Why are sellers not protected?

[brendo7]

I sold a used played with doll. Gave description and photos. Wrapped in bubble wrap and posted. Buyer says crown is broken. It was not broken when it was posted and it was wrapped securely. Why do they get their money back through PayPal? I believe she is just saying its broken and has made a claim through PayPal. She hasn't even returned the item so basically she gets it says its broken keeps it and gets her money back. Couldn't this happen with every item sold? How do we sell confidently thinking that every item can be kept and not paid for? What's the solution. Sellers are really taken for a ride. Can we say that they have to have registered post if paying by PayPal? What protects us from scammers like this?

[twyngwyn]

If she's claiming through Paypal then it is a requirement that she returns the doll to you

[shepherdsrule]

Also as a seller the first thing you ask for is a photo of said damage. You will be amazed how quickly the damage is suddenly not too bad once proof is required. But most importantly as said above paypal WILL insist on the item being returned at the buyers expense before they follow through with any refund. If you have offered a refund without following this procedure, then that was your choice.

[patchoo78]

Can we say that they have to have registered post if paying by PayPal? What protects us from scammers like this?

You can but you won't get many buyers.. It's up to the seller to send registered.. Besides, sending registered will only protect you from an INR dispute not NAD

[fred_fred_2004]

Registered won't protect against damage, only loss

[putney32]

as stated above she needs to return it before pypal will make the refnd, for now the money is probably only 'on hold' from your paypal a/c

bubble wrap is rarely good enough for fragile items like a doll,  a BOx is what is required to post fragile items.

[phorum_junkie*]

Most sellers would ask for a photo of the damage and if they get one they would refund without return, I would only ask for it to be returned if they would not provide a photo or if I thought I could repair the item and sell it for more than the cost of return (I would cover the return postage too if it was damaged).

Bubble wrap is not the way to go with anything breakable, it should be double boxed or at the very least put in a box with something like packing peanuts and then bubble wrap round the box and then in a satchel. Wrapping things tight in bubble wrap can actually cause damage as the air in the bubbles can expand in the heat of a delivery van.

[***super_nova***]

How can eBay or PP protect anybody?  They do not know who is right; therefore if the issue with the item sounds, according to the buyer's complaint, serious enough they will be told to return it for full refund, but they have to pay for return postage.  It is as fair as it can be. 

If the buyer paid for registered post it would have made no difference; all what would it prove is that they got it. 

But it would have protected you if they claimed they did not get it.  IF the buyer was dishonest, they could have done that, and they would end up with the item and all their money back.  To be protected while selling cheap items as you do, the best way is to use click&send, satchels of boxes, and do not offer any other alternative.

When you ask if you can insist that if people pay with PP they have to pay for registered mail, do you mean that if person pays by DD and the item does not arrive or is damaged you would just tell them "tough luck"?

[foxette-in-sox]

A Barbie doll posted in bubble wrap should have been perfectly fine.I think your buyer is trying it on so I hope you haven't refunded ?