PayPal. Does it make a difference for buyers? Yes or no?

kidsox · November 2, 2006 11:47PM

Sure, its easier for buyers, but say you want a card and the seller doesn't use PayPal? Do you go after it differently?

I know it's not a black and white area and your first thought is, "It depends."

But there's a card you want.

Yes or no?

zef204 · November 2, 2006 11:55PM

I typically pass on auctions that don't take Paypal. It's a pain in the arse to get a MO.

jradke4 · November 2, 2006 11:58PM

I try to pass on Non-PayPal sellers as well. Too much of a pain. When 99% of my transactions are PayPal its easy to forget to write out the check for a few days.

BSUballer · November 3, 2006 12:00AM

i never bother with an auction unless its paypal!

onefasttalon · November 3, 2006 12:02AM

Paypal adds a certain element of security (man, I'm gonna hear it over that comment.) I also like the fact that payment is INSTANT, and you don't have to worry about any mailing delays, or anything getting 'lost' in the mail. M/O's cost money too...
I usually pass up auctions that don't take Paypal too, unless I really REALLY want to item. If the feedback of the seller is outstanding, I'd consider a non-Paypal seller too... but again, I'd have to really want the item.

XanaduNow · November 3, 2006 12:05AM

Sure, I will. Especially if it's something that I really want and the price is right (possibly because they don't take PayPal). The only I reason I do though is because one of my bank accounts is a Police Department Credit Union so I always make sure to get a cashier's check from there. It might not be a deterent at all but I hope it gives the seller the notion that action will be taken if they try to screw me.

Only domestic though. I wouldn't touch a foreign auction without PayPal if you held a gun to my head.

Arthur

lawnmowerman · November 3, 2006 12:07AM

<< I typically pass on auctions that don't take Paypal. It's a pain in the arse to get a MO. >>

Yup

Bunker · November 3, 2006 12:08AM

I am with everyone else I only bid when Paypal is able to be used. I did make a mistake just the other day though. The seller had over 13,000 transactions, the auction was getting ready to end and so I bid. Come to find out he didn't take Paypal. What a pain in the arse it is to get a MO when you are use to Paypal.

ajmoeller81 · November 3, 2006 12:41AM

In my opinion, a seller not using PayPal is a mistake. They should adapt to the marketplace in order to make selling as easy as possible for their customers. I would wager a hefty sum that PayPal auctions sell for a much higher price than the same non-PayPal auctions. In the end, the sellers are only hurting themselves.

tkd7 · November 3, 2006 1:08AM

I have no problem with non paypal sellers. I can usually get the item a little cheaper as it discourages bidders. Once I develop a relationship with a seller, I will get my items without waiting 2 weeks for a check to clear.

lostdart58 · November 3, 2006 1:14AM

As a seller, I think you lose money if you do not take paypal in the long run on items up to about $150.00.

If I have to send a check every once in a while.....I do not mind.......................But having to get a MO?? Forget about it!!

kmnorton · November 3, 2006 1:16AM

grote15 · November 3, 2006 1:52AM

Paypal is certainly more convenient and more secure for the buyer, but there are a number of very reputable and trustworthy sellers who accept only check or MO, too. You can usually even get a better deal bidding on those auctions because many buyers won't bid if Paypal is not accepted. I've gotten many excellent deal that way at below market cost.

larryallen73 · November 3, 2006 2:01AM

I will only bid on a non PayPal auction if I really want the card. I will NOT bid if they only take money orders. There has never been an auction I want bad enough that I would waste my time to get a money order. In my opinion, sellers limit themselves by not taking all payment options (especially PayPal) as you need to have at least 2 bidders to drive up an auction price. Losing one of them could greatly change the outcome of an auction.

frankhardy · November 3, 2006 5:29AM

I will bid on a "non Paypal" auction unless it is something very rare that I am looking for. If it's not rare, then I will not even bother with a money order. That was my reasoning in excepting Paypal for the things I sell. I figured that if I thought that way, then most people thought that way as well.

