PayPal payment problems – what you need to know as a SteinKunstWerk customer

In recent days there have been headlines about PayPal

Billions of euros in PayPal payments were blocked by German banks because security checks weren't working as usual. This was a real test for both buyers and retailers. In this post, we want to provide you with transparent information about what exactly happened, what impact this could have on your orders, and how you can continue to shop safely at SteinKunstWerk in the future.

The background of the disorder

Between August 25 and 27, 2025, a serious incident occurred: Several large German banks—including Bayerische Landesbank and DZ Bank—blocked direct debits submitted via PayPal. This was due to a failure in PayPal's automated fraud protection system. To prevent potentially unauthorized debits, payments totaling approximately €10 billion were stopped as a precautionary measure. ( Source: Reuters )

What consequences did this have for you?

As a customer of SteinKunstWerk you may have noticed the following:

• The payment did not appear in your account immediately.
• Orders were placed correctly, but the debit was delayed.
• In individual cases, the shipping of your order may be slightly delayed.

We know how important it is to you that your orders—whether tarot candles , scented candles , or handmade decorative figurines —arrive reliably. That's why we've been keeping track of all open orders and informing you if there are any delays.

Current status

Payments are now running normally again. PayPal itself has confirmed and resolved the outage. Banks such as Sparkasse have also publicly reported that payment transactions have been stable again since August 27. ( PayPal status page )

Nevertheless, it's important to remain vigilant. Consumer advice centers and banks warn that fraudsters could exploit this uncertainty. Criminals are particularly likely to attempt to obtain personal information through emails or calls in the name of banks or PayPal. The rule here is: Never share PINs, TANs, or passwords. ( Consumer Advice Center )

How to continue shopping safely

For you as a SteinKunstWerk customer, this incident means one thing above all: You can rely on us to remain vigilant with all orders. Our system processes all payments transparently, and we ensure that no unclear debits go through. Should you experience any further problems with PayPal, other secure payment options are of course available to you. This way, you always have an alternative and can flexibly decide how to pay for your order.

Especially because many of you order our products, such as Rituals with Meaning , Fragrance Highlights , or our entire collection , as gifts, it's important to us that the payment process runs smoothly. Security and reliability are our top priority.

Our tips for you

• Check your account: Check your accounts regularly to make sure all entries are correct.
• Be careful when contacting them: Official agencies will never ask for your login credentials. Ignore suspicious emails or calls.
• Use flexibility: Simply choose the payment method that suits you best at checkout.
• Check status pages: If you are unsure, it is worth taking a look at PayPal's official status messages.
• Ask questions: If you are unsure, you can reach us at any time at support@steinkunstwerk.de .

Our promise to you

We know that trust is crucial when shopping online. That's why we want to offer you complete transparency. Even if payment providers experience technical issues, you can be assured: At SteinKunstWerk, we keep an eye on your orders and always find solutions. Your candles, figurines, and decorative items should arrive reliably – whether as a personal treat or as a special gift.

Conclusion

This disruption was a wake-up call that even large suppliers aren't infallible. For you as a SteinKunstWerk customer, this means: Short-term delays are possible, but you don't have to worry about your orders. We'll inform you in a timely manner, offer safe alternatives, and ensure that your purchases arrive as usual.

Our promise: You can continue to order from us without worry. Whether you choose spiritual candles , handmade decorative plates , or scented candles in glass jars —we'll ensure your order arrives safely.