Hey guys. I need some input. I sold my forum a few days ago. The user was happy and all. He has control over the domain name, since I transfered it to him. I also gave him my database, which he merged with his forum. Today, I get a dispute from him. He claims, I never sent him the goods and he tried to contact me. However, he NEVER contacted me and got ALL the files he needed. So it's been escalated to Paypal. Now it's giving me 3 options... 1) Provide proof that the buyer has already been refunded. 2) I can provide tracking information. 3) Issue the buyer a full refund. Now.. None of those really fit my needs. There is no way I can give him a refund. He already merged my database with his forum. That leaves option 2. However, this was an online item.. so no real tracking info. So, what should I do at this point?
Provide the files of logs that state that you sent him the information, and that he has now received it and accepted it. Send screen shots. If you dont have any of that, id hope you have emails. If all else fails, call up PayPal and explain to them the situation. If you call them and tell them the deal. They will normally side with you.
Well at the moment, it's only allowing me to choose those 3 options? So, I assume if none work, I have to call them up?
Um, I think that's a bit optimistic. Certainly the evidence from this forum is that Paypal tend to be reluctant to side with sellers where non-physical goods are involved. Basically anything that doesn't need physical shipping and hence you don't have a tracking number. Yes, Cal813, keep chasing it, but your money may well be gone. Escrow services can be eye-wateringly expensive, but may be your best choice for any large payments in the future.
Bro, let me help you with this.. There is nothing you can do with this.. NOTHING NOTHING & REALLY NOTHING.. he has all the data he paid for , paypal will hold the money and after some days they will return his money to his account.. Now what you can do :-- i did this when i was scammed of 1000$$ , i also sold a forum and the buyer scammed me.. Just hire some HACKERS and set up a DDOS Attack on server or hack the admin passwords.. Change the settings so that he is left with the option of deleting the forums and nothing else.. DO this, then he will contact you..
sorry to hear about this.... but now its too late to help you... looks like you didnt read my old post about domain sale.... so now there is no way you can get back your domain nor you can get back your money....
Yes I just went through the same situation. There is nothing you can do. PayPal will refund the money to the buyer. Please read: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=1023313
This sounds dumb but Ive seen it done many times. If this guy is verified, mail him ANYTHING, then give paypal the tracking number. Tell them you mailed him whatever. As long as under $250, if over $250 also get sig. confirmation.
did you tried this before?? i think its a great idea but what if, if paypal check the tracking number and found out that it was send after several days the dispute was started... so what can happen in this case.. any idea....
I did wonder about a variation on this, which is to always have a physical element to the deal. So, if transferring a domain, as well as e-mailing the details, post them the Nominet certificate. If selling a content database, as well as e-mailing it, send them a copy on CD as well. The problem is, all they have to do is give you a false address, and the physical goods will get sent back 'address unknown.' Which, if anything, makes it even worse, in that there is then documentary proof that the goods weren't delivered. The only possible benefit of this is if the very act of asking for an address to send the stuff to is enough to frighten off a scammer.
Okay, I've been in this situation before. The best thing you can do is call paypal up and explain the case. There is no seller protection policy for digital goods, however you may be in luck. There is proof the transfer was made. Contact your registrar and have them verify it. When you transfered your domain name to the buyer, your registrar has that on file. Just for future reference, here's what I do when I sell a digital product (in this case, you could do this when you zip up your databases) online - 1. Put the file(s) on your own server 2. When the buyer logs in to download the product, you log their IP 3. They can't file a dispute against you in paypal anymore because you have proof they accessed your site and downloaded the goods. Now, chances are 95% of most people won't be able to fight this. Terms like "IP" and "logs" scare them. So use that to your advantage. Hope that helped.
Bummer... I feel for you... PayPal will refund the money knowing how they operate... Never in the seller's interest... There's so much scamming going on, that I'm actually considering using a CD to provide anything and everything I'm selling and for websites & domains, requiring a money order rather than online payment... otherwise if a large amount of money use an escrow service and send all of the purchase on a CD with Sig confirmation... this way BOTH the seller and the buyer are protected... Legitimate buyers will or should understand and if they don't, well, their loss... Fraud is definitely an issue... and Paypal is a waste of time... they will freeze an account on a whim... And I like that hacker idea... As they say, "Payback is a bit*h" -- live and learn...
Same sh** happened to me this past week. Exactly as you stated. I transfered the domain name, gave a link to a filehost to where they could dowload the file, it was a very large file. They downloaded the site and they disputed the claim in paypal. I guess I am screwed reading some of the responses. I called paypal, and they didn't seem to give two craps about what I had to say. I am pissed. Will have to find another way to sell sites now...