Estil · November 3, 2006 5:43AM

I can wait a few more days if I need to mail an MO (one of my good friends whom I buy from a lot insists on MO only; no Paypal). I certainly don't want to send a check and be forced to wait up to two weeks for it to clear, so I just make an MO (they're only $1 or less you know).

dboyz20 · November 3, 2006 9:35AM

I agree.Paypal is always great if you are a buyer.But,as a seller I just had mt first problem with them in the last week.I sold an auction about 2 weeks ago.I recieved a notice from paypal that the buyer has paid for his auction.The money was in my account,and I withdrew it and mailed out the winning auction .About 10 days went by and another of my auctions was purchased and immediately the buyer paid for the auction.Within 5 minutes paypal withdrew the money for the first auction saying that the buyers credit card was declined.So now I am out my auction and the 153.00 that paypal reclaimed from my account.How could paypal do this?They first said that he paid,then once I had money in my account they took it back because they screwed up and say it is being held pending further investigation.It has been 10 days that paypal has been holding my money.At the end of 30 days if paypal does not reimburse me paypal will be served by my attorney and I will never deal with them again.So be careful with paypal,they are not all that is cracked up to be.The only thing that they want is your dollar.

WinPitcher · November 3, 2006 10:12AM

Sorry to hear that dboyz. that stinks.

I have no problem if a reliable seller does not take paypal.

I have problems with scammers though.

Steve

dboyz20 · November 3, 2006 10:29AM

Thanks Steve.I don't even know what is going on.I have contacted paypal,and they say that they are holding the funds until they recover them.But what if the buyer just makes up another name and just keeps changing his ID and ripping people off.I am really angry at paypal for keeping it quiet and then wham!!,when the money is in my account they take it.I think it is paypal mess up and this is their easy way out.

WinPitcher · November 3, 2006 10:38AM

Im surprised that some lawyers have not taken then to task over some of the questionable tactics that they use.

maybe you can call and speak to someone at paypal?

if you give me a moment ill try and get the number for you.

brb

steve

WinPitcher · November 3, 2006 10:42AM

try this it may help.

the link will bring you to a page that has phone numbers for paypal.

steve

NYYDM23 · November 3, 2006 10:52AM

<< I typically pass on auctions that don't take Paypal. It's a pain in the arse to get a MO. >>

I feel the same but when did we all get so lazy? I remember the days when I would stand on line for a money order a few times a week.

dboyz20 · November 3, 2006 10:53AM

I have called paypal everyday this week and they keep telling me that it is under investigation.I went as far as to calling the post office and requesting proof that the buyer signed for it.Thank God that I insured it so they would have to sign for it.It is times like these where it is worth paying an extra 2.35 to get it insured and signed for.

dboyz20 · November 3, 2006 11:00AM

That was the only reason that I was accepting paypal was because it drew more bidders.But if they do not rectify this problem,my paypal days are over.I feel that if I want something bad enough,that I will bid to try to win it whether they accept paypal or not.Hopefully if someone wants something that I have for sale they will buy it no matter whether I accept paypal or not.

dboyz20 · November 3, 2006 11:02AM

Thanks for the info Steve.That looks to be very helpful.I appreciate your help...........Don

pandrews · November 3, 2006 11:11AM

<< I agree.Paypal is always great if you are a buyer.But,as a seller I just had mt first problem with them in the last week.I sold an auction about 2 weeks ago.I recieved a notice from paypal that the buyer has paid for his auction.The money was in my account,and I withdrew it and mailed out the winning auction .About 10 days went by and another of my auctions was purchased and immediately the buyer paid for the auction.Within 5 minutes paypal withdrew the money for the first auction saying that the buyers credit card was declined.So now I am out my auction and the 153.00 that paypal reclaimed from my account.How could paypal do this?They first said that he paid,then once I had money in my account they took it back because they screwed up and say it is being held pending further investigation.It has been 10 days that paypal has been holding my money.At the end of 30 days if paypal does not reimburse me paypal will be served by my attorney and I will never deal with them again.So be careful with paypal,they are not all that is cracked up to be.The only thing that they want is your dollar. >>

but of course, the buyer did his part by paying promptly.. i hope you left him positive feedback immediately..

sorry about that dboyz, i know the feeling and it sucks.. im making a joke with the feedback statement..

pandrews · November 3, 2006 11:14AM

to answer the question, yes, paypal makes a difference for buyers and gives them extra security.. it enable buyers to run scams on unsuspecting ebay sellers..

paypal also makes a difference for sellers.. it will usually cause their auctions to sell for more money.. it also makes the seller more prone to being ripped off..

dboyz20 · November 3, 2006 11:19AM

I agree that paypal is very convienent for a buyer .But 153.50 out of my pocket later for me they are enemy number 1 on my list.

dboyz20 · November 3, 2006 11:23AM

The sad thing is .Yes I did leave him a positive feedback.Because I was under the believing that he paid according to ebay.That is why I believe that ebay screwed up.

