Screwed over by an outsourcer, can I get my money back?

by Gee S
30 replies
Ok so I outsourced some work to a member of this forum. Her service has been an absolute disgrace. I've been patient and no deadlines have been met. Her last email was almost two weeks ago, I've sent countless emails since but with no reply.

I'm pretty much resigned to the fact I won't get my money back but has anyone been in this situation and got their money back. I paid through Paypal.

Gurpreet
#back #money #outsourcer #screwed
  • Profile picture of the author TristanPerry
    Go to the "Resolution Centre" in PayPal. You can file a dispute against the transaction - give full detail and hope for the best.

    Also report this member via the WarriorForum helpdesk, perhaps they may be able to help (not sure on that one though; depends on their rules)
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  • Profile picture of the author Gee S
    Yeh I've tried that Tristan. But when I log the dispute I get an automated message saying that I should resolve this with the other party as there can be misunderstandings. It's really disappointing to see warriors treating fellow warriors in such a way.

    Gurpreet
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  • Profile picture of the author TheMagicShow
    Hopefully you can get your money back. You should report this warrior so other warriors don't get scammed by this individual.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gee S
    Hey yeh I have done. I know for a fact other warriors have had the same problem (there is a notice on one of her WSO's regarding this issue). I've sent a message to the helpdesk too. I know things like this happen, but it can be demoralising.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kingdom_Mines
      Banned
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      • Profile picture of the author Jeff Henshaw
        Yeh I've tried that Tristan. But when I log the dispute I get an automated message saying that I should resolve this with the other party as there can be misunderstandings. It's really disappointing to see warriors treating fellow warriors in such a way.
        If you are still within the time line allowed by PayPal to raise a dispute - then you can raise one!

        Try again - go to the "Resolution Center" in your account. In the drop down box (beneath 'Resolution Centre', just mouse over it) click the first item "Resolution Center". Then on the next page hit the orange button "Dispute a Transaction". On the following page click the radio button "Item Dispute" and click "Continue". You then put in your transaction id and continue with including details from there.

        Make sure that you have copies available of the emails that you sent to the other party. If you have them, send them to PayPal via the procedure above and you have a very good chance of winning your case.

        I hope that this helps.

        Best of Luck,

        Jeff Henshaw.
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        • Profile picture of the author Gee S
          Hey Jeff,

          Thanks for the info, I'm planning on ringing paypal tomorrow and letting them know they've not been very helpful. I've got email proof as well.

          The only problem is the timeframe of when it was purchased. when you outsource something you go by deadlines, these deadlines haven't been met so i'll have to put this across to paypal and see what they say.

          I guess its a harsh lesson learnt.

          Gurpreet

          Originally Posted by Jeff Henshaw View Post

          If you are still within the time line allowed by PayPal to raise a dispute - then you can raise one!

          Try again - go to the "Resolution Center" in your account. In the drop down box (beneath 'Resolution Centre', just mouse over it) click the first item "Resolution Center". Then on the next page hit the orange button "Dispute a Transaction". On the following page click the radio button "Item Dispute" and click "Continue". You then put in your transaction id and continue with including details from there.

          Make sure that you have copies available of the emails that you sent to the other party. If you have them, send them to PayPal via the procedure above and you have a very good chance of winning your case.

          I hope that this helps.

          Best of Luck,

          Jeff Henshaw.
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  • Profile picture of the author Valorie
    I'm trying to get $29.02 out of a warrior I did some ghostwriting for. I see them posting and running a few WSO's right now, but no money yet. It can be demoralizing for those of us on the other end, too.

    But on the bright side, I've been writing for warriors and Wealthy Affiliate members off and on for two years, and this is the first time I've had any trouble getting paid. Most people are good and do the right thing, if you give them a chance.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gee S
    Yeh I've taken it on the chin.

    I sent a support ticket to the mods, and apparently this person has already been banned although I think they'll come back under another username.

    I'd love to tell you who this person is but I'm not going to go down this route as the mods have already dealt with this person, and plus I'm not sure if its against the rules.
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  • Profile picture of the author vagabondette
    I try to do split payments with my contractors to protect both parties. I pay 1/2 up front and 1/2 upon delivery of final product. This way if I get screwed it's only for half.

