When an individual makes an online purchase, they may wonder what could go wrong. For example, what if the item is never delivered or arrives damaged? That’s where buyer protection comes into play.
This article includes tips, suggestions and general information. We recommend that you always do your own research and consider getting independent tax, financial and legal advice before making any important decision.
Buyer protection is designed to be a safety net for buyers, potentially shielding them from financial losses in cases like non-delivery or product defects.
In the UK, financial providers may offer purchase protection. The Consumer Rights Act may also provide protections, such as the right to receive refunds under certain conditions.
In this guide, learn the basics of buyer protection — including what it is, how it can work, and what may be covered.
PayPal Buyer Protection1 may entitle individuals to reimbursement for the full purchase price of an eligible item plus the original shipping costs. It covers eligible purchases where PayPal is used, as well as payments made through PayPal’s website.
To determine if a purchase is protected, buyers can take the following steps:
For PayPal Buyer Protection, they require, among other things, that PayPal accounts be kept in good standing and ask that a dispute is filed accordingly. Terms and Conditions apply.
Purchase protection coverage varies from one provider to another. However, buyers may typically be covered if:
Here are some examples of when buyer protection may apply:
Buyer protection is not necessarily required for purchases; however many financial providers offer the benefit. Though coverage varies by provider, common scenarios include non-delivery, product damage, and other discrepancies. Review a payment provider's policies to make informed decisions and secure transactions.
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