Protection by payment method
Full PayPal buyer protection — dispute if item not received or significantly not as described. PayPal will refund you if the claim is valid. This is the recommended method for higher-value items.
You inspect the item in person before handing over any money. If it's not as described, you simply don't buy it. Always meet in a public place.
Bank transfers are difficult to reverse. Only use with sellers who have the Verified badge and strong reviews. Always keep payment records.
Revolut has a dispute process but it's less comprehensive than PayPal G&S. Best used with trusted sellers or for lower-value items.
Before you buy — checklist
Look at the star rating, review count and how long they've been on SoulShive. The gold Verified badge means their identity has been confirmed.
If the photos don't show enough detail, message the seller and ask for close-ups or a video. Any genuine seller will be happy to provide these.
Don't move to WhatsApp or email before agreeing the deal. On-platform messages can serve as evidence in any dispute.
For cash meetups, always agree on a public, well-lit location — a supermarket car park, town centre, etc. Never your home address.
Price too good to be true? Seller rushing you? Refuses additional photos? These are red flags. Report the listing and walk away.
For items over £50, always use PayPal Goods & Services if the seller accepts it. The buyer protection is worth it.
Dispute process
If something goes wrong with your purchase:
Message the seller via SoulShive chat to explain the issue. Most disputes are resolved at this stage.
If you paid via PayPal G&S and cannot resolve with the seller, open a dispute through PayPal's Resolution Centre within 180 days.
Use Report → Problem with Order. Our team reviews within 48 hours and can suspend sellers who act in bad faith.
If you paid by bank transfer and have been defrauded, contact your bank immediately — they can initiate a Faster Payments chargeback (APP fraud rules).