What is the time limit to pay back a refund request?

[Laurence8]

Hello everyone,

Not a huge user of Paypal, so would appreciate some help. A person purchased an item off of me online. They paid in full via Paypal and I sent the goods. Although I can not prove it I believe that they have used the item and want to send it back to me after using it. It is a waterproof camera. They purchased it back in 29th September 2017. Today, October 18th, they have requested a refund. This is a long time after the purchase. Do I have to refund the person?

Many thanks.  

[kernowlass]

@Laurence8

A buyer has up to 180 days post purchase to open a paypal dispute.

As paypal never 'see' the item it is often one persons word against anothers. So IF the buyer opens a dispute for 'item received but not as described' then paypal 'tend' to favour the buyer BUT they have to return the item back to you at their own expense first (trackable to prove delivery) before you have to refund.

So if you feel you should not refund, let the buyer file a dispute and then wait to see what paypal decide.

[Laurence8]

Thanks for replying.

Not that I doubt you, but 180 days seems extreme. Surely this is unfair? 

[kernowlass]

@Laurence8

I have nearly 7000 kudos / solutions on this forum and have been here for about 10 years so I don't post information that I am unsure about  >>

https://www.paypal.com/gb/selfhelp/article/how-do-i-open-a-dispute-with-a-seller-when-a-purchase-goe...

From the link above  >>

You can open a dispute in the Resolution Centre of your PayPal account within 180 days of payment if:

• You don’t receive the item
• You receive an item but it’s significantly different than the description on eBay or on the seller’s website

By opening a dispute, you can communicate directly with your seller to work out a problem transaction.

Also this is the same timeframe that credit cards give you to dispute a transaction so if its unfair with paypal then you are saying its unfair for all credit cards as well?

[Laurence8]

I appologise if you thought I was being rude, because I was not. It just seems 180 days gives the seller a bad deal. Here is the problem I am now facing. If I accept the return of my camera, and they can prove that they have sent it and I have received it, what happens if the camera is not in the same condition that it was in when I sent it? They will have their money back, and I will have a damaged camera that they have used on their holiday. What protection do I have as the seller? If they open a dispute even now, will they get a refund and keep my camera? What are my protections. Thank you.  

[kernowlass]

@Laurence8

If the item received back is not in the condition sent then you can let paypal know and appeal the refund.

OR you have the option of a small claims action against the seller.

Good luck.

[Laurence8]

Thank you.