What Proof Does PayPal Accept for an Item Not Received?
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PayPal mainly accepts delivery confirmation that shows the item reached the buyer’s address. Without carrier proof, most item not received disputes are lost.
Short Answer
PayPal accepts an item not received only when it clearly proves delivery to the buyer. This usually means carrier tracking that shows delivered status and matches the transaction details. If delivery proof is missing or incomplete, PayPal will almost always side with the buyer.
Steps to Solve the Problem
- Upload the carrier delivery confirmation. Tracking must show delivered status and the destination city or ZIP code.
- Match evidence to the transaction. The name, address, and delivery date must align with the PayPal transaction.
- Include proof of shipment timing. Show that the item was shipped within your stated handling window.
- Add buyer communication when helpful. Messages confirming receipt or delivery issues can support your case.
- Respond before the PayPal deadline. Late submissions are automatically rejected.
- Use Chargeflow Automation to submit the correct evidence format and avoid missing PayPal requirements.
Platform or Use Case Variations
Physical goods
PayPal requires carrier tracking from recognized providers. Signature confirmation helps for high-value orders but is not always required.
Digital goods
Most item not received claims are unwinnable. PayPal does not treat access logs as delivery proof for INR disputes.
International shipping
Tracking must still show delivered status. Customs scans or in-transit updates are not enough.
Evidence Needed
PayPal typically expects:
- Carrier tracking showing delivered status
- Delivery date and destination city or ZIP code
- Proof that the shipment matches the PayPal transaction
- Shipping label or fulfillment confirmation
- Buyer communication when available
Screenshots alone are not sufficient unless they clearly display carrier delivery details.
Why This Happens
PayPal prioritizes buyer protection and relies heavily on carrier data. If delivery cannot be independently verified, PayPal assumes the buyer did not receive the item, even when fraud is suspected.
Winning PayPal item not received disputes comes down to delivery proof, and Chargeflow helps merchants submit the right evidence every time.
Chargebacks?
No longer your problem.
Recover 4x more chargebacks and prevent up to 90% of incoming ones, powered by AI and a global network of 15,000 merchants.
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How Do I Prevent Duplicate Transaction Chargebacks?
Duplicate transaction chargebacks happen when a customer is charged more than once for the same order. Banks treat these as merchant errors, even when the issue comes from gateways, retries, or system delays. The best prevention happens at checkout and immediately after payment, not during the dispute.
Questions?
we’ve got answers.
Chargeflow collects data from dozens of third party signals, not just transaction data like Stripe Dispute does. This allows for much more coverage and much better win rates because the evidence submitted is much more comprehensive and compelling..
Chargeflow collects data like order info, customer messages, and payment details. It builds a full dispute case for you, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Yes! Chargeflow works with many processors — not just Stripe. That means one tool for all your chargebacks, no matter how you process payments.
You only pay a percentage of the revenue we help you recover. No upfront fees, no subscriptions — just success-based pricing.
Yes. Chargeflow is SOC 2, GDPR, and ISO certified. We use top security standards to keep your data safe.
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