PayPal mentions "delivery" of a virtual/online service

[wetfromage]

I'm actually a seasoned old PayPal user but I am dealing with a new account (the old one was closed because Thailand doesn't allow foreigners to have a PayPal account), so I have to go through all of the initial "newbie" stuff like waiting for funds on hold.

I noticed that when I set the delivery information to "shipping info not required", the funds on hold time is shortened a little.  But there is also this message:

This sale was for a virtual service, so there is no physical delivery. How does PayPal know when to release my funds since there won't be a delivery?

Maybe there needs to be a way for a seller to note that sale is for a virtual service, then this notice won't be needed.

[sharpiemarker]

@wetfromage 

You only use Shipping info not required if you physically shipped with no tracking.

There are two methods to release money sooner depending on what you see on your screen:

Method 1:

Recipient has to change the order status or add tracking: 

1. Go to Activity. 
2. Find the transaction to update, then click Get your money. 
3. *If you sold a product, select Product to add tracking information or print shipping label directly. 
4. **If you received payment that do not require shipping, selling an intangible item or service, select Service or virtual product to confirm order status.
5. Click Submit. 

*Use one of the approved shipping carriers and PayPal release the hold 24 hours after the courier confirms delivery to the buyer’s address.

**Recipient will get their money 7 days after confirming the order status as Completed.

Method 2:

If there are no issues with the transactions such as disputes, claims or chargebacks, the funds should typically be released within 21 days from the date of payment.

In some markets, the transaction can be marked as "shipped" or "processed" to gain earlier access to the funds.

Here's how to mark your item as “shipped” or “Processed” in the Transaction details:

1. Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Go to Activity.
3. Click the transaction to update.
4. Click Add tracking info button.
5. Click the Order Status menu and select Order Processed if physical shipping is not required, otherwise select Shipped and provide tracking number if available.

Then, after 48 hrs from payment date, ask Sender to ‘confirm receipt’, here’s how:

1. Go to Activity.
2. Find and click the original payment for the item.
3. Click Confirm receipt.
4. Click Yes to confirm that you received the order.

Note: Not all transactions will have the ‘confirm receipt’ option nor is required to confirm receipt. If customer does not confirm or confirm option not there, you’ll have to wait 7 to 21 days for PayPal to release funds.

[wetfromage]

Regarding your first comment ("You only use Shipping info not required if you physically shipped with no tracking."), does it actually say this somewhere on the page?  If not, how would we know?  I've had a PayPal account for more than a decade and never knew this.

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@sharpiemarker wrote:

You only use Shipping info not required if you physically shipped with no tracking.

There are two methods to release money sooner depending on what you see on your screen:

Method 1:

Recipient has to change the order status or add tracking: 

1. Go to Activity. 
2. Find the transaction to update, then click Get your money. 

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I stopped quoting at #2 because I don't see 'get your money' anywhere on the screen.  When I open one of the pending transactions, here are the things I can click on: eligible, print packing slip, edit tracking info and print details (see image below).  The other methods are too convoluted to be worth the trouble.  I have many small payments.  Contacting two or three dozen buyers and trying to get them to follow a procedure and then keeping track of who has and who hasn't... Bah.  I'll just wait the 21 days.  It would be nice if the buyer's side had a box to check as to whether it's goods OR services they're paying for.  That would solve this whole problem.

[sharpiemarker]

@wetfromage 

If your item does not require shipping at all (digital goods or intangible services), click Edit Tracking info and select “Order Processed”. The payment will be release in 7 to 21 days.

> Regarding your first comment ("You only use Shipping info not required if you physically shipped with no tracking.") does it actually say this somewhere on the page?  If not, how would we know?  I've had a PayPal account for more than a decade and never knew this.

You will know by looking at all the options and think, using the brain, IQ, intuition, common sense and logic.

Sometimes when people ship or mail something without a tracking number, they should select “Shipped” and check off the “Shipping info not required” box.

If selling digital items, performing a service, or even received a payment that do not involve shipping or mailing something, like a personal payment because some countries do not have friends and family option, select “Order processed”. Then after 48 hrs from Payment date ask sender/buyer to “confirm receipt”. Not all transactions will have “confirm receipt” option so you’d have to wait 7 to 21 days for PayPal to release payment.