DISPUTE CLOSED - WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MONEY?

[Plain]

Hello,  

I bought some stuff from a seller on Dec 16, 2010, however, the seller claimed that he shipped out the stuff out on Dec 23, 2010, but I never got the tracking number. I gave him more time to send me the tracking number, but still nothing. I then proceeded and filed a dispute to Paypal on Jan 5, 2011. After talking to him through texting, the seller told me he'll ship the stuff out on Jan 13, 2011 and will send me the tracking number, so I took his words and decided to close the dispute on Jan 12, 2011. I got the tracking number that day for the stuff, however, the seller claimed that he didn't receive the money. I understand when a dispute is opened, Paypal holds the money, but what  happens to the money when the dispute is resolved? Does it go back to the seller's account or does the seller have to wait a certain amount of time?

[BigKahuna97]

Once the dispute is closed the seller is returned the funds immediately.  I hate to tell you think but it looks like the seller has pulled another quick one on you.  He/she knew that if you closed the dispute you would not be able to re-open it.

[Plain]

Thanks for the fast response.

Well, I got the tracking number for the stuff that I bought from him, but he's telling me that he has $0 in his Paypal account. So right when a dispute is closed, the money is returned to the seller immediately? No delay whatsoever? Does Paypal have to review it or anything? FYI, Paypal didn't close the dispute, I did.

[BigKahuna97]

Hey Again,

My fear is the seller gave you tracking information simply so you would close the dispute.  Does the tracking info show any sign of progress?

When PayPal closes or rules in a dispute the money is returned in 1-3 days (typically immediately if the funds are available).  

When a member closes a dispute he/she opened, the money is returned immediately as there is no question to the ruling.  

Hope this helps.

[Plain]

Thank you, it makes a lot more sense now.

This is 1 of 5 of the tracking numbers that he sent me:

http://trkcnfrm1.smi.usps.com/PTSInternetWeb/InterLabelInquiry.do?origTrackNum=0310%201230%200001%20...

All of them seems to show exactly like the one on top except different tracking numbers and the time that was accepted.

[BigKahuna97]

Well at least it does show some progress.  From the "Package Services" description I see he either mailed the item parcel post or media mail (depending on what you purchased) so you will need to be patient in allowing enough time to receive the item.  I live in the Carolina's and am still waiting for a parcel post shipment from Florida mailed on December 30th :(.

[Plain]

Yeah, the waiting game. So what do you think about the seller claiming that Paypal still haven't send him the funds since I closed the dispute on the 12th of  this month?

[BigKahuna97 · Accepted solution]

My gut says he is telling a lie.  I would ask him to take a screen shot of his PayPal screen showing the money is still being held.  I would imagine his next reply (if any) will be a magical response of how the money was just released.

[Plain]

Thank you for helping me .

[BigKahuna97]

You're very welcome 😉