how safe is paypal off ebay?

breadbin

i didn't know where else to put this question but i was wondering how safe it is to buy something online from a private seller? the item is in america and i've no idea if its a scam or not but i have to take her word for it that she's genuine but if she isn't and is only a messer can i get my money back easy enough or is there any sort of protection. the item is about 200 quids worth. and mods feel free to put this somewhere else if its in the wrong place:) thanks

Tallon

Have you got a link to the ad?

Whats her feedback like on her profile

Paypal through ebay is usually the safest way to shop online

breadbin

you mean her paypal profile? i didn't realise there was such a thing:) i'll have a look. yeah i've been buying off ebay for years but never used paypal without using ebay if you know what i mean so didn't know whether to or not thanks

Tallon

No, I mean her ebay profile

chin_grin

breadbin wrote: »

you mean her paypal profile? i didn't realise there was such a thing i'll have a look. yeah i've been buying off ebay for years but never used paypal without using ebay if you know what i mean so didn't know whether to or not thanks

No, I think he means the eBay rating system. You know where you see the feedback score of the person you're buying from. Click in to their profile first or shoot them an email to make sure.

But yeah you should be covered by both eBay and PayPal if there are any scammers out there.

But to be on the safe side, I'd contact the seller first.

Mountjoy Mugger

No. I think you're all misreading the original post. Question seems to relate to Paypal specifically. OP has never used Paypal except through eBay. i.e. off eBay - not on eBay.

Now, the OP has been asked to part with some hard earned to someone via Paypal (not an eBay seller).


From my understanding, Paypal buyer protection seems only to relate to purchases through eBay, so it might well be a gamble you're taking.

Tallon

Oh right, I understand now... In that case it can be hit and miss.

OP, where is this private item for sale? You can PM if you don't want to post publically

ressem

The Paypal buyer protection is meant to apply to any website, not just Paypal, with some limitations.

Haven't had to make use of it yet, so can't say how awkward it is.
https://www.paypal.com/helpcenter/main.jsp;jsessionid=14cPNQGTxlG2xHmTqDFtJdy1QWyj9ppznjslF9T9NymR4VSKprkY!1701339962?locale=en_US&_dyncharset=UTF-8&countrycode=US&cmd=_help&serverInstance=9006&t=solutionTab&ft=searchTab&ps=solutionPanels&solutionId=12454&isSrch=Yes

What is PayPal Buyer Protection?

Question :
Answer :

When you pay with PayPal on any website PayPal Buyer Protection covers you if you have a problem. If an item doesn’t arrive or is significantly not as described we will help you to get a full refund.

To qualify for PayPal Buyer Protection:

* Use PayPal to complete your payment.
* Pay for the item with one payment. Items purchased with multiple payments aren't eligible.
* Let the seller know there's a problem with the transaction by opening a dispute in the Resolution Center within 45 days of making your payment. Then, escalate the dispute to a claim within 20 days of the date you opened the dispute.
* Keep your PayPal account in good standing.


If your transaction qualifies for PayPal Buyer Protection you are covered for the full purchase price plus the original shipping charges.

You can report your problem in the PayPal Resolution Center or the eBay Resolution Center. Either way, you’ll receive the same coverage. To find out how to report a problem on eBay, go to eBay and click Resolution Center at the bottom of any page.

Please note that some purchases such as vehicles in the Motors category, intangible items, capital equipment in the Business & Industrial category, and Real Estate aren't eligible for PayPal Buyer Protection.