Funds do clear, Paypal (or ebay) hold it for their own reasons. Generally it is with people who don't normally sell much. Had it happen to me on a high dollar item and they held my money hostage for almost a month. Really soured me on selling anything thru them. Guarantee if you told the buyer sorry, you can't have the item until paypal gives it to me, they'd probably walk after a few weeks. People are impatient.