Accepting payments for intangible goods such as private lessons or tutoring

[snowboarder1493]

Hi,

I offer a private tutoring and lessons service and want to add Paypal as an option for clients. I have done this in the past with Venmo. However, I learned my lessons when somebody took advantage of my ignorance with the app and reversed the payment (even after it was deposited into my bank account). 

Since I offer an intangible good and don't want to be taken advantage of again, I am wondering how long such a payment from one person to another will be pending? It is my understanding that once the payment is completed, the transaction is not able to be canceled except by the seller. It is possible to open a dispute, but given that this is an intangible good, there is neither protection for the buyer or the seller so it seems like it would cause it to be irreversable as well.

So my question then is, how long would a transaction from one person to another stay pending if I claim it immediately? If it's immediate then I seem to be in the clear. If not, then I won't be using this service either. 

Thank you!

[DPCreations]

Correct, the buyer cannot CANCEL a transaction.  The buyer can reqeust cancellation and refund before delivery.

Also, the buyer can claim non-delivery and get a sure refund for up to 180 days after payment.  Virtual items have no delivery tracking so seller has no proof of delivery; online tracking is REQUIRED for proof of delivery.

You sell virtual items/services at your own risk; they are not covered by PayPal seller protection policies.

If you are doing in-person tutoring why are you not accepting cash?

[Whac-A-Mole]

she is probably doing this in cyberspace,not physical setting.

There is no seller protection for services,auto,digital download,financial instruments,customs order.

you can follow up with a hard copy of the tutoring content and mail it with tracking,cost is USPS first class $2.61 if you print shipping label on line.

then it becomes a dispute of item not as described,not item not received,buyer wil be asked to return the materials with tracking to get his refund.

[Whac-A-Mole]

$2.61 is for domestic mailing,overseas with tracking is more,it can be much much more.

[snowboarder1493]

I do accept cash. Usually that's how people pay me. But occasionally people would rather Venmo or PayPal me.

[Whac-A-Mole]

Paypal now covers services but not digital goods,if a dispute is open,you will submit evidence and Paypal will review,go and view paypal protection,it has been in effect recently.

if buyer loses and file chargeback,I assume PAYPAL will eat the loss ,not you.if you win the dispute.