[quote name='aznbass' post='669312' date='Nov 29 2009, 06:25 PM']Im fairly sure that if you used paypal, you will only get refunded if he has the money in his paypal account, even if you claim it or dispute it, i would put in a dispute, hoping he doesnt know that paypal cant do sh*t.[/quote]
In my experience, paypal take complaints very seriously and tend to favour the buyer when it comes to refunds.
They will take the money from the seller's account leaving a negative balance if there aren't enough funds.
This balance of this amount will then be taken from his agreed funding source.
They will put the money into suspense until the buyer and seller agree a solution.
If an amicable solution cannot be reached after a certain date, paypal will decide the outcome.
They may ask for evidence of the nature of the item not being as described eg. photos and/or written evidence from an independant expert (luthier etc).
This may have changed, but I am speaking from experience having been through a few paypal disputes and seen things from both sides.
Another approach is to contact your credit card issuer (presuming you paid by credit card whiich is always the best way).
They will complain to paypal on your behalf and may issue a charge back, which means they refund your payment regardless of the paypal decision.
This will depend on the card company - some do and some don't do charge backs.
Then there's trading standards who may also support your case.
Before you do any of the above, contact the seller, tell him how you feel and ask for a refund.
He may be happy to do that and it will save a lot of time and trouble.
What you shouldn't do is what you are doing and accept an item that was not as described and is not to your satisfaction.
I have been dealing on ebay for nearly 10 years and seen a few disputes - all have been resolved successfully and correctly without any need for negative feedback or bad feeling.
You have nothing to lose by following my advice.