Paypal
 

I occasionally sell parts and other misc. items via the internet. I've always wanted payment in the form of a bank certified/cashiers check but lately, buyers find this to be a undue hassle and ask for Paypal which I haven't used yet. So I'am asking;

1. Is it reliable and trustworthy?
2. Any hidden fees I should know about?
3. Your positive or negative experiences using it.

Thanks for knowledgeable replys Gents.

Re: Paypal
 

I have used it on and off for several years and have recently added it as a way to receive payment from customers. I have a current customer on deployment with the Army and that is how he is making his payments. Never had a problem.

Re: Paypal
 

They charge about 3.5%. I believe it more than pays for itself with the extra bids you will receive.

A buyer can file a claim for an item than isn't as described and they will hold your money. If you are describing items correctly this should rarely, if ever, be an issue.


Jason

Re: Paypal
 

It's very reliable,but always make sure your customer knows exactly what he's getting first,or paypal will treat you,(the seller),like a readheaded stepchild and side with the buyer in a hurry when he cries foul,for whatever reason.
They will then refund him his money faster then a Big Block with a posi,and you're now screaming foul as he has both his money back AND the item or service you provided.
Well lit pictures,or a saved detailed text message are a HUGE advantage here for both parties involved.

Re: Paypal
 

Had Paypal treat me like a red-headed stepchild once. A successful bidder paid me through Paypal, I sent the item, provided a tracking number, and thought all was well. About 4-6 weeks later, Paypal debited my BANK ACCOUNT the entire amount saying the buyer never got the item. I shipped it with UPS, so I went on their website, copied the delivery info, and emailed it to the buyer stating the tracking number, delivery date, that the item was placed "inside the fence", and that he should call the police to report a stolen delivery. The next day, he dropped his complaint and my money was returned. Think I got lucky.

However, this was one transaction out of hundreds I've done through Paypal.

Re: Paypal
 

I've heard money can be sent as a 'gift' to avoid the service charge. If true, how does that work?

Re: Paypal
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NCGuy68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've heard money can be sent as a 'gift' to avoid the service charge. If true, how does that work? </div></div>

The sender pays the fee in that case.

Re: Paypal
 

There is good and bad with PayPal. It a buyer opens a case of &quot;not as described&quot;, PayPal will (99% of the time) side with the buyer no matter what evidence you have to prove otherwise.

-Matt

Re: Paypal
 

I won't touch PayPal with a 10' pole--never have, never will.

I know for a fact that decision has cost me business, but that's a price I'm willing to pay (pun intended) for the reasons above and many more.

Re: Paypal
 

I have done hundreds of transactions through Paypal and never had a problem. When I joined there were no fees and Paypal actually gave you $5 for signing up. 90% of the times people have problems with Paypal it is because they did something wrong. Most of the time it is not having delivery confirmation and the unscrupulous buyer takes advantage of their mistake. Paypal does millions of transactions without any problems but you never hear about them. Let one person have a problem and it's all over the internet.
James