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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.

taviran
snapsc
722 posts
 

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.

alucard19
389 posts
 

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.

foggyus91's avatar
foggyus91
612 posts
 

@alucard19 Very wise! 

irjones
84 posts
 

I did not know Paypal release credit cards. Not here in the UK, anyway.

taviran OP
30 posts
 

I bought large floorstanding speakers using PayPal. They arrived with all woofers defective. I provided documentation and a repair invoice (~$650).

PayPal’s resolution: I must return the speakers at my expense to receive a refund.

Because they are large and heavy, return shipping would be extremely expensive. PayPal does not cover repair costs, and without returning the item, the claim can be closed without refund — even with documented damage.

This isn’t just about international purchases. The same issue applies to any heavy gear.

If you’re buying large speakers, amps, racks, etc. with PayPal, calculate your potential return shipping risk before committing.

 

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