Paypal dispute timed out while waiting for the replacement item that the seller had promised.

[13*gem]

I had purchased a rechargable battery pack with USB cable for an X-box 360 controller.  When it arrived, it was an inferior model without battery indicator light and cable missing.  The seller offered to send a replacement item, but said I needed to wait for 30+ days for it to come in the mail (the first package did not take as long).  When it didn't arrive, I opened a dispute just to be sure I got my goods in the end, as the communication I had wasn't of the kind to instill a lot of trust.  I let the dispute time out as I didn't expect Paypal to award a claim when the seller ascertained that the goods were on their way.   Needless to say that it never arrived.  The time for leaving feedback is over as well.  The item fortunately wasn't very expensive and I'm not loosing sleep over it.  But I'm wondering what I should/could have done to prevent this seller from stalling the processes successfully.   I have never heard of Paypal extending the time for dealing with a dispute or similar.   

[putney32]

from starting dispute you have a further 20 days to escalate to a claim. if you dont get your replacement on day 19 you escalate and get your $$$ back

if th item really is in the mail, you can always repay the seller at a later date if you so wish.

never ever let a claim time out

[digital*ghost]

Sorry you lost your money, but opening a dispute is only the first step towards a PayPal claim. It's intended to open up an official line of communication between buyer and seller, and a chance for each one to provide any evidence (as necessary) to support their case, but in order for PayPal to actually make a decision about the case, it needs to be escalated to a claim within 20 days of being opened, and IMHO should always be escalated if you haven't got the outcome you wanted by the 19th day.

You would have been better off escalating to a claim, as then even if PayPal didn't decide in your favour, you'd be in the same situation as now but without a lost chance, if you know what I mean. If a replacement in good order did eventually arrive and you had been awarded a refund, you would have easily been able to resend payment to the seller.