hi here

1, I had "paypal withholding payment" thing once or twice I can't remember. This can be found in your paypal transaction details and further explanation can be given if you send email to paypal support.

2, no item, no feedback. If I were you, I would tell him "hey I have been working hard to get your payment arrive..blur blur blur" but don't mention giving him feedback before settle down.

3, One way to pushing seller to send item quickly that I usually do is, "Have you sent yet, coz according to ebay, you didn't mark it as POSTED". Use ebay practice against them.

4, （optional）, have some conversation with ebay support about your concern about not receiving the item via email or online. create a "case number" for this issue, get some advice and leave some record in ebay system.

5, the last resort, in paypal, use refund function don't even bother talk to seller. just say "I didn't receive the item, please provide track number or other evidence of posting". So you forward the hot potato to seller. If he can't provide a link to a track number that saying something like "delivery to destination...", then paypal would favour you.

6, the seller did say "I will always reply the same day." on the description. and if he didn't do that all the time, use this against him.

hope it 'll help.