Did anyone ever have an issue with Paypal and a companies in China?

[Tess653]

Anyone every deal with having to return an item to China?  

[Chezza13]

Yes Tess653,

I am in Australia and in May purchased shoes, supposedly from Australian company. Rubbish product on arrival and requested return and refund. To cut longgggg story short, many emails to the seller and being fobbed off with numerous excuses, I am out of pocket for both item and return postage.

I did not follow the advised course of action given in PayPal disputes and claims as I thought I had to try to resolve it myself first, then ask them to help.

This is incorrect so I strongly advise the following:

1. Go to PayPal site and communicate with the seller via this platform.

You only have 20 DAYs in which to do this and also have to upgrade from a dispute to a claim through PayPal.

2. Resolve to NEVER again buy anything that has to be sent from China, and I have also found.....

3. NEVER buy through a Facebook (or other social platform) page.  Go to the product website instead and ensure they are kosher!

Good Luck......

[Tess653]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I did go through PayPal's Resolution Center and used their process. They expect me to return the item to China! They don't even seem to have a way station in America. Shame on PayPal for allowing their customers to be subject to this. I do have credit card backup, so I'll be calling and making a fuss and hopefully get it resolved that way. And I will cancel my PayPal account.

[kernowlass]

@Tess653 

Not sure why its paypals fault when they clearly state this in their buyer protection policy for you to read so you can risk assess your purchases >>>

In the event of a dispute you choose your seller and not Paypal so you need to bear in mind possible return trackable costs before you go ahead and buy from that seller / country.

Paypal state this >>
IMPORTANT: You may be required to return the item to the seller or other party we specify as part of the settlement of your claim. PayPal Buyer Protection does not entitle you to reimbursement for the return shipping costs that you may incur.

[Tess653]

I'll tell you why it's PayPal's fault.  They were deceptive in their advertising as they presented as an American company with an email that I am not even allowed to enter into this message!  When I type it in, they won't send my message and I get a notification that I am not permitted to mention the email address!  The email address begins with the word "paypal," which leads the buyer to believe they are dealing directly with a company that paypal sponsors in the U.S.   Of course, I did not know that PayPal was doing such close business with China.  

I feel I was bamboozled because they know how costly it will be to return items to China, while China's mailing costs to us are fractional.  They actually offer the customer the option of accepting a 40% refund, while they keep 60%.  That alone lets you know that they are VERY aware that the merchandise is awful, most people will want to return it and will face this same issue.  They are hiding behind their "return policy" when it comes to the business they are doing with China.

[kernowlass]

@Tess653 

Chinese Web Sites or on Social Media ads easy to spot (once you know the below signs) so buyer beware.

The best thing is to not buy from them in the first place, to recognise them -

1. No return address on the returns policy. The site will look as if its in your country (where they despatch goods from) but they will ask for returns to go back to China (returns depot) at a shipping cost often more than the item is worth.
2. No contact telephone number. if you click on contact the most you will get is webmail or an email address.
3. Rarely company address information.
4. Great pictures of items at bargain prices that turn out to be tat.
5. Fake reviews.
6. Google and you can often see previous company names as they change them once enough claims roll in and Paypal stop them using their services and start over.
7. Send fake tracking numbers to win item non receipt of item claims.