My situation is similar but slightly different in that the seller offered to issue a credit for the goods, provided I use only DHL or UPS courier to send the goods back. That is the only method the seller will accept. The total cost of goods = $69.85 CAD. The cost of shipping the goods back to China via UPS Courier = $196.88 CAD.
The goods in question were 2-3 generations older than what was advertised. The ad claimed free shipping but there was a charge of $9.50 US to ship via parcel post that took over 8 weeks to arrive. I have received other goods from China via parcel post in 2 weeks. And just to be clear, this package weighed about 0.5 pounds.
The other thing that upsets me is the seller's initial reply, "we are sorry you can't be satisfied". Well, if you shipped what you are advertising, perhaps I could be satisfied. Based on what I am seeing, the seller is a scammer. But what makes me really angry is that after receiving all of this information, PayPal has resolved my issue by telling me it is ok to send the goods back to the seller for a full credit!
Did they not read what I submitted? Pay $200 to get a $69 credit. That's insane. And even worse is that I have no recourse. My only options are to 1) cancel the dispute, or 2) advise the tracking waybill number for the goods once returned. This system is completely flawed. There needs to be a method of continuing communication with PayPal on these issues and, without having to repeat everything (tied to the original complaint).
I have had a PayPal account since they came into existence but I am seriously considering severing ties. I have never had an issue like this when dealing through Amazon Prime. While I understand that Amazon and PayPal are not like businesses, I am just pointing out that using Amazon affords an extra layer of protection, so you do not have to use PayPal for protection that is NOT very protective!
