How to File a Paypal Dispute

Paypal dispute screen example

Paypal is a convenient way to pay for an auction. But did you know it can also provide protection when the goods or services you pay for are not what you expected, are damaged or fail to arrive? Paying with Paypal can be good protection for your investment. Learn more about how to file a Paypal dispute right here.

Instructions

1. Go to eBay.com and login to your account using your username and password.

2. Contact the seller about the missing, damaged or disappointing item if you have not already done so. You can do this by clicking on the item number and then "contact seller" and type an email. Wait a few days for the seller to respond.

3. Log back into your eBay account as in the previous steps and go ahead with the dispute if you have not heard from the seller or you are not satisfied with her answer. You should have received tracking information, refund offers or the like.

4. Click the item number once in eBay and then "report an item not received" in the drop-down box under actions on the right-hand side of your screen. You will be taken to a different screen, where you should click the blue "proceed with dispute" box.

5. Click "continue to Paypal" and sign into your Paypal account, since you will be continuing the dispute through this site.

6. Click the "find transaction ID" button. Click the link that contains the transaction ID and then the "continue" button once you have located it.

7. Select "I haven't received my item" or "I received my item, but..." choice as warranted. Click continue.

8. Select the category of your purchase using the drop-down box on the next screen. Fill in a detailed explanation along with dates, times and contact with the seller. You may cut and paste any correspondence with the seller here as well.

9. Click "go to resolution center" to cancel, revise or escalate the dispute. Once you cancel the dispute, it cannot be reopened, so be sure you are satisfied.

10. Escalate the dispute into a claim if the seller has not responded nor offered restitution for your lost, damaged or insufficient merchandise or service. Paypal will then decide what action needs to be taken next or just refund your money.

Tips & Warnings

• File a dispute as soon as eBay allows. It is generally once 10 days have passed since the auction closed or service was provided.

• Allow at least one month for this process.

• Be ready and willing to provide any supporting documents, including emails.