What's with all the "Paypal only" sellers?

[Ritt]

Wasn't that YOUR implication when you wrote it? "Paypal is safe and secure"
Was there an inferred level to safe and secure that means..well..only partially safe and secure?

No need for implications or inferences, just read what I wrote.

Paypal's just the safest, quickest, most convenient thing going right now.

That statement, "Paypal is safe and secure", has only been made by one contributor to this thread, and it was made sarcastically. What I wrote, and several others have written, is that among the acceptable options, Paypal is the safest and most convenient option.

 

[Ritt]

Postal Money Order and copy of the receipt from the Post Office, 100% secure, safe.

Take a picture of the money order and receipt, text it to the seller and they can verify the money order number on the receipt, with the actual money order.

Now that you're aware of a system that is 100% safe and secure, I hope you take advantage of it.

You can remit any fees you were intending on spending with Paypal to a charity of your choice.

As I posted before:

I used to accept USPS money orders, but no one uses cash anymore so finding a post office with enough cash to cash a money order for more than about $100 got to be too much of a pain.

Plus for me getting to the post office, finding parking, waiting in line... no thanks, I'll pay for the convenience of paypal.

If you want to work with USPS money orders that's your choice. Other people with make other choices. America, right?

Can you expand on the "paypal is anti-gun" statement? I read this all the time, and beyond the fact that you can't technically use paypal to pay for a firearm, I'm not aware of their anti-gun activities.

Any response? I'd sincerely like to know.

 

[B.F.U]

I don't sell things that are that high end, so waiting for a money order to arrive and having to handle it is usually a consideration. I always factor fees into my prices, and am pretty flexible. I think, sell how you want but how you want.

 

[RevDevil]

As I posted before:



Plus for me getting to the post office, finding parking, waiting in line... no thanks, I'll pay for the convenience of paypal.

If you want to work with USPS money orders that's your choice. Other people with make other choices. America, right?



Any response? I'd sincerely like to know.

Ever try just depositing the money order directly into an ATM or at your bank? Most banks (not talking about neighborhood credit unions) will allow you access to the funds within 24 hours of deposit of a USPS money order. Most post offices will ask you to cash a money order of a large denomination before noon, as they don't keep stacks of cash around all day. If it is a small post office that services a very small or rural population, I wouldn't expect them to be able to handle a large money order unless there is a need (other poeple cashing large amount of money orders daily or weekly).

As far as Paypal being anti-gun, I have never read that statement from them directly. The limitation is more of a business decision that was of course politicized at some point into a trampling of 2nd Amendment rights, at least that is what it looks like from a first glance perspective. They offer a service and being 'Merica and all, they have the "right" to limit or dictate the use as they see fit. 'Merica.

 

[Ritt]

Ever try just depositing the money order directly into an ATM or at your bank? Most banks (not talking about neighborhood credit unions) will allow you access to the funds within 24 hours of deposit of a USPS money order. Most post offices will ask you to cash a money order of a large denomination before noon, as they don't keep stacks of cash around all day. If it is a small post office that services a very small or rural population, I wouldn't expect them to be able to handle a large money order unless there is a need (other poeple cashing large amount of money orders daily or weekly).

Over the years that I've been doing this, I've arrived at the decision that, all things considered, paypal works best for me. I'm not looking for alternative ways to exchange goods and money. So no, I haven't tried depositing the money order at the bank, and I'm not interested in taking a money order and depositing it at the bank. I never asked for feedback or advice on how I handle the business end of my hobbies.

OP posted a question, why do so many people insist on paypal? He got lots of answers to that question, but it seems he's not really interested in the question he posed, but in arguing that his way is the best way. Again, he can do what he wants, and so can everyone else.

 

[gzb]

OP posted a question, why do so many people insist on paypal? He got lots of answers to that question, but it seems he's not really interested in the question he posed, but in arguing that his way is the best way. Again, he can do what he wants, and so can everyone else.

^^^This^^^

 

[RevDevil]

Over the years that I've been doing this, I've arrived at the decision that, all things considered, paypal works best for me. I'm not looking for alternative ways to exchange goods and money. So no, I haven't tried depositing the money order at the bank, and I'm not interested in taking a money order and depositing it at the bank. I never asked for feedback or advice on how I handle the business end of my hobbies.

OP posted a question, why do so many people insist on paypal? He got lots of answers to that question, but it seems he's not really interested in the question he posed, but in arguing that his way is the best way. Again, he can do what he wants, and so can everyone else.

