Item missing, merchant claims sent, merchant provided paypal transaction #, no record in Paypal

[whatever14]

I recently purchased a small item and went through an electronic Paypal on the merchant website to pay for the item. The item was supposedly sent and delivered by UPS about 10 days ago. The item did not come. I contacted the merchant via email who sent a PayPal looking service notice with a transaction #. It had a UPS tracking number. The UPS number said the package had been delivered but it didn't arrive at my door where it said it was left. I tried to find the Paypal transaction number but it isn't in the Paypal system so there is no record of payment. I tried the telephone number on the merchant's website. It goes to a messaging service. What is going on and how do I either get my merchandise or get a refund? 

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@whatever14 

If you bought something online with a debit or credit card and didn't log into your Paypal account then of course it won't show on that Paypal account because you bought as a guest buyer.

You generally don't have Paypal buyer protection cover as a guest buyer but you can contact customer services and they may be able to assist you by reaching out to the seller for you.
So If you need help for a guest buyer transaction then you can;

1. Phone Paypal customer services and see if they will help you.
OR
2. Contact your card issuer for a chargeback.