    Sorry this happened and hopefully you have better luck with your next project.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rachel Embry
    I had the same thing happen to me on this forum about a year ago.

    I highly reccomended a fellow Warrior to a client. He sent her a $1600 retainer for work. She decided after a week that it "wasn't going to work out", but never returned the money.

    My client and I spent the next 6 months chasing her down. She returned about 1/2 the money- we never got the rest back. And, my client had to postpone a major product launch for 60 days because we had to find someone new to get the work done.

    It was horrible. However- my experience with the WF has usually been great. I think the caliber & quality of work done by people on this board is MUCH better than Elance or Guru. I always come here first to hire someone.

    Good luck to you!
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  • Profile picture of the author DavidTheMavin
    What kind of work do you need done? I've got some outsources I work with on a regular basis that are top notch.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      It's really disappointing to see warriors treating fellow warriors in such a way.
      You have to realize how many members there are - and how many times members here tell someone posting "need money" to write articles.

      That advice makes me grit my teeth - as do those who reply in these threads by advertising their services.

      Service WSO's have caused problems here and there. The majority provide what they offer and everyone is happy but one bad egg leaves a terrible taste. You are correct - not allowed to name and shame here.

      kay
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  • Profile picture of the author Gee S
    I suppose the point of the thread was to see if I could get my money back, but also just to give everyone a heads up that it can happen to you. Take precautions, and do your research on who you work with.

    I must agree that most people on the forum are genuine, I've actually had work done for me of a high standard. It just this one person has done this to a few other members. Frankly I'm glad they've been dealt with and good riddence, an awesome place such as the WF has no place for people like that.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Sullivan
      As to whether you will get your money back it depends how you paid. Credit card is easier I believe if you paid by funds in your PayPal account it will be difficult in my experience. I have won various claims with PayPal but never received any refund. Normally they will say there are no funds available or something similar.
      Unfortunately the majority of members here are honest but with so many members you will find a few rotten apples.
      Anyway try and see what happens.

      John
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      • Profile picture of the author steveniam
        If you request for a refund through Paypal and the dispute is about virtual products or services, it is almost impossible to get a refund unless the recipient agree to a refund.

        Paypal will refund the payment if it is a physical product and is certify that it is lost or the seller is unable to provide a proof of delivery. For quality problem, they will need a third party certification before refund is made.

        Originally Posted by John Sullivan View Post

        As to whether you will get your money back it depends how you paid. Credit card is easier I believe if you paid by funds in your PayPal account it will be difficult in my experience. I have won various claims with PayPal but never received any refund. Normally they will say there are no funds available or something similar.
        Unfortunately the majority of members here are honest but with so many members you will find a few rotten apples.
        Anyway try and see what happens.

        John
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    • Profile picture of the author dreamtab
      Originally Posted by MrEyeconic View Post


      I must agree that most people on the forum are genuine.
      I agree and specially senior Warriors.
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  • Profile picture of the author steveniam
    Early this year, I have outsource articles writing to a guy for about $80 and the quality is horrible - poor grammar and the contents do not make sense. It appear that he outsource the content writing to another group.

    I inform him of the quality of the writing and he does a rewrite unfortunately the contents writing is still below par. I have no choice but to request for a refund.

    He never respond to my email afterward.

    Nowadays I am mentally prepared to write off any outsourcing if it does not turn out well. That's a business risk which I am sure most of us have to be prepared for but you need to do your due diligence to minimise the risks as low as possible.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Hooper
    It happens. The best thing to do is move on and keep creating. Don't let this stop you from moving forward in your life or business.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
      When I outsource, I NEVER pay upfront for exactly this reason.

      I've seen enough horror stories that it isn't going to happen.

      I either pay when the work is completed and I have it or I pay in stages as I receive pieces of the project.

      NO PRODUCT = NO MONEY

      As for the person that your trying to get a refund from:

      1. Make sure that you comment in the WSO in question
      2. Make sure that you DO call that person on in communities and forums that allow it.
      3. Make sure that you send all relevant info to paypal and attempt to have their account frozen due to fraud.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Originally Posted by MrEyeconic View Post

    Ok so I outsourced some work to a member of this forum. Her service has been an absolute disgrace. I've been patient and no deadlines have been met. Her last email was almost two weeks ago, I've sent countless emails since but with no reply.

