Offered a sailing voyage from US East Coast to Caribbean buyer dropped out after 2 weeks

[CaptainRaySail]

I offered a voyage aboard my boat for $15 a day to cover food and consumables including fuelcustomer paid the requested deposit of $525 to secure his berth. After over 2 weeks taking a luxury cabin just before we sailed he decided for his own reasons to leave the boat and demanded his money back. I had already spent it on fuel, food etc. leaving me a crewman short. Now he says the "product was defective" and PayPal is holding the $525. How do I answer?

[PayPal_Bindu]

Hello @CaptainRaySail 

Thank you for posting your question in the PayPal Help Community and welcome!

I understand that you're worried about the dispute opened by one of your customer. When a dispute is opened, PayPal allow time for you to work with the buyer to resolve it amicably. If you cannot come to a resolution, you can escalate the dispute. Once the dispute is escalated, PayPal will investigate the information provided by both parties and stay involved every step of the way. Please make sure respond to PayPal's requests for documentation and any other information in a timely manner as requested in the email correspondence with you or in the correspondence with you through the Resolution Centre. You can refer this page to know more about dispute resolution process. 
 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Bindu