WinPitcher · November 3, 2006 11:25AM

Perry good analogy.

steve

dboyz20 · November 3, 2006 11:26AM

sorry.I meant paypal not ebay.Paypal screwed up.

grote15 · November 3, 2006 11:27AM

This sad situation is a prime example of why FB should not be left by a seller as soon as "payment" is received. I hope you can recoup your money from Paypal dboyz. Paypal is great for buyers, and terrible for sellers, as this latest unfortunate scam illustrates. Still, it's convenient and many buyers won't bid if Paypal is not accepted, so it's become a necessary evil.

grote15 · November 3, 2006 11:28AM

sorry.I meant paypal not ebay.Paypal screwed up.

Ebay and paypal are now one and the same.

dboyz20 · November 3, 2006 11:31AM

It is sad to say.But you are correct.Paypal does make it easier to sell.Maybe I will start offering a discount if paid by check or moneyorder instead of paypal.Hey ,I might be on to something here!!

fandango · November 3, 2006 8:32PM

<< I typically pass on auctions that don't take Paypal. It's a pain in the arse to get a MO. >>

100% agree, i dont bid on anyting unless paypal is available......where is the security in mailing a $250 MO???

if a seller says NO PAYPAL, i move on......

most scam sellers love MO only.....

i have never been scammed with paypal (600 feedback)

kidsox · November 5, 2006 6:00AM

Blackborder · November 5, 2006 7:07AM

<< 
I usually pass up auctions that don't take Paypal too, unless I really REALLY want to item. If the feedback of the seller is outstanding, I'd consider a non-Paypal seller too... but again, I'd have to really want the item. >>

Ditto

TWOHOOKS · November 5, 2006 4:43PM

I closed my Paypal account almost 2 years ago.Maybe they have improved since then but at that time they had the worst customer service I had ever experienced with a company that you were actually paying to provide a service.Their automated switch boards were endless as it sometimes took 15 minutes of being on hold and menu options to get a live body.Once you got a body to talk to you wished you were back on the automated service.A total trainwreck.Any company that can have access to my account and has the ability to withdraw money from it at their discretion is a bad concept as far as I am concerned.

I have over 5,000 positive transactions on E-Bay since dumping Paypal and am a Gold Powerseller with a 99.4% rating.I don't seem to have any issues at all attracting a lot of very high end repeat customers who are thrilled with my customer service and come back every week for more.These include a lot of people who are Set Registry Award winners and some that are in the PSA Set Registry HOF.At least when an item is paid for via check,money order or Bidpay I know someone isn't going to be taking it back out of my account for some half baked dispute.

I really can't see how much of a hassle it is to make out a personal check and send it out in the mail like every other household bill that is paid.I have 1,400 customers who mustn't think it is that big of a deal either.I guess some people on this board mustn't have checking accounts for some reason.If I thought I was getting a good enough deal to bid on an E-Bay auction, I surely wouldn't let the type of payment accepted inhibit me from bidding or else I guess I don't think it is worth very much.It's a lot quicker to make out a check than drive to a Sportscard show and waste 4 hours looking through the remains of what is left of some dealers collection buys that weren't good enough to be graded.

Just a quick note as far as the recent Sportscard shows I have attended.The GBSCC show in Wilmington M.A. was a knockout.I spent around $3,500.00 and picked up some great inventory including 70 - 1936 Goudey & National Chicle Wide and Fine Pen Premiums.The Long Island National last week was a total joke.I picked up a whopping total of 3 cards then turned around and drove 3 1/2 hours in a monsoon back home.I will never attend that show again.It is the 2nd time I've wasted my time there.I can see why PSA doesn't attend it.Both the SGC and GAI booths were dead slow as well.Has anyone else had any experience with the Chicago show that is coming up as I have gone to that once but it wasn't that impressive.

fiveniner · November 5, 2006 9:28PM

I like using the convience of Pay Pal .I will occaisionlly buy from a NON Pay Pal seller however just on very rare occasions when I see a tough to find item however the feedback on the seller must be favorable.Sending payment through the mail has at times been shakey as payments never reached the seller this is why I go Pay Pal 99% of the time.

