The Gen XY Lifestyle
Last minute shopping? PayPal helps protect buyers.
Get peace-of-mind doing last minute festive shopping online with PayPal.
As we head into the final stretch leading to Christmas, some of us might start to turn to online shopping to help deal with avoiding the “Christmas crowd” at physical retail stores as well as benefit from the convenience of having our shopping delivered to us, a service many online stores offer.
However, shopping online has its disadvantages, especially during peak shopping season, with purchases not delivered, received items being significantly different from described, or if they have simply changed their mind. PayPal has dubbed the barriers to shopping online as “Buy-O-Phobia” – the fear of shopping online.
This year, PayPal has launched two services – Refunded Returns and Extended Buyer Protection – to deal with “Buy-O-Phobia”.
With Refunded Returns, customers will always get what they want, providing a sense of security when making online purchases, even from overseas merchants. PayPal brings a new sense of security for online shoppers. Refunded Returns covers up to USD 15 of the cost of return shipping for eligible online purchases.
Shoppers simply have to activate the Refunded Returns service using their PayPal accounts. The process is free. Should a shopper be unsatisfied with their purchase, they can return it to the merchant and file a claim quickly online. If approved, PayPal will, within five business days process a refund of up to US$15 of the shipping cost per eligible transaction.
Extended Buyer Protection to Intangible Goods
In addition to Refunded Returns, PayPal also offers buyers enhanced Buyer Protection to combat Buy-O-Phobia.
If your order does not arrive or match the seller’s description, buyers have up to 180 days to lodge a dispute with PayPal. Some scenarios include receiving a completely different item, purchasing two items but receiving only one item, getting a defective item, or receiving counterfeit items.
After investigation, PayPal will make a decision in favour of the buyer or seller with regards to the dispute. If ruled in favour of the buyer, the buyer will be reimbursed the full cost for eligible purchases.
The expanded service covers eligible intangibles including goods such as e-travel tickets, digital music, digital books, digital games and software downloads.
