Refund still showing as pending

[Sebastian891]

I made a purchase though an online retailer, the retailer later contacted me explaining the item was out of stock. So I asked for a refund and I received a email from PayPal explaining it should be ready on the 4th. Today is the 5th and it’s still pending, I called the online retailer and they just said they have done everything there end. Can anybody point me in the correct direction? Many thanks

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@Sebastian891 

Pending refunds can only happen for two reasons.

1. The seller has issued a refund from their bank account which takes time to process.

2. You funded the payment to the seller using bank transfer. What PayPal do here is credit the recipient on your behalf (so there is no delay in despatching your item). Then if you receive a refund in the meantime they are unable to issue this until the original bank transfer completes.

ANY CLEARANCE DATE IS AN ESTIMATE AS IT DEPENDS ON THE BANKS CLEARANCE TIME AND EVERYTHING IS SLOWER AT THE MOMENT DUE TO COVID.

https://www.paypal.com/us/selfhelp/article/i-want-a-refund.-how-do-refunds-work-faq3248
https://www.paypal.com/gb/selfhelp/article/i-paid-by-instant-bank-transfer,-so-why-is-my-refund-on-h...

[Turkeyhollow]

It has been WEEKS!  Pay pal just keeps extending the resolution date!   

[kernowlass]

@Turkeyhollow 

Your is not a refund like the original posters, yours is a dispute, completely different.