Description

Does PayPal provide coverage for items purchased in the USA & shipped via a forwarding service?

### Does PayPal Provide Coverage for Items Purchased in the USA & Shipped via a Forwarding Service?

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a restored vintage watch from a seller based in the USA. However, as the seller only ships to US addresses, I’ve opted to use a forwarding service to get the item to me in Australia. This situation has me wondering if PayPal offers any protection if something should happen during transit, such as damage or loss.

### PayPal’s Protection Policy

When you use PayPal to make a purchase, you are automatically covered by PayPal’s buyer protection. This protection kicks in if an item is not delivered, is not received as described, or if the seller does not fulfill their end of the deal. However, the details of coverage can vary depending on the nature of the problem and the country involved.

### Shipment to a Forwarding Service

In your case, using a forwarding service to receive items shipped from a US seller can complicate matters slightly. PayPal typically considers the forwarding address as the final delivery address. Therefore, if your item is lost or damaged while being transported from the forwarding service to your final destination, PayPal may not cover the claim since the item is considered delivered and the seller’s responsibility has ended when it reached the forwarding service.

### Caveats to Consider

1. **Communication with the Seller:** Before making the purchase, discuss your situation with the seller. Some might be more agreeable to shipping directly to you if they are aware of the shipping options available.

2. **Forwarding Service Insurance:** Some forwarding services offer insurance on items being shipped. It can be worth checking if this is available and whether it meets your needs.

3. **Customs Issues:** Items shipped via a forwarding service can sometimes face customs delays, additional charges, or other issues. Ensure you understand these potential risks and costs beforehand.

4. **Seller Returns Policy:** Review the seller’s returns policy. If they are willing to cover losses or replacements, that could offer an alternative form of protection.

5. **Insurance on the Item:** Depending on the value of the item, it might be worth purchasing insurance directly for the item to cover the entire journey.

### Personal Experience

From my experience, it’s always better to handle these cases on a case-by-case basis while being proactive. Clearly communicating your situation with the seller and forwarding service can sometimes lead to better outcomes and prevent any misunderstandings later on.

If you’ve had similar experiences or tips, I’d love to hear about them below in the comments. Sharing stories and solutions can help others in the same situation.

### Conclusion

While PayPal’s buyer protection can be beneficial, it’s important to carefully consider the flow of the shipment and the policies of each party involved. Being well-informed and proactive can help mitigate any risks associated with using a forwarding service for international purchases.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share your thoughts or experiences!

Best,

GV24

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Hope you found this post useful, and good luck with your transaction!