We reported on Tuesday a confirmed glitch on some eBay invoices for buyers paying with PayPal. PayPal spokesperson Sara Bettencourt explained in an email, "In some instances, shipping and handling is being dropped after buyers log into their PayPal accounts to verify transaction details prior to paying. The amount is showing as $0.00. This is not occurring on all auctions. We are aware of the issue and are working to fix this as soon as possible."

PayPal's policy states that to be eligible for protection, a seller must have accepted a single payment from one PayPal account for the purchase. Bettencourt has since told us that for this case only, PayPal will extend protection for sellers who accept a separate payment for shipping, emphasizing the first payment must be for the full amount of the item. This is a one-time exception to the policy, she said, and she urged buyers to work with sellers.

When asked whether sellers could refuse the incorrect payment and send a request payment through PayPal for the full amount that includes the eBay item number, Bettencourt said that would also be an option. Many sellers are recommending those affected do just that, since accepting two payments from PayPal will incur extra charges.

As of Tuesday, Bettencourt said PayPal would not be reimbursing sellers for the extra fees incurred due to the glitch.

Related Story: http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y05/m02/i08/s02