When do you initiate a dispute on paypal?

[PST]

This is a general topic, and not Bartertown specific.

Paypal payment for an order sent on day 0. By day 10 the shipment hasn't been sent, with 3 'i'll get it out tomorrow/this weekend' along the way.

I'm just wondering when people reach for the dispute button with paypal. I've been lucky enough not to have a trade fall through yet on ebay or in private sales from forums, so I thought it might be worth seeing when others think the point of 'that's enough' is

[Imaginos]

The official answer is: It depends.

If you have any reason to suspect the person, the sooner the better. On a recent scammer here, I pulled the trigger pretty quick. But I had some pretty strong clues to them being a scammer. If you don't have any reason to think the person is trying to scam you, I'd give it a little time, but after 2 weeks, I'd tell them you were planning to file a claim because of the extended delays and the "i'll get it out tomorrows".

[PST]

Yeah I was leaning to two weeks. It's about $120 and will be 5-10 days shipping time because of trans-atlantic, so I didn't want to let it drag on too long because of chance of 'i've shipped' and then finding out that what was shipped wasn't what was described after the time for disputes had passed.

[3eland]

I think you should also communicate with the trader, tell him you are feeling weary of the trade and the multiple "I'll get it out tomorrow/this weekend" replies has you feeling unsure about his intentions. Remind him you paid via paypal and you have a set amount of time to put in a dispute. It may come off a little impatient, but when your money is on the line, why shouldn't you be, especially when he hasn't clarified WHY he is taking so long.

[MagickalMemories]

I NEVER let them know if I'm feeling that the purchase is questionable. Why give them warning that you might be filing with PayPal & give them the chance to move the funds. I say his them before they expect it.
Like, now.

Ten days and they haven't shipped, after multiple promises? Yoink! I want my PayPal funds back. You can have them when I receive my stuff.


Eric

[3eland]

I NEVER let them know if I'm feeling that the purchase is questionable. Why give them warning that you might be filing with PayPal & give them the chance to move the funds. I say his them before they expect it.
Like, now.

Ten days and they haven't shipped, after multiple promises? Yoink! I want my PayPal funds back. You can have them when I receive my stuff.


Eric

Like always MM brings up a valid point, that's why he's the man.

[MagickalMemories]

It's a good general rule. If you get the feeling that the person might be shady/dishonest/sketchy/unreliable, NEVER tip your hand. Why give them warning of what you are about to do and give them time to prepare for it?

I'm all about the blindside in cases like that.

It's just how I think. I am ALWAYS looking for ways to scam people, rip them off, or get away with other unscrupulous tactics. Always. I am constantly trying to figure out how *I* could steal from *you*. Why? Well, I think my reputation has evidenced that it's not because I'm going to do it. It's the exact opposite. If I can find a way to rip you off, then someone else has or will. That means I need to (a) be aware, so that I do not fall for it (b) do my best to warn or protect others against it and (c) try to devise a defense or counter to it. I've always been that way.
It goes on from there, of course, as I also try to devise ways to bypass any defenses I put in place for it, so I can shore up those defenses.
If I was a criminal, I'd be dangerous.
If I was a "white hat" computer hacker, I'd be rich (legally!).
But, I'm neither. I'm a Bartertown Admin... So, I'm protective.


Eric