Bartertown.com

Hi,

I'm not sure how to proceed with this, so I thought I'd ask for some advice. I am mid-way through a trade in which I sent cash via paypal and shipped goods. Both the cash and goods have arrived, that latter confirmed by the tracking info given by the post office. I have sent emails since Friday asking my partner to confirm receipt of goods and send me the info on the return shipment, but have had not reply. The member in question has been active on the boards several times over the weekend - I've seen them listed as being logged in at the same time as myself, and the messages have moved from my outbox to sent mail.

Ordinarily, I'd simply chalk up the lack of communication to them being out of town over the weekend. Given their activity, however, it is hard for me not to interpret this as them ignoring my efforts at communication, now that they have received both money and goods from me.

What is an acceptable amount of time to wait before taking action, and what would an appropriate first step be?

Thanks,

Fireymonkeyboy

Well, I would simply notify this person that if you do not hear from them, you will be contacting the appropriate authorities.

PayPal should be able to assist in retrieving your money that you sent through them- just be sure to have copies of the correspondence you've sent and the tracking number info.

Regarding your items you've shipped, you clearly have the individual's name and address, so you can always contact their local authorities to file a claim against this person. The sheer headache of having to deal with all of that is probably more than enough to motivate this person to do the right thing. And if not, then move forward with your claims.

Hope it works out!

Keep in mind that you can log into Bartertown from places besides your house. I'm not saying that's the case but it is still possible that he went out of town for the weekend, the box was delivered to his house after he left (so he doesn't know it's there even though the PO says so) and he's checking email etc from a hotel or wherever he is. At any rate 2 days is hardly something to get all worked up over. Maybe he just doesn't like to talk deals on the weekends and he'll get in touch Monday. I'd say be patient for a few more days before you get all worried and start contacting paypal and such.

Right! PayPal has a 15 or 20 day waiting period from the time the money changed hands as a precautionary to allow for slower individuals to complete their half of the transaction. My apologies for omitting that important point that it would be about 2-3 weeks before you would escalate this to the next level. I'm sure, however, it will resolve itself beforehand.

Hi,

Thanks, it looks like the problem has been resolved.

FMB