Problem with seller, what recourse is available?

[dataguy]

Hello,

I have a minor issue with a seller... I offered to buy a domain that he posted for sale on the condition I could transfer the domain name to my registrar (enom).

At first he gave me the wrong paypal address to send payment, then after I cancelled the payment and sent payment to the correct address he told me that he couldn't find the 'authorization key' used to transfer domains away from his registrar. He found some code number to use... and he agreed to refund the payment if it didn't work, and of course it didn't.

Now he says he has refunded my payment, but according to PayPal it has not been refunded. It is a very small amount of money, ($25) but I feel responsible to this community to follow the recommended proceedures in dealing with something like this, to help ensure it doesn't happen again with other members.

Is there any recourse available for me to follow? THanks.

 

[Gerry]

PayPal views domain names as "intangible" property and will not refund for non-tangible property. Take it from someone who got dealt a nasty blow on 19 domains from one seller.

The most successful method is this:

Have all the facts, documents, emails, commuincation, receipts etc. ready to go.

Contact the legal department at your registrar and the seller's registrar. Usually this is accomplished by entering legal@(yourregistrar.net). Check with both. Stick to the facts and present them in a concise and professional "matter of fact" manner.

Registrars are usually helpful in resolving these disputes and will work to get the domain in your hands providing you have the evidence.

Yes, this did work for me and I was able to get the 19 domain names. I can not guarantee success but it certainly worked for me.

Trust me, you are wasting your time with PayPal. They will not even investigate:

Their reasoning? Domain names are intangible or virtual goods.

Take a look at PayPal policies regarding this:

Q. Does PayPal Buyer Protection cover all eBay categories?

A. The item for sale must be a tangible product that can be sent by post.

PayPal's Buyer Complaint Policy does not apply all intangible goods, virtual products (for example: subscriptions and computer programs), services, and quasi-cash.

Q. What goods and services are not covered under the Buyer Complaint Policy?

A. PayPal is committed to ensure that all transactions are safe and secure. One way we do this is by providing specific terms and conditions that all members must comply with. PayPal's Buyer Complaint Policy does not apply to virtual or intangible products (like subscriptions and computer programs), services, quasi-cash and all non-tangible, non-physical goods.

 

[namestrands]

You should still file a dispute with Paypal, and provide them with any evidence you have.

Expose the little weasel and prevent them from trading on forums like DNF, DNF has a responsibility to its PAID members to ensure that the forum is a safe enviroment to trade.

 

[Raider]

I've been through this many times also, on both ends.

Simply file a dispute with Paypal and claim that you never recieved the item or domain...They in turn will contact the seller, these claims are usually processed quickly because of the non tangible issue, but it could take Paypal up to 60 days, in the event paypal does not reach a decison 50 days into it, file your own claim with Visa or Mastercard, you have 60 days to do this from the date of purchase. Either way, you will get you money back.

PayPal views domain names as "intangible" property and will not refund for non-tangible property. Take it from someone who got dealt a nasty blow on 19 domains from one seller.

Circa1850,

I dont know what method of payment you used, but if it used Paypal funds to purchase domains, your correct, they usually wont refund the money for intangible goods, but if you charged it on your credit card, Paypal has not choice but to reverse or refund it, because they know there going to be hit with a chargeback from Visa or Mastercard if they dont.

 

[dataguy]

Thanks for all the advice. The guy has now refunded my payment correctly.

It appears that there was never any malicious intent, the guy just seems to not have much experience with transfering domain names and with PayPal.

 

[Honan]

Trader feedback, contact paypal.

If the Buyer leaves negative feedback
Then the Seller will leave negative feedback

How does that help the buyer?