What would you do, as a buyer, in this situation?

[Ginevive]

I am in negotiations to buy a snake online. I was sent two bills by the seller (agreed to pay in 2 parts,) the first being on 4/13/13; the last being yesterday. The seller agreed to ship my snake out tomorrow for Tuesday arrival. I got a message from him this morning stating that there was a death in the family, and that he would either refund me the $ if I wanted, or ship out a week from tomorrow because he had to travel. I said okay, I would like the refund, since he offered it. That was this morning, and I have not gotten a reply or refund.

What would you do? If I hypothetically wait until next week and do nothing, that could bring out the date of a potential refund beyond the 20 days that the original transaction occurred, factoring in allowance for shipping delays (let's say the snake was a DOA, or something.) I am wondering if I should just seek to reverse the transactions, if possible. I am really scared of losing my money on this. The seller had pretty good feedback on the BOI, but not much of it.

I know that things happen, but I have seen so many tragedy scenarios in which people were scammed because the seller either has a legitimate tragedy and disappears for awhile (not something that I will tolerate either; tragedies happen, but I want either my money or the snake; more-so my money now, since I was offered a refund) or a scam from the get-go. The transactions were billed from him to me; he sent money requests that I responded to. Any info or help is appreciated, since I am getting none from the seller now.

[ChaosAffect]

If you used Paypal I'd go ahead and file a claim to get the process started. It won't hurt him in any way as long as it's resolved amicably, but it'll protect you in case he does try to cut and run.

[Ginevive]

that is what I did. Thanks for your reply

[ChaosAffect]

that is what I did. Thanks for your reply

Your Welcome! As I said, nothing bad will happen to their account because you filed a claim, even if they don't respond within the given time frame. Worst that'll happen is the money is taken from them, but they pay no penalties and, unless they have multiple claims against them in a short amount of time, are in no danger of losing their account.

[Billy305]

I wouldn't worry if it hasn't been even 24 hours yet... Especially if there had been a family death.

[ChaosAffect]

I wouldn't worry if it hasn't been even 24 hours yet... Especially if there had been a family death.

True, but there's no harm in getting the ball rolling just to CYA.

[gsarchie]

No harm except for getting yourself some negative light as a buyer on the BOI. If someone close to me died I'm not sure that I would even think to send someone a message and they would likely think that I'd dropped off the face of the earth. That said, once I were to get home from a funeral, visiting family, etc., I would get the snake sent out.

[ChaosAffect]

Yeah, but the guy offered to refund the money and didn't. Personally, I wouldn't view someone who filed a claim in that circumstance in a negative light, and would wonder about anyone that did. Remember, there are two levels of claims on PayPal. The first basically just lets PP know that there might be a problem, and gets them to let the seller know that their buyer is dissatisfied and gives the two of them the opportunity to work it out. Nothing wrong with that.

[Billy305]

We understand what you are saying, but under HIS circumstances it doesn't seem fair to not let him make good on his word. He offered you the chance for a refund but since you didn't get it immediately, you are filing a complaint with PayPal.

[ChaosAffect]

We understand what you are saying, but under HIS circumstances it doesn't seem fair to not let him make good on his word. He offered you the chance for a refund but since you didn't get it immediately, you are filing a complaint with PayPal.

You don't seem to understand how PP Buyer Protection works. He's still got plenty of time to make good on his word, and the OP stated that she would rather have her money back in this case. Starting the claim process does nothing but give her the ability to get her money back regardless of the seller's actions.