PayPal Disputes

PayPal Chargeback Evidence: What to Submit and How to Win

Whether it is a Resolution Center dispute or a card network chargeback routed through PayPal, your evidence needs to directly address the buyer claim. Here is exactly what to submit.

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What PayPal Requires

PayPal evaluates evidence based on the dispute type. The weight of each evidence category shifts depending on whether the buyer claims non-receipt, item mismatch, or unauthorized use.

Evidence TypeWhat It ProvesPriority
Shipping & Tracking ProofItem was shipped and delivered to the buyerCritical
Delivery ConfirmationPackage was delivered to the correct address with signatureCritical
Buyer CommunicationCustomer acknowledged receipt or satisfactionCritical
Transaction RecordsOrder details, PayPal transaction ID, timestampsHigh
Product Description & PhotosItem matched the listing descriptionHigh
Refund/Return PolicyBuyer agreed to terms before purchaseHigh
IP & Device InformationBuyer location matches shipping addressMedium
Prior Transaction HistoryBuyer has history of legitimate purchasesMedium

PayPal Dispute Types

Each dispute type requires a different evidence strategy.

Item Not Received (INR)

Buyer claims the item never arrived.

Key: Tracking with delivery confirmation is essential. Signature confirmation for items over $750 (PayPal Seller Protection threshold).

  • Tracking number with carrier name
  • Delivery confirmation to the address on the transaction
  • Shipping date relative to order date

Significantly Not as Described (SNAD)

Buyer claims the item differs materially from the listing.

Key: Original product listing screenshots and detailed item descriptions are your strongest evidence.

  • Original listing with photos and description
  • Communication showing buyer acknowledged product details
  • Return shipping label (if return was offered)

Unauthorized Transaction

Account holder claims they did not authorize the payment.

Key: This is escalated to the card network. Evidence proving the real cardholder made the purchase wins these disputes.

  • AVS/CVV match records
  • IP address matching billing address location
  • Device fingerprint from prior orders
  • Communication from buyer email on file

Step by Step: How to Respond

01

Check the Resolution Center

Log into PayPal and navigate to the Resolution Center. Review the dispute details, reason code, and response deadline. PayPal gives you 10 days to respond to buyer disputes.

02

Identify the dispute type

PayPal disputes fall into INR (Item Not Received), SNAD (Significantly Not as Described), or Unauthorized Transaction. Each requires different evidence priorities.

03

Gather your evidence

Collect tracking proof, delivery confirmation, customer communication, product descriptions, and transaction records. Prioritize evidence that directly addresses the buyer claim.

04

Structure your response

Organize evidence into a clear narrative with labeled exhibits. ChargebackKit assembles this automatically for your specific dispute type and formats it for the reviewing team.

05

Submit through the Resolution Center

Upload your evidence pack through PayPal Resolution Center before the deadline. Include a concise seller statement summarizing your position.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

No tracking with delivery confirmation

For INR claims, tracking alone is not enough. You need delivery confirmation showing the package reached the address on the PayPal transaction.

Missing the 10-day response window

PayPal escalates disputes to claims if the seller does not respond within 10 days. Once escalated, your options narrow significantly.

Generic evidence without context

Submitting a pile of screenshots without explaining what each one proves weakens your case. Label every exhibit and connect it to the buyer claim.

Not understanding Seller Protection limits

SNAD claims are not covered by Seller Protection. Do not assume PayPal will cover you automatically for item-not-as-described disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to respond to a PayPal dispute?
PayPal gives sellers 10 days to respond to buyer disputes in the Resolution Center. If the dispute escalates to a claim, you typically have 10 additional days. For chargebacks (card network disputes routed through PayPal), deadlines vary by card network: Visa allows 30 days, Mastercard 45 days.
What is the difference between a PayPal dispute and a PayPal chargeback?
A PayPal dispute is filed through PayPal Resolution Center and reviewed by PayPal. A PayPal chargeback is filed through the buyer card issuer and reviewed by the card network (Visa, Mastercard). Chargebacks bypass PayPal and go directly to the card network, requiring more formal evidence.
Does PayPal Seller Protection cover all disputes?
No. Seller Protection covers eligible transactions for Unauthorized Transaction and Item Not Received claims only. SNAD (Significantly Not as Described) claims are not covered. To qualify, you must ship to the address on the transaction page and have valid proof of delivery.
Can I use ChargebackKit for PayPal disputes?
Yes. ChargebackKit structures your evidence for any dispute type, including PayPal Resolution Center disputes and card network chargebacks routed through PayPal. The evidence format is optimized for the reviewing party.

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