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Many online marketplaces are selling new and used goods, from home appliances to video games. Marketplaces show up on social media accounts and in online ads and searches. Online marketplaces can be small and local — like a neighborhood group — or operated by large, national companies. In general, online marketplaces connect buyers and sellers. When you find something you want, you typically contact the seller directly.
Some marketplace operators leave it completely up to the sellers and buyers to decide how to handle payments, returns, refunds, delivery, and other issues. In those cases, you have to work out questions or concerns directly with a seller. The marketplace operator doesn’t get involved.
Other marketplace operators offer help to buyers. For example, a marketplace might have a process to help you get a refund if you buy something but don’t get exactly what was advertised, or never get the item.
If you have bought something from an online marketplace, read the site’s policies to see if, or how, it will help with refunds. Check if the protection applies to the thing you’re buying or the seller you’re buying from. There may be a short window of time to return the item or claim a refund.
Contact the seller immediately if you run into problems. If that doesn’t work, contact the marketplace to report the seller. If you paid by credit or debit card, file a dispute with your credit or debit card company and withhold payment while the company investigates.