- Joined
- 8 Apr 2005
- Messages
- 16,950
Sigh.
I have been an eBay member since 1999, using PayPal pretty much since it came along (can't remember exact details). I'd like to think I'm rather well established in both, with an eBay feedback of 1462, (99.9% positive) and a Business Account in PayPal dealing with 817 Verified Buyers to this point.
Everything for the most part has been smooth, up until last week when I received a VERY disturbing e-mail. Apparently, someone that won one of my auctions, paid via an Instant Transfer using his bank account. Since this money is immediately available in my PayPal account, the item was shipped on the way to the seller and both of us were happy. About 3 days after I shipped it, I got an e-mail that said the transaction was under review due to a potential chargeback against the buyer's credit card (used a debit card). I called PayPal, and they said that the funds were not available in his bank. So I'm like "how is this my problem, I want my money!" (of course, much nicer than that).
I was then told that all I had to do was send in the information I had, which would be the address I sent to (His Confirmed Address), When it was Shipped, The service I used, and the tracking number. OK, easy, and done - sent in to PayPal.
About two days later I got an e-mail saying that because I don't have signature confirmation, there is nothing they can do. The seller protection policy clearly states that any TRANSACTION over $250.00 needs to have signature confirmation, as well as proof of delivery for the seller to be protected in cases like this. I tried to point out that the policy isn't very clear, because the actual item sold for $246, and was only over $250 after shipping and insurance. I had tracking, proof of delivery, just no signature.
All they could tell me was "sorry, take it up with the buyer". Oh this will be fun, someone bought something off me, has the item, I already left feedback for him, and he's going to RUN to his PC to send that much money to me? Of Course!
So, I sent the guy an e-mail, 3 days go by and nothing. I get his contact info from ebay, call on Saturday, leave a message explaining the situation to his "nephew". Saturday goes by, still nothing. I call Sunday and talk to the guy. Here is how the conversation goes:
Me: "Hi, You purchased something from me and your PayPal payment has bounced, I would like to discuss how we can remedy this situation."
Him: "Come Again?"
Me: Pretty much just repeating myself.
Him: "oookkk"
Me: "How can we resolve this in a timely manner?"
Him: "Well all I can really do is re-send the money"
Me: (thinking to myself - no **** sherlock!) "That works for me. I will re-send you the invoice so you have it handy."
Him: "OK, but I have been having computer problems (yah right), send it to another e-mail address"
Me: "OK, got it, I'll send it right away, thanks!"
So that was Sunday, today is Tuesday, still nothing.
Each day that goes by I lose hope. I really don't know if there is anything I can do. All said and done, it appears I'll be out the product and $254, but I'm still trying to appeal with PayPal and find out if they can help me. Kinda pissed that over all the money they get from me in fees, they are turning their backs on me because I am $4 over the SPP Policy and the flaw is in how their policy is defined.
Lesson learned, anything over $250 gets Signature Confirmation. I'll keep this updated, but learn from this expensive mistake.
I have been an eBay member since 1999, using PayPal pretty much since it came along (can't remember exact details). I'd like to think I'm rather well established in both, with an eBay feedback of 1462, (99.9% positive) and a Business Account in PayPal dealing with 817 Verified Buyers to this point.
Everything for the most part has been smooth, up until last week when I received a VERY disturbing e-mail. Apparently, someone that won one of my auctions, paid via an Instant Transfer using his bank account. Since this money is immediately available in my PayPal account, the item was shipped on the way to the seller and both of us were happy. About 3 days after I shipped it, I got an e-mail that said the transaction was under review due to a potential chargeback against the buyer's credit card (used a debit card). I called PayPal, and they said that the funds were not available in his bank. So I'm like "how is this my problem, I want my money!" (of course, much nicer than that).
I was then told that all I had to do was send in the information I had, which would be the address I sent to (His Confirmed Address), When it was Shipped, The service I used, and the tracking number. OK, easy, and done - sent in to PayPal.
About two days later I got an e-mail saying that because I don't have signature confirmation, there is nothing they can do. The seller protection policy clearly states that any TRANSACTION over $250.00 needs to have signature confirmation, as well as proof of delivery for the seller to be protected in cases like this. I tried to point out that the policy isn't very clear, because the actual item sold for $246, and was only over $250 after shipping and insurance. I had tracking, proof of delivery, just no signature.
All they could tell me was "sorry, take it up with the buyer". Oh this will be fun, someone bought something off me, has the item, I already left feedback for him, and he's going to RUN to his PC to send that much money to me? Of Course!
So, I sent the guy an e-mail, 3 days go by and nothing. I get his contact info from ebay, call on Saturday, leave a message explaining the situation to his "nephew". Saturday goes by, still nothing. I call Sunday and talk to the guy. Here is how the conversation goes:
Me: "Hi, You purchased something from me and your PayPal payment has bounced, I would like to discuss how we can remedy this situation."
Him: "Come Again?"
Me: Pretty much just repeating myself.
Him: "oookkk"
Me: "How can we resolve this in a timely manner?"
Him: "Well all I can really do is re-send the money"
Me: (thinking to myself - no **** sherlock!) "That works for me. I will re-send you the invoice so you have it handy."
Him: "OK, but I have been having computer problems (yah right), send it to another e-mail address"
Me: "OK, got it, I'll send it right away, thanks!"
So that was Sunday, today is Tuesday, still nothing.
Each day that goes by I lose hope. I really don't know if there is anything I can do. All said and done, it appears I'll be out the product and $254, but I'm still trying to appeal with PayPal and find out if they can help me. Kinda pissed that over all the money they get from me in fees, they are turning their backs on me because I am $4 over the SPP Policy and the flaw is in how their policy is defined.
Lesson learned, anything over $250 gets Signature Confirmation. I'll keep this updated, but learn from this expensive mistake.