Paypal for 911 parts?

Randy Webb · 03-25-2004, 01:31 PM

Anybody know if Paypal (ouside of eBay) is reliable?

If I seel some 911 parts and get paid via Paypal, can the guy withdraw the funds or something like that so I wind up getting stiffed?

I'm not a business and don't have the PAypal upgraded business account or whatever they call it that gives some kind of insurance.

Thx.

Neilk · 03-25-2004, 01:33 PM

My Citibank Visa allows me to create one use credit card numbers. It seems like a way to protect yourself from muliple charges. I have never used paypal, so I am not sure about protecting yourself from others.

banjomike · banjomike's Garage

www.paypalsucks.com

paypal is not safe for the seller or the purchaser

RickM · RickM's Garage

...and without being a Premium member you can only do $100 a month or something like that.

Hetmann · 03-25-2004, 02:58 PM

Paypal can be ok if you are dealing with a stand up person. I suppose it can suck if you are dealing with a jerk. I have used it for several transactions without getting burnt. If you smell a rat, you might want to make other arrangements.

yelcab1 · 03-25-2004, 03:04 PM

I hate paypal and will not buy or sell via paypal.

steve911 · steve911's Garage

Randy--
I've used paypal a lot to buy/sell things both on ebay and on this board and have had zero problems. I only accept bank transfers (funded with a checking or savings account) - no credit cards. That way, there are no fees. Then I just transfer the $$ to my checking account.

I usually transfer the $$ out of my paypal account and then ship, but have not had a problem. I don't think that anyone can unilaterally reach into your paypal account and yank money out.

As with anything (online biz or face to face) - if it smells bad, don't do it.
hope this helps.

check out my hand painted center caps - paypal accepted!

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

The PayPalSucks site was put up by a disgruntled ex-employee.

PayPal has millions of users who have had no difficulties, and I've done hundreds of transactions with it.

It costs you 2.9% if there is no credit card involved; more if one is involved. But it's essentially instantaneous.

PayPal was bought by eBay within the last year and I'm confident it's a trustworthy system.

Randy Webb · 03-25-2004, 04:42 PM

2.9% -- costs who 2.9% -- the buyer or the seller?? I'm the seller by the way -- just wanna be sure I'm not ripped off.

3.2 CAB · 03-25-2004, 04:59 PM

PAYPAL gets the 2.9.

70SATMan · 03-25-2004, 05:01 PM

Randy,

It's the seller who pays the percentage. Just like any other retailer that accepts credit charges. The credit card companies want their cut for handling the transaction.

I've used paypal for all kinds of things. Both with a credit card and direct transfer. It's no less secure that any other online transaction. If you are going the ebay seller route you are not allowed to charge the buyer for the fee however I've seen more and more people list it like that. The idiots haven't realized that it turns potential business away. Work it into your reserve price or selling price whatever. It's the cost of doing business. The same as shipping/handling.

At least if using paypal you have proof of transactions for both parties. None of this I didn't get the check BS.

My 1.02 (bad economy)

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

In many cases, I offer the buyer the option of paying the 2.9% or I require a money order (which costs them time, trouble & 37 cents postage). Most will pay the extra.

Not sure I would categorize a 2.9% fee as 'getting ripped off'.

ubiquity0 · 06:26 PM

I think its fair to charge the buyer if the charge is made very clear in the auction. I guess you need to couch the saving you get from transferring the fee to the buyer with the fact that this does turn some people off though, & fewer bidders generally means a lower selling price. It may be a wash in the end.

I hate paypal w/ a vengeance for this fee, but if I were bidding on something where buyer pays my max bid would be corresponingly lower.

ttweed · ttweed's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by techweenie
It costs you 2.9% if there is no credit card involved; more if one is involved.

Not so. If there is no credit card involved, there is no fee. As Steve911 said: "I only accept bank transfers (funded with a checking or savings account) - no credit cards. That way, there are no fees." I have never paid a fee with Paypal by simply not using a credit card in the transaction. Any Paypal user who can pay this way is also "verified" and a better risk.

TT

porschenut · 03-25-2004, 06:53 PM

I have used PayPal a zillion times over the last 4 years, never had a problem of any kind. It is secure. And there is no way a seller can "reverse" the transaction once he sends you money, so don't worry about that.

I personally feel the 2.9% that Paypal charges is entirely appropriate. All merchants pay a similar fee to credit card companies for their credit sales, so why shouldn't an auction seller? There's no difference. This is how Paypal makes money for providing the service.

47silver · 47silver's Garage

i used it a few times without problems,,,the fees can add up if you use it a lot just like a credit card, but the money is right there i think it is pretty secure as the person paying has to have the money in the pay pal account to transfer it to you..i think your best bet is a postal money order as postal fraud is frowned upon and aggressively pursued by the postal people.

gary

Matt_C · Matt_C's Garage

I use it regularly to buy and sell on E-Bay and have had no problems. In fact tonight, I just bought a left side block off plate and will be paying for it via Paypal. It's fast, easy to setup and use, and secure.

competentone · 03-25-2004, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by techweenie
PayPal has millions of users who have had no difficulties, and I've done hundreds of transactions with it.

Just try to use their system to buy or sell anything firearm related--even just gun parts--and they may just cancel your account. Contact them about their "anti-firearm, anti-firearm parts" policies (you can read it in their rules) and they will tell you that they are "proud" of their socialist, anti-liberty goals.

Quote:

PayPal was bought by eBay within the last year and I'm confident it's a trustworthy system.

If they're so "trustworthy" then why do they lie and tell users that they need a bank/checking account number to "verify" your account, when they really want the number to debit a user's bank account--instead of charging a user's credit card?

They prefer to debit your bank account, because it costs them next to nothing; if you use your credit card, they make next to nothing. If you read very carefully--they are hoping that you won't--you can catch this before they debit your account and choose the option to use your credit card for a specific transaction.

Their whole marketing effort is selling the idea that a person can use their "credit card" to pay for things, when in reality they are trying to "trick" the users into allowing electronic transfers out of their bank accounts.

Their whole marketing approach is just "deceptive"--but then I guess I shouldn't be surprised about people from the political "left" being deceptive.

Todd Simpson · 03-26-2004, 05:25 AM

Yes, they do "encourage" using your bank account as opposed to a credit card because they make more money...I don't see how that makes them socialists, quite the opposite.

Anyway, I use it quite a bit and like it. I use the same diligence as I would buying or selling with another payment. I don't mind the credit card charge, I figure I get a few additional buyers by accepting a card.

dickster · 03-26-2004, 05:32 AM

randy

i have used it outside of ebay for small amounts no problems.

its convenient, all you need is an email address.