Caution When Buying Large / Heavy Items and paying with PayPal

It doesn't really matter if the item being shipped is large or small...small items can be damaged through mistreatment and well as large items.  Packing should always be done as though the item will face a worst case scenario.

I think it is also critical to remember that shipping companies and their insurers often demand a LOT of information and documentation.  Photos and sometimes videos of the item being packed, the item actually working, all surfaces, etc.  Some even insist on new boxes, usually double boxing and often with 2" or more of specific cushioning between boxes.

If you read the fine print, it is daunting.  When there is shipping involved, there is usually risk and most of the risk goes to the buyer....and if you aren't willing to take the risk, even though the problem may not be your fault, then you should not get involved in transactions that involve shipping.

I guess it matters what "paying with Paypal" really means. I pay through Paypal for every online purchase whenever that’s an option, but the actual payment is made with a credit card. Anytime that I’ve ever had an issue, I have filed a dispute directly with the actual credit card, not Paypal, who is only a middle man.

Paypal does have their own credit card at this point. It's inconvenient to use if you aren't interested in them debiting your bank account directly for payment.

For shipping in the USA, use pirateship.com which offers FedEx or UPS at 40 to 60 percent discounts. Insurance is only $1 per $100 insured.

Yes, for pirate ship....and they use UPS Capital Insure Shield...and here is a link to their "suggested" packing...and if you haven't followed these "recommendations" and documented everything with photos...and have proper receipts....you "might" have a problem...especially when it comes to "full value".

https://www.insureshield.com/us/en/resources/insights/prevent-shipping-damages-in-ecommerce-deliveries.html#:~:text=Use%20High%2DQuality%20Boxes:%20Invest,items%20from%20touching%20each%20other.

I always have my packages shipped to the Fed Ex store and when they bring me the box i don't sign for it until I open it in front of clerk and if it's damaged I refuse to sign and they ship it back, then I cancel the transaction through my credit card. I no longer use PayPal after my account was hacked through them and they let over $6,000.00 in charges through on my credit cards, I had to cancel all my cards and close my checking account. My bank stopped payment on the fraudulent charges and it took me six months for PayPal to finally resolve the matter, while they kept bugging me to pay the negative balance that was their fault to begin with.