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Sellers forced to decline checks / money orders - I STRONGLY DISLIKE eBay!

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  • mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    I do not like this at all. I think ebay needs to let people have an option instead of shoving paypal into people's faces.

    I used to sell and buy on ebay. I like to pay via money orders and loved to receive money orders. I occasionally accepted paypal but a lot of buyers were happy to send a money order to avoid paying the 3% fees.
    Successful Buying and Selling transactions with:

    Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.


  • << <i>But the more control ebay takes on transactions, the more control they have over the successful outcome of the transaction. >>



    Tell that to sellers who've been scammed by fraudulent Paypal chargebacks.
    “When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” — Benjamin Franklin


    My icon IS my coin. It is a gem 1949 FBL Franklin.
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>But the more control ebay takes on transactions, the more control they have over the successful outcome of the transaction. >>

    Tell that to sellers who've been scammed by fraudulent Paypal chargebacks. >>



    I take responsibility for my own scammer protection. I don't need their help.

    I've been a little ticked lately at all their attempts to tell me how to run a retail business. They are not a retailer, have never been in retailing, and I have no reason to believe they know anything about retailing. And much of their "selling tips" advice is thinly veiled attempts to get their fees up. --Jerry
  • renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,829 ✭✭✭✭✭
    So what's the concensus here? Is there any way to petition eBay so that they can at least make this fair to us? Is this racketeering, and does it need to be brought into some kind of lawsuit?

    I feel cheated and used.
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    This is a fee grab, pure and simple. eBay's argument that it's for buyer protection is hogwash.



    << <i>Sellers forced to decline checks / money orders - I STRONGLY DISLIKE eBay! >>



    Your thread title is incorrect. eBay has explicitly stated that if a buyer asks to pay by mail, the seller is free to say yes. A seller cannot offer that option. Of course the nebulous nature of the way they worded this allows for all kinds of potential for the clueless T&S drones to sanction sellers on a whim.

    Russ, NCNE
  • lordmarcovanlordmarcovan Posts: 43,893 ✭✭✭✭✭
    What MadMarty said.

    As long as they don't get too greedy with their monopolistic fees, I'm OK with it. Electronic payment is SO much better than oldfashioned snailmail payment, and I for one will be relieved not to have to deal with those anymore.

    I can see the point of those who are annoyed, though.

    Explore collections of lordmarcovan on CollecOnline, management, safe-keeping, sharing and valuation solution for art piece and collectibles.
  • ChrisRxChrisRx Posts: 5,619 ✭✭✭✭
    BBQ, I dig that image image
    image
  • HyperionHyperion Posts: 7,440 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I applaud ebay for this. I know it seems restrictive, but it appears ebay is finally taking a responsible step towards minimizing scams. Buying with a check or money order left the buyer with little recourse in a problem transaction. I know this adds to the cost of the seller, but it is just a cost of doing business. And, who knows, if ebay does actually clean up the playing field it just might increase the bidder base substantially making for higher bids. >>




    agreed. I got shafted on a golf club (excuse the pun), it was a nominal amount and went via MO.... after I sent the MO, I got notice of a NARU, but I was already SOL.
  • streeterstreeter Posts: 4,312 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Read the article in Barrons ---ebay getting rid of 10% of it's workforce.

    They can't get it right. Everytime they make a policy change, they alienate either buyers or sellers and --- I have yet to see them do it right where they brought more to the table than they took. In the old days, Pierre actually sold---but I doubt that many managers or directors participate in auctions as sellers.
    Have a nice day
  • HyperionHyperion Posts: 7,440 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Not that I sell a lot on EBay, but I'm done. I recently sold an 1882 $10 gold piece MS62 and between the auction and PayPal fees, it's just not worth it. There are enough other avenues. Sad though. >>



    they're providing you a high visibility medium to sell that you could never achieve on your own. you can't have that kind of visibility without a signifigant capital investment. try doing better selling to your local dealer. I think you got better than the dealers sub-wholesale offer.
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Electronic payment is SO much better than oldfashioned snailmail payment >>



    What about buyers who refuse to use electronic payment? eBay is all about the buyer these days, yet this move throws them under the bus. And there are still a signficant number of buyers who fall in this category. In August, nearly $5000 of my sales were paid by checks and money orders.

