Lost (trackable) parcels- seller protection from paypal?

[Dustyblue]

I'm in Australia so I realize you guys can't comment on how things work with our mail system, but thought you might know the paypal side of it.

I sent a trackable parcel that the buyer hasn't rec'd. His ebay feedback is plentiful (way more than mine) and good, and he just 'seems' genuine so I've no reason not to believe him.

The Australia Post website tracks it to a Post Office a fair way from his address (not his usual PO) and marks it as delivered. It's not though.

Australia Post won't help me (or him so far) and I'm not hopeful of any recovery there.

I know that ebay considers the seller liable for lost mail, however I read on the ebay Aus forums that paypal offers seller protection for lost items if you can provide the tracking details. That is, they'll refund out of their pocket and not mine.

Does anyone know how Paypal would receive this? The buyer hasn't opened a case, he's trying to track it from his end at the moment, but I'm SO hoping I don't have to refund him but of course I will if I have to. I've spent the money and have little income right now.

Any ideas?

If it shows as delivered paypal won't refund the buyer.

You say it's not delivered though, why? He could be lying.

Thanks LilyBlossom. You're right, he could be lying, I just don't think he is. I'm 99% certain the fault is with the post.

I had an online chat with an ebay agent & he said what you did- since I can prove tracking, paypal won't refund him. So looks like I'm OK on that.

The buyer hasn't opened a case; he's going through the 'lost item' process with Australia Post. So he seems to be aware of what I just learned- that he has no grounds for refund.

I agree on one hand that I shouldn't have to refund him, since I can prove I sent it. On the other hand, it's not terribly fair if the buyer pays in good faith and receives nothing. I'm tempted to split the loss with him, since it was the fault of neither of us. But as you say, it's possible he's lying. He buys and sells a fair bit (470-odd positive feedback as both buyer and seller) and in the email chats about this, he just seems genuine.

Anyway, taa for replying

It isn't terribly fair if you refund him and are out of pocket because he is lying though is it?

I agree with you, but there's no way to KNOW if he's lying.

I'm making an educated guess based on his feedback and his communication with me. He definitely has put in a lost mail inquiry through the post system and sent me the referral no. That no. is legitimate (I won't bore you with how I checked that)... but I guess he could still do that even if he's lying.

Right now we've left it as me saying 'let me know how you go with the lost-mail inquiry'. So I'll wait & see. Just relieved to know I won't be forced to refund via ebay/paypal.

Taa again for your help, I really do appreciate it. I can't find an ebay forum anywhere near as good as this in Aust.