I was recently told by a guy that has bought and sold over 200 air guns that PayPal considers air guns to be firearms and does not cover them under their Purchase Protection Policy.
I was pretty sure this was not true. I have had Airguns that were misrepresented and PayPal has given me up to $1500 back. So I just called PayPal. The lady on the phone said that Airguns are covered by purchase protection. They are not considered firearms. She even said that she had personally always covered them when there was a dispute.
The key is that you have to pay for goods and services and list the air gun that you’re buying, and everything that comes with it. The other option is if you have the seller send you an actual invoice through PayPal for goods, again, listing what is being sold.
So I encourage you all to continue to buy and sell used Airguns on this forum and others. Have no fear of getting ripped off as long as you use PayPal and pay for goods, or get an invoice. Here is their actual policy copy from their website. The lady on the phone said Airguns fell into the paintball gun airsoft gun category.
-Nate @ Youtube’s Airgun Channel
Paypal Policy:
We don’t allow PayPal members to buy or sell any kind of firearm, whether it’s in working order or not. The same goes for certain firearm parts and ammunition.
For example, using PayPal, you can’t buy or sell:
- Any firearm, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, whether they’re for sport and recreation, collectibles, or curio or relic firearms.
- Firearm parts, including but not limited to receivers and frames, silencers, and kits designed to modify guns so that they fire automatically. High capacity magazines, multi-burst trigger activators, and camouflaging firearm containers are other items in this category.
- Ammunition, including propellants like gunpowder or blank ammunition; ammunition or cartridge cases; and primers, bullets, or propellant powder designed for any firearm.
Stun gun sales are allowed for U.S. residents, but only if the transaction is permitted by law in both the buyer's and seller's jurisdictions. (PayPal account holders outside the U.S. can’t buy or sell stun guns.) Before they complete a sale, U.S. sellers must make sure that the transaction is legal in both locations.
Related items that you can buy and sell using PayPal include paintball guns, blank guns, and air-soft guns, as long as such transactions are legal in the applicable jurisdiction. All of these items must display the markings required by law, must not be convertible to shoot a lethal projectile, and can’t include blank ammunition.
I agree. Why would a company like Utah airguns and Pyramid air accept paypal as a form of payment?
Well if PayPal DOESN'T offer buyer protection on air Rifle purchases then sellers, such as those mentioned actually make out better, so why not accept it?
Personally I would not put much stake in "the lady on the phone". Especially since she said that Air Guns fit into the "airsoft" category and any "airsoft" which can "shoot a lethal projectile" is NOT COVERED (per their WRITTEN policy)
Good point. But as I mentioned. I got $1500 back myself on a gun that Airgunproshop.com insisted was new and was clearly not.
So my endorsment of this method also comes from my personal experience as well.
I thought the same thing about the lethal projectile thing. Clever loophole they left for themselves just in case. But experience and thier own employees are saying airguns are covered by Purchase Protection.
As stated by another member. PayPal would lose vendors like Pyramid Air if they even THOUGHT about messing with airguns. How much does Pyramid Air bring in per day? Try $100k.
Good point. But as I mentioned. I got $1500 back myself on a gun that Airgunproshop.com insisted was new and was clearly not.
So my endorsment of this method also comes from my personal experience as well.
I thought the same thing about the lethal projectile thing. Clever loophole they left for themselves just in case. But experience and thier own employees are saying airguns are covered by Purchase Protection.
As stated by another member. PayPal would lose vendors like Pyramid Air if they even THOUGHT about messing with airguns. How much does Pyramid Air bring in per day? Try $100k.
For each person, like yourself who reports winning a PP "airgun" dispute I bet I can show you 10 who have lost.
Personally I would NOT put any faith in it as I said, and like I said PA WINS if/when paypal denies a dispute over the rules.
I want to hear one story. If there are that many people there must be one actual story.
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/yellow/paypal-prohibits-air-guns-no-protection-t207587.html
That case was a wobbler. The guy sounded like he just had buyers remorse.
But I can see this subject will continue to be a matter of opinion.
