Purchase Protection - Item not as described

[jplee3]

Hi all,

I ordered and received a product that was not as described - apparently the seller changed a key component in a product he was selling contrary to what is advertised in the listing (and the listing still doesn't accurately reflect what he's actually selling). 

Essentially it works/functions for the basic need but it's missing a pretty big feature it advertised and that I was expecting (and was also a large part of why I bought it). I mean, I can live without it but am also not happy with that lack of the functionality.

That said, I'd be open to a partial refund - I'm trying to ask the seller for that but I'm guessing he may be uncooperative and resistant. He already told me to return it if I'm not happy but the item is heavy and I'd prefer not to deal with having to return it and pay the return shipping fees on top of that.

If he's resistant to the partial refund and is telling me to return ship (presumably at my own cost), what are my options as far as purchase protection in this case?  

TIA!

[kernowlass]

@jplee3 

How do I open a dispute with a seller when a purchase goes wrong?

You can open a dispute in the Resolution Centre of your PayPal account within 180 days of payment if:
•You don’t receive the item OR service
•You receive an item but it’s significantly different than the description on eBay or on the seller’s website (or you receive a totally different product).

By opening a dispute, you can communicate directly with your seller to work out a problem transaction.

If you reach an agreement with the seller you can close the dispute. If you're still not happy with the result, you can escalate the dispute into a claim. Paypal will review the claim and decide on reimbursement.

These steps apply to Personal accounts. If you have a Business account, please log in to see the steps that apply to you.

To open a dispute:
1.Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Click on the transaction and use the resolve a problem option at the bottom of that details page.

Note:
•Generally buyers must wait at least 7 days from the date of payment to escalate a dispute for an item not received
•Where an item has not been received, please ensure you have given the seller enough time before opening a dispute

Do not close the dispute until you have a refund or your item.
If a seller states that they can't refund until you have closed the dispute don't believe them.
Escalate the dispute to a claim within 20 days (before it times out), if you need Paypal to get involved.

Activate the below link in case you have to return the item at Paypals request (or the correct one for your country as this is the U.S link).
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/returns

If that does not work then if you funded your paypal payment via a card then contact your card issuer and see if they will issue a chargeback.