Swingtone started a thread about this, above the open threads. Quite honestly...although it HAS been made a Sticky and the thread closed...I do feel that there are several inaccuracies on his part in his reporting/interpreting PayPal policy. So I do not think it an accurate representation of the way a Paypal dispute really works. I say this only because I recently had an experience on a non-eFlay transaction where PayPal became involved, and their actions contradicted what Swingtone represented as their policy (contradicted it in a GOOD way, as far as buyer protection goes).

Here's the thing: if YOU, as BUYER, are unhappy with the resulting purchase and the seller tries to play hardball with you, you can file a claim thru Paypal and the seller's account is automatically DEDUCTED the transaction amount. This becomes a HUGE, HUGE incentive for the seller to resolve the issue...because that deduction effects all future transactions the seller makes via PayPal as long as it remains in effect. Honestly....the buyer's gripe doesn't even need to have any validity whatsoever, initially. As soon as that claim is filed..zap...the seller's account gets deducted. The $ remains deducted from the account until either seller and buyer mutually resolve their differences, or PayPal is asked to make a decision.

Now, as Rispoli says...should it come to THAT (PayPal making the call)...I would agree, it probably becomes a crap-shoot. So perhaps it would be best to avoid that avenue (although you can bluff it). But the amount of leverage put on the seller to communicate and resolve the problem is actually pretty HUGE, imho. So, at least for the first 75% of the dispute...the buyer is in the driver's seat, really; the seller is up against the wall for that time.

Remember, it really is all about leverage. How do things look from the seller's point of view ? The messages and info the seller is receiving thru PayPal generally contain semantics favorable to the buyer who files the claim.
So, having the fact that the transaction was funded via credit card is also a good card to have in your hand. It may ultimately prove fruitless, but it's more leverage on seller to resolve (i.e. "if PayPal doesn't see it my way I will file a claim w/ my card...so this won't be over by a long shot. So let's just come to a resolution now.")

I agree w/ Kritavi; have the seller accurately describe what you are buying in a Payment Request which he/she sends to you.

"In good vintage shape"...is bad news.

Or my favorite one of all time: "...may need some adjustments"

"In good physical, structural, and functional condition ~ horn plays up and down with no issues; and is free of body bends and major/significant dents "...is more the sorta semantics you want to have on the Payment Request you receive.

If you do a transaction outside of ebay you can ONLY file for non receipt of item. Meaning if she doesn't send you the package you can file to get your money back. You cannot file a SNAD claim outside of ebay. Meaning, if the seller decided to send you sneakers, instead of the item you think you are buying, you will have no recourse through paypal.

I for one ONLY buy/ sell outside of ebay to people who I know and have done business with in the past.