Question from a first time Paypal seller

[Chelsea7]

I am having quite a frustrating experience..

So I sold my first stuff ever the other day through Paypal. Everything went well, transaction, communication, shipping, etc.

I logged onto Paypal to claim my money, and of course there's some sort of catch. I have to wait 21 days before the money is released to me. I understand this is a precaution so that the transaction goes smoothly.

However, it gives you the option to get it within a 7-14 day period if you have shipping info. Unfortunately the package went overseas and the woman working the USPS counter had nothing to give me as far as tracking info, and only gave me the customs info, so now I can't speed up waiting time 
I tried messaging Paypal, but I got a page saying my messaging is disabled (conveniently)

I guess my question is will I get the money in 21 days? Has anyone here ever had to wait? I am afraid it'll be $40 down the toilet because Paypal will try to pull some crap once the days are up and withhold payment.

Please let me know, and thanks in advance!

[Keemax]

Don't worry  It literally is just a precaution. Personally I don't remember ever having an issue with Paypal withholding the money for well over 21 days with countless excuses or anything like that - it always came through. They send you an email to let you know when it's available too.

Once enough there's been enough 'smooth transactions' (I think 50 total?) they'll stop holding the money when someone pays you and let you have it straight away.

[Chelsea7]

Thank you!
That's such a relief. I was worried it wouldn't work

[tulagirl]

https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/brc/funds-availability


Everything you would want to know and not know.

[Tak]

I always put in the customs number.

[NovelNerd]

I've had mine held on and off before and always went through fine in the end.

[kitkatvintage]

On international packages, the customs form number IS the tracking number. 

If you upload the customs number you received into PayPal, that will serve as your tracking info.

For things mailed via First Class USPS is not required to scan it & update the tracking at every point, but for priority packages it will be scanned at each point until it leaves the US.

[Chelsea7]

Thank you all for the help!
Especially the info about the customs number. I have never sent anything internationally, so I had no idea it counted as the tracking/shipping number for the item. I'll have to log it into Paypal