This is not a paid advertorial. I truly love Paypal. It sux sometimes when people send me money and some of it disappears into the abyss of administrative charges BUT I’ve benefited from it lately so I better shut up.
I use Paypal for eBay, etsy and a bunch of online merchandising – either buying or selling. I’ve also sent money to friends through Paypal. I find it efficient and safe. Much safer than putting your credit card details up with every store.
So my story with Paypal is, I won several weasels lately. 2 cases in the last few weeks. Bought something, item never arrived – I got my refund after about 20 days of ping-ponging with the seller on eBay, then I brought it to Paypal and Paypal refunded me. In June, I bought something on eBay, item never arrived and when I wrote to the seller, she gave me some shitty excuse, then deregistered her account on eBay. I bought up a suit through Paypal and it was ruled in my favour!
Because I pay through Paypal, I have buyers protection. You see… you should too!
An Exercise In Trivial Pursuits 
Wow! Thanks for this – I’ve ordered a dress on Esty that hasn’t arrived. I don’t want it to get messy but I get the feeling it may as it’s been over a month and it hasn’t arrived. It cost $115 NZ which isn’t cheap! I have told the seller it hasn’t arrived and not recieved a response.
Your story inspires me – I may be able to get my money back yet!
You should write to the seller. Then if there’s no response, bring it up in Paypal and explain that you’ve tried contacting the seller but you feel that the seller might be avoiding you, acting in a manner of fraud. Then Paypal will try sorting it out for you and will refund you if evidence is there that you’re the victim. Go do it now! Don’t waste too much time ok?