    Russ, NCNE


  • << <i>

    << <i>I don't see what the big deal is. Probably 90% of my customers pay with Paypal anyway. I accept, but really don't like, personal checks or other forms of payment.

    >>




    Here's great volume seller - FLAcoin
    Most of his sales are international and he doesn't accept PayPal. They're basically telling him to buzz-off. >>



    The execs at Ebay definitely are of the "let them eat cake" variety. You're link to the darkside seller is a great instance of how this policy will adversely affect some sellers (beyond just ticking them off) and will likely drive them to other venues. I don't see how the linked seller will be able to continue doing business with his existing model.

    I suspect we'll see the rise of Google/Froogle auctions soon enough and that'll finally put a stake in the heart of Ebay and their blood sucking execs.

    Thanks for the link. It did provide perspective on an angle that I hadn't really considered. Most of the ranting on this thread is about how Paypal dings the seller for an extra 3% (or whatever). But clearly some sellers deal with customers (like the guy linked above) that are likely to not have Paypal accounts.

    Also the bit above about legal tender between to adults in a transaction is interesting. All manner of angles to mull over with that concept.

    Cheers all,

    Bob
  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭
    Does not bother me, 95% of my transactions are with pay-pal.

    FatMan had a good point that even though they are taking more control that also gives more control for a better transaction and less chance of a scam.
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Does not bother me, 95% of my transactions are with pay-pal. FatMan had a good point that even though they are taking more control that also gives more control for a better transaction and less chance of a scam. >>



    I don't want to throw away 5% of my sales.

    Once size fits all conservative fixes generally never make me happy because I am never the limiting case. Basicly it you design a system to be stupid proof it only makes stupid people happy. --Jerry
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I suspect we'll see the rise of Google/Froogle auctions soon enough and that'll finally put a stake in the heart of Ebay and their blood sucking execs. >>



    That will never happen. Google rakes in huge money from eBay. They aren't going to risk that relationship.

    Russ, NCNE
  • CoxeCoxe Posts: 11,139
    Haven't read the thread responses yet, but here the the most revealing thing in that FAQ:

    Google's and Amazon's products and services compete with eBay on a number of levels, so we are not going to allow them on eBay.

    Ah so the whole PayPal thing isn't all just about protecting the eBay users or streamlining anything? It might be about more money for EBAY shareholders?
    Select Rarities -- DMPLs and VAMs
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  • stevekstevek Posts: 30,229 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Can you believe this?

    Now, you will be forced to accept Paypal, Credit Cards, or some other "approved" electronic payment method for all sales. Read: You must now pay us three percent off the top in addition to our already exorbinant FVFs!!! >>



    From ebay FAQ:

    <<< "Beginning in late October 2008, checks and money orders will no longer be allowed as payment methods on eBay."

    Then later....

    What should I do if I have long-standing, repeat customers who insist on paying with checks or money orders, even after I explain the benefits of electronic payments and offer suggestions?

    "We know this may happen occasionally, and if you accept checks or money orders from these customers a reasonably small percentage of the time, this will not be a violation of the new payments policy." >>>


    Well, that doesn't mean it "will no longer be allowed" now does it?
  • 53BKid53BKid Posts: 2,176 ✭✭✭
    The goose laying the golden eggs has been cooking a while now.

    Ebay's stock has been in a three year decline going back to its peak in Jan 05, declining by more than 50% from a high of $58.88 to just under $23 currently. Despite all the changes made since then, they've accomplished very little for shareholders--meanwhile greatly irritating their revenue source--sellers. Poor business judgement.

    I've reduced my sales on eBay substantially. Other than when they have really compelling specials, I don't even bother anymore.



    HAPPY COLLECTING!!!
  • renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,829 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Actually, the whole portion of that text reads like this:

    "What should I do if I have long-standing, repeat customers who insist on paying with checks or money orders, even after I explain the benefits of electronic payments and offer suggestions?

