Paypal stupidity delays refunds

[uruglatem]

A buyer claimed that goods were defective 6 weeks after the sale.

In robust language, they demanded a refund by Paypal. So I tried to initiate the refund.

But my Paypal balance was too low, so it is no go.

Paypal say I must add funds by setting up direct debit from a bank account, which takes 3 to 5 days!

Why is this? If I buy something with nothing in my account, then Paypal charged to my credit card which is registered in the Paypal account.

So the buyer is the victim in this, not getting the refund in a timely manner.

[davewil1964]

The buyer was the victim? Why?

The timeframe worries me. They waited until the last moment to request a refund for something they've probably had and been using for 5 weeks.

Tell them to open a case with Paypal. Or has the Paypal time limit of 45 days already expired? I'd be telling them to whistle.This will require them to return the item, by trackable means, at their expense. That tends to sort out the pretenders. Unless you have already initiated the refund. If not, don't. You can add funds to your Paypal account from your bank account (which takes 3-5 days anyway), but I would be highly suss about this one. 

Unless you have very good evidence that the item is in fact defective, why are you offering to refund? Please don't roll over unless they have a compelling case for a refund without return. They will then try it on with other sellers.

it is also a good idea to keep enough in your Paypal account to cover a couple of refunds. I've never had to do so, but I always can.

[stampingpaws]

Just a thought. Regardless of this situation, you should link a bank account to Paypal and get it Verified (They put a few cents in your account, you see it on your statement, you advise Paypal of the amount). You keep the few cents. You then have a bank account to add money to your account, or to take money out of your account. If you buy something without funds they will still take the money from your credit card.

I sell more than I buy so there is money going into my bank account. I usually leave betreen $20 and $50 in PayPal so I can refund if necessary.

Best wishes

Robert

[amber-eyed-girl]

I agree with everything said already, and also, if a buyer says there is an issue, ask for as many details as are relevant, and a photo, if it is unclear exactly how bad the problem is or if it really exists.

[phorum_junkie*]

In robust language, they demanded a refund by Paypal. So I tried to initiate the refund

Unless they provided evidence in the form of photos or a condition report why would you initiate a refund?

Six weeks is 42 days, if they haven't already opened a dispute another three days and they won't be able to so I would just try and keep it going until the 45 day limit is reached.

If you are a seller then you are meant to have a bank account linked to your account anyway as that is the only way you can withdraw funds so it is hardly Paypal's stupidity.

[digital*ghost]

I don't think the OP is saying they don't have a verified bank account on file - they may or may not, but if they don't, the transfer is likely to take a bit more than 3-5 days because the account would need to be verified first, then funds transferred. (You can also withdraw funds without having a verified account - a verified account give PP authorisation to debit an account, you don't need to give them that permission to send PP funds to one). 

If your PP balance is too low, the refund can't be done no matter what other funding sources you have on file, and the only way to get an instant credit is to receive an instant payment (I think it may be possible to add funds to your account via credit card, but I'm not 100% sure, otherwise you'll either have to transfer the funds by bank deposit, or if you're desperate, get someone with a credit card to send the funds to your account as a gift, fees are charged on those types of payments, so make sure you cover all costs etc 😉 ). 

That's in general, anyway, as I agree a no-questions-asked refund is not necessarily the best idea.