When engaging in private sales, whether it’s through an online marketplace or between individuals, buyers often seek some assurance that they can recover their money if the transaction doesn’t go as planned.
PayPal’s Buyer Protection program provides a layer of security to you for these types of transactions.
In this article, we will take a thorough look at PayPal Buyer Protection for private sales in case you face some issues that you need to resolve.
What is PayPal Buyer Protection?
PayPal’s Buyer Protection is a feature that helps protect buyers from fraudulent transactions and items that are not as described or don’t arrive.
When you pay with PayPal, and your transaction qualifies, you could be reimbursed for the full purchase price plus any original shipping costs.
What is the Eligibility for PayPal Buyer Protection in Private Sales?
To be eligible for Buyer Protection in a private sale, you must:
1.Pay via PayPal
Use PayPal to complete your purchase. Ensure that the payment is made for goods or services and not sent as a “Friends and Family” transfer, as this type is not eligible for protection.
2. Keep Your Account in Good Standing
Your PayPal account must be in good standing. This means complying with PayPal’s user agreement and maintaining accurate account information.
3. Act within the Time Frame
You need to open a dispute within 180 days of the date you sent the payment.
What is the Coverage of PayPal Buyer Protection?
PayPal’s Buyer Protection covers two main types of problems:
1. Item Not Received (INR)
If you don’t receive the item you purchased, PayPal may reimburse you.
2. Significantly Not as Described (SNAD)
If the item you received is significantly different from the seller’s description, you may be covered. This includes broken items, counterfeit goods, or a box of rocks when you were expecting a gadget.
What are the Limitations and Exclusions of PayPal Buyer Protection?
PayPal’s Buyer Protection does not cover everything. Here are some exclusions:
- Real estate, motor vehicles, custom-made items, travel tickets, items prohibited by the PayPal Acceptable Use Policy, and items purchased in person are not covered.
- Transactions made outside of a marketplace platform or direct seller payments without an invoice are not covered.
- Disputes filed more than 180 days after the transaction date are not eligible.
What are the Steps for Using PayPal Buyer Protection in Private Sales?
1. Use PayPal for the Transaction
When completing the purchase, select PayPal as your payment method and ensure it’s marked for goods or services.
2. Request a Detailed Invoice
If possible, ask the seller to provide a detailed PayPal invoice that includes a thorough description of the item being sold, the sale price, and any shipping costs.
3. Review the Seller’s History
If you’re using a platform where seller ratings or history are available, review this information to gauge their reliability.
4. Document Communication
Keep a record of all communication with the seller, including messages discussing the condition of the item, expected delivery times, and any other promises or agreements made.
5. Inspect the Item Upon Arrival
As soon as you receive the item, inspect it to ensure it matches the description provided by the seller and that it functions as expected.
What to Do If There’s a Problem With Your Purchase Item?
1. Contact the Seller
Initially, try to resolve any issues directly with the seller. This is often the quickest way to address a problem.
2. Open a Dispute with PayPal
If the seller is unresponsive or if you can’t reach an agreement, open a dispute through PayPal’s Resolution Center. This needs to be done within 180 days of the transaction.
3. Escalate to a Claim
If you and the seller can’t resolve the dispute, you can escalate it to a claim within 20 days of opening the dispute. PayPal will then review the case.
4. Provide Evidence
Supply any evidence you have to support your claim. This could include photos, emails, and any other documentation related to the purchase.
5. Cooperate with PayPal’s Review Process
Respond promptly to any requests from PayPal for additional information as they review the case.