    We know this may happen occasionally, and if you accept checks or money orders from these customers a reasonably small percentage of the time, this will not be a violation of the new payments policy. However, we will not allow abuse of the new policy and will be watching for sellers who accept a significant amount of prohibited payments. Remember also, you can refuse to accept these payment methods. If the buyer doesn't pay, you can file an unpaid item (UPI) complaint. Buyers who insist on paying with these prohibited payment methods in a UPI claim will lose the claim and will not be allowed to leave negative feedback."

    And if that doesn't read like BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU and WE'LL DECIDE WHAT'S APPROPRIATE, then I don't know what does. Not forced? Yeah right! You don't HAVE to buy protection from the mafia when they stop by your shop, either!
  • ziggy29ziggy29 Posts: 18,668 ✭✭✭


    << <i>"What should I do if I have long-standing, repeat customers who insist on paying with checks or money orders, even after I explain the benefits of electronic payments and offer suggestions?

    We know this may happen occasionally, and if you accept checks or money orders from these customers a reasonably small percentage of the time, this will not be a violation of the new payments policy. >>

    The question, obviously, is: What is the definition of "reasonaby small?"

    Is it the old Potter Stewart standard -- we can't define it but we know it when we see it? Can something that arbitrary really be enforceable?
  • I have sharply curtailed my ebay sales the past year. Now it looks as if I will likely stop completely.

    I closed my Paypud account years ago after seeing how unfair they can be. I absolutely refuse to use Paypal ever again.

    I guess I will be using Teletrade more than anything else.
    "Wars are really ugly! They're dirty
    and they're cold.
    I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
    Mary






    Best Franklin Website
  • BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    Ebay is doing a fine job of slow death!

    Browse around & think back to just 2 years ago.

    Definitely NOT the same - at all.
  • What should I do if I have long-standing, repeat customers who insist on paying with checks or money orders, even after I explain the benefits of electronic payments and offer suggestions?

    We know this may happen occasionally, and if you accept checks or money orders from these customers a reasonably small percentage of the time, this will not be a violation of the new payments policy. However, we will not allow abuse of the new policy and will be watching for sellers who accept a significant amount of prohibited payments. Remember also, you can refuse to accept these payment methods. If the buyer doesn't pay, you can file an unpaid item (UPI) complaint. Buyers who insist on paying with these prohibited payment methods in a UPI claim will lose the claim and will not be allowed to leave negative feedback."


    so i guess this means they are starting to b*tchslap the buyers too???image
    my ebay items BST transactions/swaps/giveaways with: Tiny, raycyca,mrpaseo, Dollar2007,Whatafind, Boom, packers88, DBSTrader2, 19Lyds, Mar327, pontiacinf, ElmerFusterpuck.
  • BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    << What should I do if I have long-standing, repeat customers who insist on paying with checks or money orders, even after I explain the benefits of electronic payments and offer suggestions?>>

    Whooot .... there go another 1500 ebay employees!

    Piss off the sellers - Steerike 1

    Piss off the buyers - Steeerike -uh 2!

    Next time - OUTTA HERE!
    image
  • BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    With all this going on - for some strange reason -

    I keep thinking of The Boston Tea Party!

    Keep it up - FEEBAY! You're doing a FINE job! image
  • ConnecticoinConnecticoin Posts: 13,113 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Does not bother me, 95% of my transactions are with pay-pal.

    FatMan had a good point that even though they are taking more control that also gives more control for a better transaction and less chance of a scam. >>



    I don't have too much of a problem with then forcing Paypal as a payment option, but not being able to offer "paper" payment options will result in less bids. That 5% not bidding can have a significant effect on prices realized.
  • BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    << that also gives more control for a better transaction and less chance of a scam. >>

    This IS True!

    image
  • Dave99BDave99B Posts: 8,701 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I received one lonely money order on my last 20 sales on the Bay. 19 PayPal payments and 1 money order. In the last year, I'd say 90%-95% of my buyers are already using PayPal anyway, even before being "strong armed" to do so.

