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ebay paypal refund question
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stylean
Prolific Collector

Posts: 263
Joined: Jan 14, 2010
Last Visit: Feb 28, 2026

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:07 am

I've googled around a bit, but can't find an answer, so figured I'd ask here (there seem to be some knowledgeable folks here) - heres the scenario:

Purchased a set of of the Encyclopedia Magicia about 30 days ago off of ebay. Paid via Paypal with my CC. Buyer ships, puts the tracking # into ebay, I wait happily and patiently, satisfied I got a decent deal.

Fast forward to this morning. I get an email from the seller saying that the post office told him that the package was found open, contents missing. He informs me that he will get me a refund, via -check-. Immediate alarm bells in my head. I politely ask for the refund to be sent via Paypal (For those out there that scoff at the "polite" part - "Thanks for the heads up, could you please refund via Paypal. THanks." is exactly what I replied with.)

Since I only have 15 days or so remaining to file a claim, and mail time + bank clearing time for the check may exceed that... I cant find anything on seller refund policy stating that same payment method must be used. As a buyer, can I demand refund via paypal? What are my options? Any advice? The entire check thing is throwing me.

ashmire13
Long-Winded Collector

Posts: 3549
Joined: Oct 10, 2006
Last Visit: May 16, 2026
Location: Wandering aimlessly on the 8th level down...

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:12 am

Personally, I'd insist on a Paypal refund or make a claim now, so it is recorded.

Otherwise, you receive a check in 5+days, get it paid to your bank, cleared (possibly bounces) and suddenly your time limit passes.

Ask for paypal or claim. Seems the safest to me.

Rolls a '3'

"Did I hit.....?"

JasonZavoda
Long-Winded Collector
JG Valuation Board

Posts: 3823
Joined: Jul 12, 2007
Last Visit: Dec 17, 2021

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:20 am

stylean wrote:I've googled around a bit, but can't find an answer, so figured I'd ask here (there seem to be some knowledgeable folks here) - heres the scenario:

Purchased a set of of the Encyclopedia Magicia about 30 days ago off of ebay. Paid via Paypal with my CC. Buyer ships, puts the tracking # into ebay, I wait happily and patiently, satisfied I got a decent deal.

Fast forward to this morning. I get an email from the seller saying that the post office told him that the package was found open, contents missing. He informs me that he will get me a refund, via -check-. Immediate alarm bells in my head. I politely ask for the refund to be sent via Paypal (For those out there that scoff at the "polite" part - "Thanks for the heads up, could you please refund via Paypal. THanks." is exactly what I replied with.)

Since I only have 15 days or so remaining to file a claim, and mail time + bank clearing time for the check may exceed that... I cant find anything on seller refund policy stating that same payment method must be used. As a buyer, can I demand refund via paypal? What are my options? Any advice? The entire check thing is throwing me.

Yes, refuse to accept any refund except paypal. There is a refund link on the paypal transaction page and the seller will get the paypal fee refunded if he uses it. A check can not only take time but it can bounce and cost you money ($50 returned check fee at my bank).

edit: Give the guy a day or two to respond and if you do not have that refund in a day or two then immediately file a claim with paypal. Watch your deadlines.

mustang
Collector

Posts: 6
Joined: Oct 15, 2008
Last Visit: Jun 28, 2010

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 10:16 am

Not sure how much the person sells, but possible they already pulled the money from paypal and that is why they want to send you a check.

Pretty stupid though from a seller's standpoint. If you were a unscrupulous buyer, you could take the check, cash it and then submit a claim via paypal also. So, if you were a seller I'd never do a refund other than what the payment was.

If you paid via CC though, even though paypal's buyer protection expires, you still have the credit card protection which chargebacks can be up to a year later although, you want to review your CC terms.

TheHistorian
Sage Collector

Posts: 2589
Joined: Aug 02, 2006
Last Visit: Mar 11, 2023
Location: Seattle, WA

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 10:34 am

JasonZavoda wrote:
Yes, refuse to accept any refund except paypal. There is a refund link on the paypal transaction page and the seller will get the paypal fee refunded if he uses it. A check can not only take time but it can bounce and cost you money ($50 returned check fee at my bank).

edit: Give the guy a day or two to respond and if you do not have that refund in a day or two then immediately file a claim with paypal. Watch your deadlines.

This is the correct approach.

Areas of interest/knowledge: Harn, WFRP, Ars Magica, anything BRP based such as CoC, Runequest, Pendragon and all their related games

SoulCatcher78
Prolific Collector
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 580
Joined: Mar 17, 2009
Last Visit: Dec 11, 2022
Location: Indiana, USA

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 11:38 am

JasonZavoda wrote:
Yes, refuse to accept any refund except paypal. There is a refund link on the paypal transaction page and the seller will get the paypal fee refunded if he uses it. A check can not only take time but it can bounce and cost you money ($50 returned check fee at my bank).

edit: Give the guy a day or two to respond and if you do not have that refund in a day or two then immediately file a claim with paypal. Watch your deadlines.

Seconded. Refunding through paypal also refunds the fee paid by the seller.

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