Relax guy, no one is is doing anything here but discussing. We are all well aware of what the OP asked. If you have a system that works for you, that is fine. For the new guys that are wondering what to do or what "the best way" may be to handle transactions this entire discussion might be helpful. I wasn't directing the depositing comments to your situation directly, rather posting an alternative for the "rest of us".

 

[Ritt]

Relax guy, no one is is doing anything here but discussing. We are all well aware of what the OP asked. If you have a system that works for you, that is fine. For the new guys that are wondering what to do or what "the best way" may be to handle transactions this entire discussion might be helpful. I wasn't directing the depositing comments to your situation directly, rather posting an alternative for the "rest of us".

I am relaxed, just answering questions and bringing my point of view to the discussion.

 

[Guy Montag]

OP posted a question, why do so many people insist on paypal? He got lots of answers to that question, but it seems he's not really interested in the question he posed, but in arguing that his way is the best way. Again, he can do what he wants, and so can everyone else.

Reading is fundamental. At no point have I suggested any of the SEVERAL methods other than Paypal to be the "best" way, and while I couldn't care less whether you take wampum as currency, I am genuinely interested in the input of others who can actually read what I've stated. Find another Bridge to dwell under, your routine is tiresome.

 

[Ritt]

Reading is fundamental. At no point have I suggested any of the SEVERAL methods other than Paypal to be the "best" way, and while I couldn't care less whether you take wampum as currency, I am genuinely interested in the input of others who can actually read what I've stated. Find another Bridge to dwell under, your routine is tiresome.

That's true, you're not suggesting that any method of payment is the best, that was an incorrect statement on my part. But you do continue to bash paypal, because you say they're anti-gun and they're trampling on your 2nd amendment rights, though when asked directly (twice) you are unwilling or unable to provide evidence of that.

You're interested in the input of others? Really? The advantages of paypal are obvious and have been stated in this thread many times by many different people. You started this thread to bash on paypal, plain and simple, the only thing you're interested in hearing is people agreeing with you.

You're welcome to ignore my posts and insult me, but I'm not going anywhere and I'll continue to contribute to this thread if I choose to do so. If you don't want dissenting opinions you'll be a lot happier on the gun forums.

 

[craytab]

Relax guy, no one is is doing anything here but discussing.

Reading is fundamental. At no point have I suggested any of the SEVERAL methods other than Paypal to be the "best" way, and while I couldn't care less whether you take wampum as currency, I am genuinely interested in the input of others who can actually read what I've stated. Find another Bridge to dwell under, your routine is tiresome.

Hmmm, it would seem to me that the OP is doing a little more than discussing.....

Paypal is much simpler, and unless its a high dollar item, cheaper.
There's a fee to purchase a money order plus the cost of shipping it.

Maybe it's different if you live in a small town right next to the post office, but a trip to the post office to purchase or cash a money order takes about 30 minutes for me between driving and waiting in line. Time=money.

This is they way I see it. My time is valuable. The line at my local PO sucks to wait in. Most of the ladies working the counter are not exactly pleasant to deal with, but I wouldn't be either considering the types of inept and trashy people they have to argue with all day long. The good thing about my local PO is they have one of those self service machines so I don't even have to go in to the main part of the office when shipping.

To address some of what has been stated about dealing with money orders, I don't want to take pictures of receipts and text them to folks. Again, that takes time. I don't want to go to the bank if not necessary. I really like doing other things with my time, like perusing this great place.

One thing that has not been mentioned about asking for Money orders for payment, it can significantly hurt you as a seller. We all know that in the Production folders individual section that the time you ad stays on the first page is very little, a day at best usually. So in that time, the first page is the optimal place for your ad to stay. After that time, you can't get it in that optimal spot for another 14 days. So while I am waiting several days for someone to send me a money order, my ad is moving further down. Now, what if that person flakes out? I have to wait days to figure that out. By this time my ad is on page 3 or 4. I just got screwed by asking for money order only. I have to wait another 14 days before I can put my ad back on the front page. With paypal, the whole process I just described takes place on MY time schedule. If X person doesn't pay by my stated time, I can move on to the next buyer. This is a significant reason why I only use paypal when selling.

 

[LEGION 12]

Don't buy from people who use PayPal. We won't care.

 

[DallasSTB]

My preference to use PayPal is only based on my perspective as a collector - it provides reasonable protection for an almost immediate financial transaction. AND I will almost always pay the fee upcharge - whether the seller includes them in the asking price or not. Using other methods of payment can sway my buying decisions if I'm on the fence, but are not insurmountable. I will admit that a seller asking for "net to me" or a single, specific method of payment is a bit of an irritant though.

