Sorted, thank you!

[Icecrystalline]

Ok, so I would like to know as a buyer where one would stand if you were to buy an item from overseas (say in the UK and you purchase an item in the USA) pay via paypal, and if the item goes missing, and you had two shipping options: first class international (cheapest) or international prioirty (very expensive, actually more than the item's worth) and you choose the cheap option as you can't afford the expensive one, as a buyer, if the item were to go missing, what position would you be in? Would you be able to get the refund via paypal, open a case? I'd just like to know as although I'm not in this position, I nearly bought something and it was a situation such as this. I'd just like to know what could be done, could you get your refund if you claimed within 30 days? Would you be covered by Ebay Buyer Protection? I've hunted rules, but cannot seem to find anything that relates (I'm on my mobile and navigating a non-mobile page is near impossible!)

Thank you for your help!
Icey

[ponylady]

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/buyer-protection.html

That is the link to Ebay's Buyer Protection 

I would like to add that I have shipped literally hundreds of packages from the US to the UK over the past year First Class International.  I have not once had a problem.  Just be mindful that you are responsible for all VAT fee's for items coming into your country.  And you can not file a claim if you decide not to pick your item up from customs due to being charged. Ebay will look into it and will side with the seller. 

If your item does happen to go missing you have 45 days to file a claim. But like I mentioned above the chances of your package going amiss is highly unlikely. I am not saying it does not happen but it is rare that a package trully goes missing. So I do not think choosing the lesser shipping charges are putting you any more at risk than choosing the more expensive one.

[Icecrystalline]

That's fantastic information PL! So if an item did go missing and first class was ordered, the seller would be held responsible. That's what I needed to know, thank you, I can order things in the future then knowing I have cover of some sorts

[FantasticFirefly]

Yes. On eBay, Delivery confirmation and shipping insurance is for protecting the seller, not you. If an item with basic shipping is lost, ebay will allow you to file and you would win the case.

On the forums, I will buy under the understanding with my seller that I am accepting risk with uninsured options. I will use these services as well with buyers if they agree to that same understanding. It makes a huge difference to me as well being in Canada. I pay so much less in shipping having things sent to me first class. With priority it would often well exceed the item's cost. Items can go missing, but it is quite rare one truly does. In well over ten years I haven't had a parcel go truly lost, only delayed or stuff that was never sent in the first place didn't arrive.