Escalate to a claim?

[woodside99]

I spent $56 on an item from a website I hadn't shopped from before, so I checked out through PayPal.  I received the merchandise two weeks later and it was significantly different from the description.  I immediately emailed customer service (directly) and they offered to refund me $5 without returning it.  They said shipping back to them would be very expensive but provided the details.  I verified on usps.com that the estimated cost would be $25.  I was concerned that the item would not arrive within 15 days, as was their return policy, so I emailed again to confirm the full purchase price would be refunded opposed to an exchange option.  They replied offering $10 and advised not to mark more than $20 on the waybill or they would charge me for the tariffs.  Additionally, when I complained about the terrible smell, the seller disclosed it is polyurethane, (the product page clearly lists it as soft cow leather) and suggested I leave it outside to air out.  At this point I filed a dispute through PayPal.  The only response so far is "Offer details: The seller will send you a $ 10.00 USD refund after they receive the returned item." with basically the same details they previously emailed (return address, tariffs, etc).  I declined the offer.  Should I escalate this to a claim?  Any thoughts on what the resolution might be?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[kernowlass]

@woodside99

If you choose to decline the sellers offer then ''normally'' paypal will find in your favour BUT you will have to return the item back to the seller trackable to prove delivery before you get your refund.

BUT i can't second guess paypals decision so that is just my opinion.

BUT if you funded your paypal payment via a credit card then you could consider just contacting your card issuer and asking them to do a chargeback for you, IF you get a refund then you can tell the seller that you are happy to send the item back if they pay the postage.

[Whac-A-Mole]

For item not as described,Paypal will rule in your favor and ask you to return the item.

The problem is with tracking,it will cost more than the item.

So you may as well ditch PAYPAL and file chargeback with your credit card issuer,once cc informs Paypal,the case will be closed and seller will have to present some data showing item is as described to your cc issuer.

If you win,you may not have to return the item and you wil get your money back and seller wil be socked with $20 chargeback fee.

make sure you tell your cc issuer it is not leather and present the email correspondence.cc issuer usually side with its clients. 

[woodside99]

Sounds like a plan.  I've never requested a chargeback before, but will definitely reach out to my credit card company.  I appreciate the quick responses!

[kernowlass]

@Whac-A-Mole

Actually you can't really advise that paypal WILL find in their favour as you don't know that. There have been plenty of people complaining on here that paypal have found AGAINST the buyer in an item received but not as described dispute.

I know that ''normally'' they find in the buyers favour but you can't second guess paypal.

[Whac-A-Mole]

thats correct,Ebay is more ruthless.

[kernowlass]

@Whac-A-Mole

No idea on that, i only ever file on paypal.

But i would never advise someone 100% that they would win a dispute.