I finally got a full refund for the telescope! It has taken over three months and a lot of effort.
The first dispute I raised was because the item had not arrived. Then the seller dispatched something. A poor quality telescope. They could then prove that something had been delivered. There was no way of me adding any further information (emails, photos, text) to that dispute. So after a few weeks the dispute was closed in the scammers' favour.
I then used the chat facility in Paypal help section to talk to a human and complain. They then raised a new dispute but this time for an item that was not as described. I was able to upload photos of what was advertised and what was delivered in the chat. The Paypal staff could then take that into account. They advised me to send the telescope back. I was sceptical about paying out more money to send it back only for the seller to say they did not receive it. Paypal said that I could claim for the cost of postage on their free return shipping program up to a value of £15. (It cost me £15.75.) I had to fill out some form online but that was OK. I got the £15 quite quickly. I uploaded photos of the man at the post office holding the package with all the right labels on it, and the receipt. Four weeks later I got the full $49.99 refund for the telescope too.
My advice for anyone still fighting to get their money back, talk to a Paypal human in the chat; raise a dispute for "item not as described"; share photos of it and what was advertised. You will probably have to send it back but take photos of it and the reciept. Make sure you know how to claim on the "free return shipping program". (Instructions copied and pasted below.)
Good luck.
Here's how to make a request:
1.Return the purchased item to the seller within the required timeframe and retain postage receipt and documentation as outlined within the terms and conditions 'What information do I have to provide with my Refund request claim form?'.
2.Log in to your PayPal account.
3.Click Activity and find the transaction for the item you have returned.
4.Click the transaction and select the 'original purchase' link.
5.Click the transaction and click Request a refund on return shipping and complete the form.
As long as you will be able to prove that the item is delivered tot he seller's address provided with the tracking number, we will guarantee your refund.