If your going to dissect the language in a legal way. An Airgun is always going to be closer to an airsoft gun or paintball gun, than to a firearm. Indeed, legally no Airgun can be called or treated as a firearm...
The ticket agent at the airport tried to call my Steyr H5 a firearm....or rather, he claimed TSA considered it a firearm and I would need to purchase a $100 case and lock at the gift shop. I told him to shove it....let’s just say my Airgun and I both got on the plane that day.
That case was a wobbler. The guy sounded like he just had buyers remorse.
But I can see this subject will continue to be a matter of opinion.
If your going to dissect the language in a legal way. An Airgun is always going to be closer to an airsoft gun or paintball gun, than to a firearm. Indeed, legally no Airgun can be called or treated as a firearm...
The ticket agent at the airport tried to call my Steyr H5 a firearm....or rather, he claimed TSA considered it a firearm and I would need to purchase a $100 case and lock at the gift shop. I told him to shove it....let’s just say my Airgun and I both got on the plane that day.
Why do you just spout stuff out with doing any research? Plenty of states have laws which do indeed TREAT AIR GUNS AS FIREARMS.
Here is the TSA site. They also do classify Air guns as FIREARMS for special handling
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/firearms
Wow, I have flown many times with no problems. I just read the TSA rules you linked and it says air guns are allowed on checked baggage...which is what that ticket agent was trying to stop me from bringing. Thanks for proving me right.
One more point in favor of PayPal Purchase Protection on Airguns being a real thing:
Airguns can now be sold on eBay. All eBay purchases are covered by eBay and PayPal.
Therefor: Airguns are covered under PayPal Purchase Protection.
Wow, I have flown many times with no problems.
One more point in favor of PayPal Purchase Protection on Airguns being a real thing:
Airguns can now be sold on eBay. All eBay purchases are covered by eBay and PayPal.
Therefor: Airguns are covered under PayPal Purchase Protection.
All I can say it Good Luck.
And you do realize that plenty of people fly in airplanes everyday and take their firearms with them, right?
When I called pay pal a couple years ago they told me the exact opposite, they said they were classified as firearms by pay pal and were not covered.. so as said take what the lady said with a grain of salt, I ask if government doesn't consider them why do they and she said that is just PP policy.
It would be so great if I could settle this issue. I would be a Hero! So now I guess I’ll try and call and talk to a manager this time. Then I’ll record it, make a video.
Then in the interest of good science, maybe I’ll do it 10 more times and see what 10 different managers say....all recorded of course.
then for further proof I will return a gun someone sold me on PayPal....not 10 times though.
I just really want to get to the bottom of this. It’s like an age old debate.
I'm going to end up talking to the highest ranking Paypal employee I can get on the phone...so maybe I'll suggest that. ..or suggest it in court.
Class action lawsuit anyone? Lets start making a list of everyone who lost $.
Paypal can't accept payments for PyramidAir and then not protect an airgun purchase. It's that simple.
Any Paypal employee who said an airgun is a firearm is in error, it's that simple.
I'm not a lawyer but I watched enough Law and Order to know I'm right. ...and any Judge would agree, it's an open/shut case.
I think what your overlooking is that they get to write their own rules (terms of service) and they can put lace doilies in the firearm bucket if they want. Retailer vs private transactions can be treated just as differently. Those rules just cant violate the law and nothing I've seen comes close. If you want to challenge their multi-million dollar lawyers after watching some TV. Go for it.
Do I think they are justified in treating Airguns as firearms, NO. Does your 'take em to court' approach make any sense, NO. Do they seem to be inconsistent, YES.
I'm going to end up talking to the highest ranking Paypal employee I can get on the phone...so maybe I'll suggest that. ..or suggest it in court.
Class action lawsuit anyone? Lets start making a list of everyone who lost $.
Paypal can't accept payments for PyramidAir and then not protect an airgun purchase. It's that simple.
Any Paypal employee who said an airgun is a firearm is in error, it's that simple.
I'm not a lawyer but I watched enough Law and Order to know I'm right. ...and any Judge would agree, it's an open/shut case.
This is hilarious.........did you at least stay at a Holiday Inn last night?
Positively NOT open and shut.
