5 Weeks...

[Chiloo5991]

So, more than 5 weeks ago, using an outside site, I purchased an item (a Flag). It was the first time I ever bought anything off of eBay, the site seemed pretty much legit after keeping an eye on it for a short time. So I purchased a flag for about 5 dollars, and shipping was also 5 dollars, since it was the cheapest shipping available to the seller. So now, 5 weeks later I still haven't recieved my item. I have been in contact with the seller about it and they say they can't send another package until 8 weeks after the first one was sent, that will be past the time I have to put out a dispute. So I'm wondering if I should now enter a dispute with the person(s)/ company. It is only 10 dollars, but still it's money. 

[PayPal_Adrian]

Welcome to the boards!

I'm sorry to hear your first off-eBay purchase didn't go as planned!  There are a lot of great merchants out there, so please don't let this one convince you not to shop outside of eBay.  I shop on- and off-eBay, and have for the last 11 years, and have yet to have a problem.  I'm betting this will be the first (and last) issue you'll have. 

Your thinking is correct - always file your claim within the 45 day allotment after the purchase is made.  If you don't, PayPal can't come back and investigate the claim, though we keep the information on file to show that there was a problem with the purchase.  Think of it as a "statute of limitations."

Your seller can always choose, after filing the claim, to re-ship the item then or to issue a refund.  If you later receive the item, you can always pay them back manually via the "Send Money" button.

Just remember: after opening your dispute, you only have 20 days to escalate it to an official claim!

Thanks!

Adrian