Can I Cancel an eBay Payment?
By C.D. Crowder
If you use PayPal to buy or sell on eBay, you can cancel and even refund eBay payments. You must act quickly -- if the order is already processed and claimed, you can't cancel the payment through PayPal and must ask for a refund from the seller instead. Buyers may choose to cancel a payment if the seller isn't responding to questions, hasn't shipped the item or the item description changed drastically at the last minute.
Cancel as a Buyer
Step 1
Log in to your PayPal account.
Step 2
Select the “History” tab and select the eBay order you want to cancel.
Step 3
Click “Cancel Payment” under “Order Status/Actions.” PayPal automatically cancels the payment and sends a notification to the seller. If this option isn't available, you must request a refund instead.
Step 4
Click “Details” beside the order if it's listed as completed. Contact the seller using the provided contact details. Ask for a refund and explain why you're requesting a refund.
Cancel as a Seller
Step 1
Log in to your eBay account, click “My eBay” and select “Selling.”
Step 2
Scroll to the “Sold” section and click “More Actions” beside the order you want to cancel.
Step 3
Select “Contact Buyer” and explain why you need to cancel the order. Ask the buyer to cancel the transaction. If you haven't claimed the order yet, the buyer can cancel the payment via his PayPal account. If you claimed the order and you've already received payment, you must refund the payment.
Refund a PayPal Payment
Step 1
Log in to your PayPal account.
Step 2
Click “Details” beside the payment you want to refund.
Step 3
Click “Issue a refund.”
References
Tips
- If you encounter problems with the buyer or seller agreeing to cancel a payment or order, use eBay's Resolution Center to open communications. The site will track all communications. You must open a case within 45 days of the original order date. If you cannot come to a resolution, you can contact eBay for help. An eBay customer support representative will use the communication tracking to determine what step to take next. For instance, if the seller promises a refund in the tracking center, but doesn't deliver, eBay will help you get your refund since you have proof the seller agreed to the refund.
Warnings
- Don't cancel payments or even bids often. If you don't have legitimate reasons for canceling, your eBay account may be cancelled. This only applies if you're found abusing the system without valid reasons for cancelling payments and bids.
- You only have 60 days to issue a refund via PayPal.
- Unless there is a problem with an item, you can't cancel payments on Buy It Now listings. You are obligated to pay the seller once you click "Buy It Now."
Writer Bio
C.D. Crowder has been a freelance writer on a variety of topics including but not limited to technology, education, music, relationships and pets since 2008. Crowder holds an A.A.S degree in networking and one in software development and continues to develop programs and websites in addition to writing.