    I sell nice material, and I expect the guy who sent the money order would have used PayPal if that were the only alternative.

    Folks, this is not really a huge deal.

    Dave
    Always looking for original, better date VF20-VF35 Barber quarters and halves, and a quality beer.

  • You're wrong. It is a HUGE deal.
  • Dave99BDave99B Posts: 8,701 ✭✭✭✭✭
    By the way, to the dooms and gloomers: Have you noticed the continued rise in eBay’s revenues and earnings? They’re on pace for record top and bottom line numbers this year. How exactly does this jive with the end of eBay scenario?

    How are these ‘idiots’ doing this? Maybe dumb luck?

    MS Money

    Dave
    Always looking for original, better date VF20-VF35 Barber quarters and halves, and a quality beer.


  • << <i>I received one lonely money order on my last 20 sales on the Bay. 19 PayPal payments and 1 money order. In the last year, I'd say 90%-95% of my buyers are already using PayPal anyway, even before being "strong armed" to do so.

    I sell nice material, and I expect the guy who sent the money order would have used PayPal if that were the only alternative.

    Folks, this is not really a huge deal.

    Dave >>



    I think where the big deal lies, is for large transactions. Not that I have any, but I'm sure alot of forum members sell $5000 or $10000 coins here and there. Someone buys a $10000 coin and all the seller can accept is paypal, now what happens if the buyer makes up some story like the box was empty, the wrong coin was sent, or not described properly. Furthermore, paypal has been known (go to paypalsucks.org or paypalsucks.com) to freeze accounts for 6 months left and right.

    To add a little more it is also a matter of consumers having to pay more. Alot of sellers who accept checks only have the best prices and you can ofter times find a coin 5 or 10% cheaper from a check only person. COnsumers get hurt here because they will be paying more. DOn't get me wrong if a seller accepts checks only and has been around for a few months with 20 feedback I want nothing to do with them, but if a seller has 1500 fb and all positives and accepts checks only and is 5 or 10% cheaper than others then this is a great deal for myself and others.

    IT also boils down to principle. Again, if someone wants to save 5 or 10% and pay with a check they assume a little risk with no protection, but that might be a risk they are willing to assume to save a little money. In addition, I hear alot that the paypal protection plan isn't all that it is cracked up to me. Finally, if two grown adults want to mutually agreee into a transaction by a check it is a matter of principle, part of our democracy, and their right to do so, it is not for someone to stop them because they want a little more cut of the transaction.
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I received one lonely money order on my last 20 sales on the Bay. 19 PayPal payments and 1 money order. In the last year, I'd say 90%-95% of my buyers are already using PayPal anyway, even before being "strong armed" to do so. I sell nice material, and I expect the guy who sent the money order would have used PayPal if that were the only alternative. Folks, this is not really a huge deal. Dave >>



    Dave,
    You're incorrect. I just looked in my briefcase and I have 6 checks/MOs for about $1700 total that I'll be depositing today. This morning an ebay buyer dropped a check in the mail for $1960. There is real money out there that doesn't like paypal. Hopefully they'll realize they can still send a check/mo if they want, I just can't ask for it.

    I'm also going to get a merchant credit card account when I find the right one.

    --Jerry
  • ebaytraderebaytrader Posts: 3,312 ✭✭✭


    << <i>By the way, to the dooms and gloomers: Have you noticed the continued rise in eBay’s revenues and earnings? They’re on pace for record top and bottom line numbers this year. How exactly does this jive with the end of eBay scenario?

    How are these ‘idiots’ doing this? Maybe dumb luck?

    MS Money

    Dave >>




    PayPal is their bread-and-butter. Feebay auctions are falling off dramatically. The new fee structure is a cynical way to boost listings as iOffer has been eating feebay's lunch.


    feebay listinngs - compare the August trend to September and the new fee structure

    feebay sell-thru rates - nothing has changed but the price you pay

  • Dave99BDave99B Posts: 8,701 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have 6 checks/MOs for about $1700 total that I'll be depositing today....

    Hope they don't bounce!

