30 days

Bulgaria 12-15 days

Hungry 18 days

Germany 20-22 days

UK 22-24 days

USA 35-40 days

I really have no idea why the Bulgarian postal service is so efficient at getting parcels to New Zealand? This has always been a mystery too me, but a happy mystery.

Thailand has problems with weather, and the occasional coup that is why they are not so reliable.

I wouldn't lose hope yet, its not ideal that your American seller is not communicating with you, but with any luck they may have already begun the shipping process and you may see your parcels arrive in the new year.