Wise and experienced eBayers, I'd appreciate some advice. Is there any thing else I can do besides write it off, lick my wounds, and look for the chips at the 11th CC>CC next week?

In the past few months I've dabbled in eBay quite a bit. I've won over 140+/- transactions since March (about $2,500) and I've always received my chip(s) just about as fast as possible. I leave feedback upon receipt, always.

Now I have two transactions in which I paid PayPal but the chips haven't arrived. One is 1.5+ months old; the other is just under three weeks. In the first instance the seller said he'd sent the chip, I believe him. In the second I haven't received an answer to my inquiry of a few days ago, but he may be busy. Also these were the first transactions I've had with the sellers so I don't have a positive history to fall back on.

Alas, I didn't insure as the auctions were not very large purchases and I've been very fortunate with all my other purchases. But I'd really like to get those chips...

I'm a realist and know that it's my mistake for not protecting myself with insurance, and "caveat emptor" etc.

What to do...

On another matter...
I agree with the recent views expressed about snipping.*g* I've always aggressively gone after chips I wanted with a high bid and if I lost, well darn,*sad* I gave it my best shot and it wasn't good enough. In my case I try not to put myself in a position where I could be accused of snipping. But I know that often I only have time to look at the "going going gone" section of eBay so on occasion I've bid rather late but not under 5 minutes. I don't do it on purpose.

I enjoy this hobby and would not want to make anyone uncomfortable about my performances...they're only chips.
Regards,