    I'm pretty much resigned to the fact I won't get my money back but has anyone been in this situation and got their money back. I paid through Paypal.

    Gurpreet
    It doesn't matter if the person is "a member of this forum". And we have only your OPINION that it has been "a disgrace". And WHO set the deadlines, and HOW?

    If your claims ARE just and the person is American, in the UK(in this case), or POSSIBLY in the EU(in this case), you MAY have a chance. Otherwise, if you can't have her help you, you may be out of luck. A LOT of other nationals use mechanisms to get out of such things, and will just IGNORE YOU!

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author crissanteiro
    I just had a claim with Paypal. You can go to the resolution center and also you can call them on the phone and talk to them. They are helpful. A few days after you file the complaint, if you have not gotten a resolution to your problem, then you can also file a claim. This means that Paypal will step in on your behalf and step up the action.

    You have 45 days to do this since the day you paid, so don't delay. Take action ASAP.
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    • Profile picture of the author mmurtha
      Originally Posted by Tim_Carter View Post

      Paypal WILL NOT refund for purchase of a service. You are out of luck.
      Hey Tim,

      I beg to differ with you. I was refunded by $2,100 by PayPal after making a complaint about a particular service here not that long ago. I called them and, spoke with one of the higher-ups, then sent him proof of what was agreed too, all emails I sent and received, etc ..., so it can be done.

      I also know that members of PayPal staff are people too, so it may depend on who you get, and how it was handled.


      Mary
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      • Profile picture of the author Tim_Carter
        That is good news Mary.

        Not sure how you can even open a dispute on a service unless something has changed since I tried it last.

        If you specify it is a service during the dispute it cancels it (or it used to).

        I suppose you could say it is not a service to get it in.

        Granted it was a long time ago that I had to do that so maybe my info is outdated.


        Originally Posted by mmurtha View Post

        Hey Tim,

        I beg to differ with you. I was refunded by $2,100 by PayPal after making a complaint about a particular service here not that long ago. I called them and, spoke with one of the higher-ups, then sent him proof of what was agreed too, all emails I sent and received, etc ..., so it can be done.

        I also know that members of PayPal staff are people too, so it may depend on who you get, and how it was handled.


        Mary
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        • Profile picture of the author mmurtha
          Hi Tim,

          That's because I called PayPal directly instead of using the resolution center on the site.

          If you try to do it on the site instead, as you mention, it will cancel the request out.

          The problem with some people is that they give up the first time PayPal says they can't help, or don't handle such and such. They will, but you have to get to a supervisor that will listen. I just happened to get one that did.


          Originally Posted by Tim_Carter View Post

          That is good news Mary.

          Not sure how you can even open a dispute on a service unless something has changed since I tried it last.

          If you specify it is a service during the dispute it cancels it (or it used to).

          I suppose you could say it is not a service to get it in.

          Granted it was a long time ago that I had to do that so maybe my info is outdated.
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  • Profile picture of the author BloggerDownUnder
    G'day,

    I outsource a heap of work and generally run the risk of paying for something and not getting the service that I paid for. However, I do 3 things:
    1. ONLY pay up front if it's a small amount;
    2. Pay a deposit and pay the rest on deliverables;
    3. Write a terms of reference for larger contracts, although I have never had to enforce the terms yet.

    In MrEyeconic's case (who I fully sympathise with), I'd put it down to bad experience, value my time at more than $29 (which means I wouldn't dwell on it) and write the amount off as a fully tax deductible bad debt.

    On the whole, most contractors are genuine and it's shame some bad apples tarnish the "industry" as a whole.

    Cheers, Mark
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    • Profile picture of the author Doctor Article
      I know exactly how you feel because it's happened to me on here before as well. What made matters worse, is that I was working for peanuts in the first place. Oh well, you live and learn I suppose. Anyway, I don't offer writing services at all anymore, outside of the company I write for. My take is, if someone wants writing done, they can follow the link in my signature or find some other sucker.

      At the same time, I must say I really think most of the warriors on here operate above board, and to them, I say thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Angel Anderson
    Not to long ago it happen to me with to WSO members Dylan Jones and SiteFlipRemix, After payment of $650 the work didn't get finish and they stop answering my emails
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  • Profile picture of the author dandimit
    Ooh, that hurts. Hate that...
    I always use Holly Powell for my outsourcing needs
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