What's this all about?

[westernstargifts]

This is a first for me. I received this message from PayPal today.

To protect you from problematic transactions, we sometimes request
additional information about PayPal payments.

We need more information about this transaction. Please log in to your
PayPal account, click the "Resolution Center"tab, and provide more
information by 2/21/2011.

We recommend that you not ship the item until our investigation is
complete. If you've already shipped the item, please log in and let us know
where you shipped it.

We have placed a temporary hold on the funds until we complete our
investigation.

If you need to provide information by fax, click and print a cover sheet:
Link

Please fax proof of shipment or proof of refund to +1-402-537-5760.

-----------------------------------
Transaction Details (omitted from this post)

I logged into PayPal and went to the resolution center. This purchase was made & paid for on Feb. 10 and shipped on Feb. 11 via CP Lettermail (no tracking).

PP asked for more info about the transaction including correspondence with buyer. I provided details including date of purchase & payment, notices sent and date shipped. Of course I could not provide tracking since there isn't any with Lettermail.

I have received no emails from the buyer regarding the transaction. So what the heck is all of this about? Are they going to require tracking and, if we don't ship with tracking, they just refund the buyer?

[westernstargifts]

I should add that no dispute was opened by the buyer as far as I know.

[cadillactech2000]

If they're telling you not to ship until their investigation is complete, then they must be investigating the buyer. If you don't talk directly with someone from Paypal, you'll never find out what this is about. They'll just close the investigation and they won't tell you what was going on. I must say, this has definitely peaked my curiosity.

[westernstargifts]

That thought occurred to me after I posted on the board..i.e. that they are investigating the buyer. She only has 7 feedback. The transaction is only $12.70 including shipping so I won't call PayPal unless they issue her a refund or request more information.

[cartoonsinabox]

This same situation happened to me last year and I had also shipped to US with no tracking #. Paypal decided to refund client so called PP to argue case but not much could do because no tracking # but did get a refund though Canada Post.

[lockotronic]

Happened to me several times before. Usually new buyers or an account that has not been active for a while. I always ship my items the same day or next morning so I always got the notice after I shipped my item out. So far nothing happens after the investigation but I always wonder what happened if it doesn't. I got burnt several times already (charge back for one reason or another), can never argue with paypal, you never win. The day I started selling I already figured 1% of my total sale volume would be bad debt, either buying or selling. I lost several thousands every year so far, I wish for a year without incident (fat chance). Good luck to you.

Owen

[zarzuella]

I have had a couple of these, two or three years ago.

I called Paypal and asked what was going on; I was told that it was a routine spot check. As soon as I provided the DC# my funds were released. Not sure what will happen if you do not have any proof of shipment.

I do not believe the 'routine spot check' line - why would they need to freeze funds for a spot check?

Ann

[westernstargifts]

I do not believe the 'routine spot check' line - why would they need to freeze funds for a spot check?

That is what I was wondering....why they would freeze funds in MY account if they are investigating the buyer.

[coxengines]

This is what I was referring to in my other post where I said that instant transfers can bounce. You are no more protected (unless there is tracking) than shipping on an e-cheque.

It happens for 2 reasons:

#1) NSF on bank account and PP is trying to get funding elsewhere.

#2) Customer logged into PP from a different IP

Bernie

[westernstargifts]

Probably NSF. I have had a record number of unpaid items this month....as in huge increase.

[westernstargifts]

I logged into PayPal and went to the resolution center. This purchase was made & paid for on Feb. 10 and shipped on Feb. 11 via CP Lettermail (no tracking).


Received positive feedback from the buyer on Feb. 17. I just checked PayPal and the "investigation" is still open.

[westernstargifts]

PayPal finally closed the case tonight and released the funds. Meanwhile it has been 6 days since the buyer left feedback.