@baysellerman,
"Yep I used Ebay’s return label and tracking shows it was received. The refund should be automatic once received."
The terms of refunding is covered in the Money Back Guarantee policy, if a seller does not refund within 6 days ebay can be asked to step in, a refund will be provided and they'll then deal with the seller.
"No where is it explained rationally why I can use PayPal disputes and if it fails not use Ebay’s."
You can open a PayPal dispute first if you like. However, when returning an item that is not as described PayPal requires the buyer to pay the return shipping cost. Therefore, and eBay dispute should be opened first.
"They hide behind the lie of being different companies but collude and conspire to deny claims. If it were double dipping only one refund would occur".
Since the companies are two separate entities they each have their own policies. If you open two disputes at the same time, yes only one refund will happen, but one dispute will be closed. Since much of getting a refund is handled automatically when each company's computers detect a second dispute, they may both cancel the dispute.
"The moral is to never use PayPal balance to buy. As my case shows neither Paypal or Ebay will stand behind buyers in a dispute. A credit card company will".
The real moral is to read and follow the return policies of any company you buy from or use pay with online, so you are aware of how returns/refunds are handled. Since ebay's policy has a shorter time frame, using their policy first is common sense. PayPal offering a 180 day policy, though the buyer pays the return cost should be second.
A second moral, is not to leave feedback until an item has been inspected or used, and the seller contacted... before leaving feedback.
If you use a credit card and file with both PayPal and the card provider, you will end up in the same position. One or both claims will be denied. Additionally, since Paypal acts as the payment agency for accepting the card payment, their buyer protection is the one to use first, A card provider is the last avenue that should be used.
I just finished up a not as described MBG dispute where the payment was funded with my PayPal balance. The seller did try to deny the claim, but ebay decided in my favor. The seller did not refund within the 6 days they had, after tracking showed delivery, so ebay authorized the refund which went back in my PP balance and they will go after the seller. Because the seller was a jerk, I'm going to keep them wondering when the feedback axe will fall.
"And card cos answer the phone."
If you've ever called a customer service line, you have been placed on long holds, and you have overheard other operators talking to customers in the background. Over the last month I'm willing to bet that because of the virus and distancing, many call centers have cut down on the number's of operators in a room at any one time. Many are using the call back option, so customers do not have to hang on the line for god knows how long.
"On a mobile device the interface is so dumbed down that finding policies is neither clear or transparent".
eBay does provide these boards as a way for people to get help, as well as forums on social media sites. You also can use your mobile device like a computer instead of using apps. You can do online searches to get a company's policies on your phone instead of trying to go through a company's site map when connected using an app which usually are set up to give abbreviated information.
"THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FOOLPROOF, BECAUSE FOOLS ARE SO DARNED INGENIOUS!" (unknown)