I'm going to end up talking to the highest ranking Paypal employee I can get on the phone...so maybe I'll suggest that. ..or suggest it in court.
Class action lawsuit anyone? Lets start making a list of everyone who lost $.
Paypal can't accept payments for PyramidAir and then not protect an airgun purchase. It's that simple.
Any Paypal employee who said an airgun is a firearm is in error, it's that simple.
I'm not a lawyer but I watched enough Law and Order to know I'm right. ...and any Judge would agree, it's an open/shut case.
I posted on your YouTube video about this and I'm glad I came across this. If you could call the highest persons and get a recording of it that would be really cool. I am not banking on PP yet but I'm really itching to see if I can sell and buy guns confidently...grabs popcorn...
Greets A-C,
Have I got a deal for you.......but first,
Do you have a PayPal account? If you do, then you can forget your day in court because you have already agreed to arbitration!
A few years ago, I was employed by a contractor working for the FAA. I would like to make your life easier when traveling with your GUNs, whatever they’re powered by.
You should probably arrive at the terminal a couple hours early as recommended. As you approach the counter to check in, ask the “agent” for a pink (or red) card as you need to check an “UNLOADED FIREARM”. This is what is printed on the card. I know, it’s not a firearm, but keep in mind who you are talking to. Most could not tell the difference between a catapult and a sling shot. Your GUN must be in a locked, hard sided container. You will sign and date the card which is a declaration that you have complied with FAR 1544.203, and place the card with the GUN in the locked hard sided container. There is also a place on the card for the agents initials, some scratch there and some don’t. If it is a PCP, I would advise emptying any compressed air vessels. You are subject to being having the GUN inspected at any time and would be required to open the locked case containing the GUN. Inspection could be at the counter or you might be paged to report to an agent somewhere.
Now, you may have noted my capitalization of GUN. First I don’t have a PayPal account, or at least in my mind I don’t. Last time I spoke with them, I was advised that every time I use my CC to make some eBay purchase, using PayPal to process the transaction, I generate a new PayPal account and that I have hundreds of PayPal accounts. I don’t see it that way. I can and do pay PayPal invoices, but do not have an account to receive money. I really don’t want a PayPal account but I would open one just for you.
I would like to test your theory that PayPal does not consider air GUNS to be GUNS. I think everyone could participate.
If you’re interested, please open a new thread titled “SELL ME THAT GUN!”. But first please read thoroughly the PayPal user agreement, especially the sections on fraudulent activities: https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/ua/useragreement-full (Just for you, honey)
scratchit
Wat Chout Forum en Bitem Indeas
scratchit: Good point on the Arbitration thing. This thread got a bit crazy..as in alot of posts. I may start a new thread after I call Paypal and all that jazz. I didn't realize what a controversial subject (and a hot one) it would be. Now I'm more determined than ever to get to the bottom of the issue.
Basically I am taking on the role of investigative reporter and I'll do what it takes to get the real story.
But till then: If you can buy or sell to a trusted Forum member than that's always the best. Many old timers rely only on the BOI boards and have been doing just fine for years. I have had old timers send me Postal Money Orders for over $1000 before. …a few times. That makes me cringe…but they probably checked me out and for one reason or another they knew they could trust me.
Here is a link to the Yellow BOI: Yellow BOI
and AGN "BOI" called Member Feedback: AGN Member Feedback
and American Airgun Classifieds Scammer Listings: AAC Scammer Listings
…and good luck! -Nate
I think you might not have mentioned that if you use Pay Pal and put the item on a credit card you can just complain to the card company and that forces Pay Pal to get your money back and that works with a transfer
I have had to use it and had no problem
the bottom line is some people don't like Pay Pal and never shop on Ebay but some of us do like both
those of us that do will continue on, those that don't will never change there minds and in reality does it matter
I have no idea why some people don't like paypal;I used it 1200 times with NO problems and yes I bought many Air guns using it...butt ,again I never had a problem and Yes I do use a bank card when using my paypal account....Some people just don't get it and there are better ways for them to pay,what is really great is we have a choice on how we do things.
Trust your experience and be leary of the creeper.