Do I under purchase if seller don't show up for locale pickup?

[rgc588]

I am going to purchase a pet reptile(ball python) from locale seller that I meet online. The seller does not have physical store.

We have arranged a time and location to meet up and complete the deal with one hand money and one hand goods.

However, the seller want me to pay ahead via PayPal via Goods and Services. After I read up the "buyer protection" policy. I am not sure if I am under protection under this scenario.

Quoted from the policy:

Item Not Received Claims

Your claim will not qualify for a refund under PayPal’s Purchase Protection program for an Item Not Received claim, if:

• You collect the item in person, or arrange for it to be collected on your behalf, including if you use PayPal in a seller’s physical store, except for in-person PayPal QR code goods and services transactions, or
• The seller has provided proof of shipment or proof of delivery.

It looks like if I arrange for it to be collected on my behalf. It's not covered. Is my understanding correct?

[kernowlass]

@rgc588 

Yes you are correct you would not be covered.

Might be a scam wanting you to use the friends/family option with paypal so when he does not turn up you won't have buyer protection to do a refund.

Any seller would be daft to turn down cash in hand and prefer paypal which means paying a fee from that money.