More Info on the Bad Renter Situation
At the risk of edifying the already knowledgeable:
- I learned (or at least was told) that Paypal is actually "on my side" on this chargeback. They are a middleman. The credit card company received the chargeback (in my case, it could also have gone directly to Paypal, it's the buyer's decision where he starts).
- It costs Paypal $150 if they/I lose the chargeback (I honestly don't believe this number, it seems way too high, but it is what Paypal told me). They pass $20 of that onto me if the chargeback succeeds. So, Paypal seems to have a fairly nice incentive to fight the chargeback ($130 worth). They told me they don't just accept "no" for an answer from the credit card company.
- With Paypal, I cannot see what the buyer's issues are by looking online. They don't post the details. So, I have to call and ask (which I did). I also asked the resort manager what the renter did or did not do while staying there. I learned the renter demanded a free week from the manager because of the listed issues. The resort actually reported the renter's demands to their corporate office.
- I provided a write-up of how I rented the week, the price, the terms, a link to my website showing I did not exaggerate about the amenities, and copies of the confirmation and check-in instructions. I noted that I have no control over the condition of the unit or amenities, and that it is incumbent on the guest/renter to go talk to the office staff if there are issues.
- I don't do rental contracts. I don't feel they are worth the effort. I trust that renters will know I can find them, given they have to give out their real information to use a credit card on Paypal (and the check-in desk also checks ID, and usually takes a credit card imprint for damages).
- Note that credit cards rules do not allow us to say "all sales final" for our rentals. While I generally don't allow cancellations or refunds, this does not mean the renter cannot dispute and attempt a chargeback.
- Paypal will put a hold on the amount of the chargeback, or more, if the Paypal transaction exceeds the disputed amount. In my case, the transaction was $799 and the dispute $250, but Paypal still took $799 out of my account. This does not seem fair or legal but it is what they did.
- The Paypal team member seemed very familiar with chargebacks, and told me that mine was one of the more outrageous ones he'd seen. He thought we'd be OK but of course he cannot know what the credit card company will do.
Anyway, if any Tuggers are able to avoid Barry Bolduc (or get cash instead of credit from him) as a result of this posting, that'll make it worthwhile. More later ...