    Dave
    Always looking for original, better date VF20-VF35 Barber quarters and halves, and a quality beer.
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I have 6 checks/MOs for about $1700 total that I'll be depositing today....

    Hope they don't bounce!

    Dave >>



    Knock on wood. I have NEVER had one bounce. --Jerry
  • Dave99BDave99B Posts: 8,701 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I hope like H*LL l I didn't jinx you! image

    Dave
    Always looking for original, better date VF20-VF35 Barber quarters and halves, and a quality beer.
  • ccmorganccmorgan Posts: 1,232 ✭✭✭
    I'm now officially done with ebay. This spring I canceled my paypal account due to their anti-gun(2A)stance. They will not even allow the sale of empty brass.
    Then a month ago I put up 3 1999 silver proof sets and they stopped the auction because I didn't accept paypal.
    Then I put the sets up for sale here and sold all 3.
    I've had enough with their greed...first anti gun then raising the fees now forcing paypal down your throat for another 3% in their pocket.

    Screw ebay!!!!!!!!!
    Love the 1885-CC Morgan
  • SaorAlbaSaorAlba Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Lately most of my fleaBay buys have been paid for with cheques or money orders. Some sellers are sticking to their guns, and I don't blame them. A couple of years ago to avoid paypoo fees I offered a 2% discount if you paid by cheque or money order. Of course my auctions got shut down for that nefarious violation of their infernal rules. I kissed fleaBay off for selling back when the new seller and feedbag rules went into effect. Now after October my buying will go away too.
    Tir nam beann, nan gleann, s'nan gaisgeach ~ Saorstat Albanaich a nis!
  • renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,829 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here's where I draw the line: $1000.00

    If I'm selling an item for less than that, I'll take Paypal. If it's for more, check or money order only. I have always offered my buyers the chance to pay any way they want to. I offer a discount or free shipping after the listing closes for non-Paypal payments. I offer to let buyers pay by Paypal as long as they agree to pay the fees. I have never ever had even the slightest bit of discontent. Many buyers offer to pay the fees, and others are delighted to pay by MO for a discount. And the whole time, I'm sure eBay is watching their share go down the drain.

    Now what relly pisses me off is: while eBay appears to be sticking it to the buyer, they are transferring that ignomious role to you, the seller.

    I don't know about you, but if my favorite seller started filing NPB claims against me because I wouldn't open a PP account, I'd stop doing business there.

    And really, why would anybody auction their goods at a house that has trouble getting bids from people that matter?
  • mr1931Smr1931S Posts: 6,418 ✭✭✭✭✭
    now what happens if the buyer makes up some story like the box was empty, the wrong coin was sent, or not described properly.

    the box was empty
    Wouldn't insurance cover this claim?

    Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.

  • mr1931Smr1931S Posts: 6,418 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Is the final value fee for selling a coin on ebay now really 12% or am I seeing things??????

    Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.

  • renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,829 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Whoa! 12%!!! Where did you see that?
  • i think that is correct. correct me if i`m wrong. add to this the listing fees and paypal fees and yer gittin up thereimage
    my ebay items BST transactions/swaps/giveaways with: Tiny, raycyca,mrpaseo, Dollar2007,Whatafind, Boom, packers88, DBSTrader2, 19Lyds, Mar327, pontiacinf, ElmerFusterpuck.
  • coinpicturescoinpictures Posts: 5,345 ✭✭✭
    You're wrong. That is for fixed price listings. Auction is still 8.75%.


  • << <i>You're wrong. That is for fixed price listings. Auction is still 8.75%. >>



    The big difference is on the fixed price listing you can list an item for 30 days for .35-you just pay more at the end.
    Crazy old man from Missouri
  • renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,829 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I was charged $105 total for $3650 in sales last month after a 20% discount in FVF. That's really like 3%, so where is this 9% - 12% number coming from?
  • mr1931Smr1931S Posts: 6,418 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The 12% is for fixed price listings.Being able to list for 30 days for $.35 helps some I guess.

    Its been awhile since I listed anything on ebay.They are pricing themselves out of existence it seems.

    Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.

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