Received a cracked bike... and Paypal's new refund policy debate
 

Hello,
I just purchased a Tarmac Sl6 on the facebook martketplace. I used paypal and paid as goods and services. The listing said it was in good condition with a couple of scratches. No big deal. When I received it, I noticed the chip was a bit deeper then I thought. I took it to the bike shop and they said it was cracked. Well crap. So I contacted the seller who is in Florida, (I am in Sac, CA area) and he does not want to refund on paypal bc they charge too much, but rather I meet with his brother in law in SF where we can give the bike back in person and get the refund. These seem like very honest people and had no intention of scamming me. However, today is November 15th, I talked to the brother in law 2 days ago and he said he is leaving on the 16th for travel and wont be back till the 6th-7th of December. I opened a pay pal claim as a formality but that claim will end on the 2nd if not resolved.

Any advice?

One last question, Does the seller have to pay fees on the return?

My advice:
Carefully follow the protocols and procedures suggested by Facebook Marketplace and PayPal.
Methodically document all your calls, discussions, and emails. Welcome to Paceline Forums.

<delete please> total brain fart, sorry.

+1 to all of the above

People behave in funny ways when a bit of money is on the line. What they say may or may not match up with their actions.

It's really not the OP's concern that Paypal may charge the seller too much for a refund. Whether due to negligence, lack of perceptiveness, or some other reason, the description in the original ad does not match what was delivered.

I think you may have misread. His second sentence states it was paid as "goods and services".

I paid using goods and services.

What the seller wants from Paypal is, frankly, not your problem.

Return the bike, and get your funds back if its delivered not as promised.

Yeah. I read your post incorrectly. Sorry.

Received a cracked Bike...
 

If you already opened a claim I don’t think it matters anymore if they can meet you before the claim deadline. You should be able to get your money back via the PayPal process. But like others have said, just document everything and present to PayPal as needed.

eff that noise.

you have to drive to SF and deal with the guys brother? and you have to wait a few weeks to get your $ back?

senseless. it's wholly the seller's responsibility to rectify the situation if they sold you a frame that was not in the condition described, and a cracked carbon frame is definitely not "good condition".

go through formal channels IMO.

Seriously. And what’s the seller mean by PayPal fees? He should have any fees reversed when refunding, as far as I know.

The seller has already shown you that he's either dishonest or careless/inattentive. Don't ignore that and do some side deal refund. Go thru PP and do it right or you'll probably regret it.

Thank you for all the responses. I will go through the paypal process. First post on this site. Super helpful! Thanks guys! <3

you are welcome. please do stick around and join the bunch.

the good news is, IMO, it's a buyer's market out there and the interwebs are practically flooded with great modern bikes. be a little patient and i'm sure you will find something great for a good deal.

One last question, Does the seller have to pay fees on the return?

I think if you provide shipping info to paypal they refund your money as it shows you shipped it to the original seller.

That is how it used to work, but they change their policies a lot.