Caution When Buying Large / Heavy Items and paying with PayPal
Heads-up to fellow Audiogon members
If you’re buying large or heavy gear — speakers, amps, racks, turntables, etc. — and paying with PayPal, make sure you understand how Buyer Protection works in practice.
If an item arrives damaged or significantly not as described and you open a claim, PayPal will typically require you to physically return the item at your expense in order to receive a refund.
For small items, that’s manageable.
For large or heavy gear, return shipping — domestic or international — can be extremely expensive, sometimes approaching the value of the item itself.
PayPal generally does not reimburse repair costs.
If you don’t return the item within the required timeframe, the case may be closed without refund — even if there is documented damage.
Before committing to a large purchase, calculate your real downside risk, including potential return shipping costs.
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. |
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. |
@alucard19 Very wise! |