XanaduNow · November 5, 2006 11:21PM

99% of the time I use PayPal. But since most of what I buy is pre-war there occasionally pops up an item that I haven't seen before and the seller doesn't take PayPal. When that happens I have no problem sending a cashier's check. Of course, I'll insure and D/C the payment when I send it out. Peace fo mind for $3 is a deal to me.

Arthur

stown · November 5, 2006 11:56PM

If the Seller doesn't take paypal, I won't bid unless I can get the item at a nice discount.

kidsox · November 7, 2006 12:26AM

Some observations so far:

* The majority of responders are less willing to bid unless PayPal is offered.
* Good seller feedback plays a big role in non-Paypal auctions.
* This may be a loaded question. Some people who don't care whether PayPal is offered don't care to
respond.
* PayPal is great for buyers but needs to improve seller security. Those horror stories are sad tales.
I wonder how often they screw up?
* No one has mentioned their fees (2.5%-2.9%). Seems like a lot, especially when ebay is already
nickel and diming sellers up the wazoo.
*** What can non-PayPal sellers do to attract more bidders?

sagard · November 7, 2006 12:41AM

<< * No one has mentioned their fees (2.5%-2.9%). Seems like a lot, especially when ebay is already
nickel and diming sellers up the wazoo.
>>

The PayPal fees are a LOT higher than than on smaller transactions.

PayPal $10 sale = $0.30 + $0.29 (2.9%) =5.9% = $0.59
Ebay $10 sale = $0.30 to list + $0.55 = 8.5% = $0.85

Alot of that cost typically gets passed back to the buyer via a shipping overcharge, but that is how it goes.

When I was running lower cost auctions, I wouldn't accept PayPal on transactions less than $10. Now I just try to keep all my sales over $10.

netjr2 · November 7, 2006 1:58AM

If I bid on an auction that does not take paypal my bid is really low;

baseballfanatic · November 7, 2006 2:03AM

I guess a lot of people dont bid on auctions from Scott Gaynor and other big sellers then.............

hardcorehockeyfan · November 7, 2006 2:11AM

Has anyone ever been scammed by someone who paid with PayPal, from a confirmed address, later to find out it was fraudulant? Check that out Dboys, if someone made a "fake" payment and it was confirmed, that should be covered under seller protection. Otherwise, be like myself, and NEVER send to an unconfirmed address unless you get insurance, or do not even do business with those who do not have confirmed addresses! You can block bidding by those who do not have a confirmed address if they use PayPal! My auctions when I run them, are set up ONLY to receive PayPal payments, the hassle of a buyer getting a money order to make the payment is the same for a seller who receives it, since I would also have to make a trip to the bank. I have not been to the bank office itself in close to two years! Direct Deposit and ATMs are all over the place, and internet Bill Pay is kick ass!

I can see PayPal withholding funds while something is being investigated, but I think it is totally screwed up that they can dip into your bank account without your approval!

kidsox · November 7, 2006 6:43AM

Thanks, Hardcore, it's probably a good idea to lock out unconfirmed addresses.

Can anything be done to avoid those who pay from multiple accounts?

hardcorehockeyfan · November 7, 2006 9:00AM

<< Thanks, Hardcore, it's probably a good idea to lock out unconfirmed addresses.

Can anything be done to avoid those who pay from multiple accounts? >>

I have never had any experience with payments from multiple accounts, so I cannot give an answer, unless I am totally misunderstanding the question!

Alfonz24 · November 7, 2006 9:06AM

Not sure, but he may mean buyers who have several ebay accounts. You block one and then use another.

TWOHOOKS · November 7, 2006 9:09AM

Take a look at another post on this board at this time w/ another E-Bayer with Paypal issues and can't get anyone to help him at Paypal.What a surprise.Does anyone have any ideas how to get the stellar customer service reps at Paypal to call one of their own customers back to help with his issue?

hardcorehockeyfan · November 7, 2006 9:31AM

<< Take a look at another post on this board at this time w/ another E-Bayer with Paypal issues and can't get anyone to help him at Paypal.What a surprise.Does anyone have any ideas how to get the stellar customer service reps at Paypal to call one of their own customers back to help with his issue? >>

Customer service would be better, if there was competition. But who else would eBay allow, that is why they own PayPal!

PayPal. Does it make a difference for buyers? Yes or no?

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