On the flipside, if I were in this business for a living I'd do whatever I could to 1) make things easy for the buyer, and 2) protect my business from fraud/hacks. Not saying that would change my preference, but it would make me look at PP through a different lens before stating that it's the best system for my needs.

 

[beaconterraone]

As someone who sells online occasionally, I have no problem accepting money orders or cash (I will not accept checks). However, I understand how PayPal appeals, since you'll know quickly if the buyer actually intends to follow through. Then again, a crooked buyer can scam you good with PayPal, since Buyer Protection is stacked against even a diligent seller.

 

[choombak]

paypal, because I can do it all without leaving home, my time is also valuable to me, their fees more than compensate me for MY time saved. There IS a certain level of buyer protection and they also do my international exchange for me. I use it less so here in Aus as most all of us use EFT direct to the sellers bank account.

^^^^ This - time.

My last postal MO consumed an hour - the first post office was "out of them", and the second required a 8 mile trip and 30 minute wait. This hour is an order of magnitude (10x) in lost money, way more than the PayPal fees I intended to save...

 

[magnumb]

Hmmm, it would seem to me that the OP is doing a little more than discussing.....

It would certainly be impossible to refute your inference given the OP's most recent choice of words/attitude on how to respond to Ritt's posts. It is evident that the OP feels Ritt's subtle 'dressing down' only applied to Ritt and needn't be heeded by himself or others. Given the OP's escalation of what most of us previously discerned as a subtle warning to all, I'm sure that once RD has eventually noticed or has the time to respond, he will.

PayPal is conveinent and works for me. There are obviously many other choices, but none as easy and quick as using this particular way of making a payment......IMHO. Bulletproof......probably not, but so far, so good. That they choose not to allow firearm transactions, not particularly endearing to me, but their choice to make as it is for us when we decide which method we choose when making a payment. If a seller requires a particular method of payment, again, his right/choice to do so.

It is not our place to inquire as to others reasons for their choices and/or preferences. Play ball by the rules of those possessing it, or don't. Simple.

 

[TOMBSTONE]

I'm a member of a couple of gun forums though I don't frequent them much. Since you can't make gun purchases and certain other items with PayPal it makes sense that it isn't well liked on those forums and stands to reason the most used option is money orders. However places like this and eBay that's what we use. I can't say I would refuse a money order but I usually don't list as an option because I prefer PayPal for many reasons. If you don't like the sales terms you can politely ask for an exception or move along to spend your money with someone that will take your payment method.

 

[TOMBSTONE]

Oh and as far as the anti gun stance. I can't say I've ever seen any direct evidence, but I can see how it comes accross as such. I mean if my Visa or MasterCard companies tried to dictate my purchases I would not be pleased.

 

[bld522]

Oh boy. Oh boy. Another PayPal discussion. Here's my position:

First, this is not eBay.

Second, BladeForums does not enforce the PayPal TOS.

Third, if the seller DEMANDS PayPal, then the seller should pay the fees. (Seller's choice.)

Fourth, If the seller OFFERS PayPal as a payment option but doesn't demand payment via PayPal and the buyer CHOOSES to pay using PayPal, then the buyer should pay the fees. (Buyer's choice.)

That is all.

 

[james terrio]

It's secure, convenient, fast, and safe. You don't have to wait for a MO to arrive, then drive somewhere to deal with it.
Sellers that insist on buyers paying the fee are wrong, and it is against the TOS.

That's it in a nutshell. :thumbup:

I would add that accepting MO's/personal checks is a huge pain in the neck, because both the seller and the buyer have to wait for the check to clear (after the seller waits for it to show up via snail-mail and whenever the buyer decided to go ahead and drop it in the mail, turns it over to his/her bank, pays the fees, etc). Wire transfers are not as quick as you might think either, and often involve much higher fees for both the sender and recipient than PP does. As for accepting CC's directly, for a one-man shop or part-time re-seller, the fees and surcharges involved are almost insurmountable... although that's becoming more and more reasonable.

As a knifemaker, I prefer to accept PayPal because it just plain works for everyone involved. Full disclosure - other than hand-to-hand in-person cash sales, PayPal is the least expensive, most efficient way for me to get paid for my knives.

Now read that again, and remember it the next time some jerk wants you to pay his PP fees for buying something from him.

The protections they provide definitely favor the buyer, and I'm OK with that. So far, I haven't been screwed by any fraudulent buyers - although it can happen.

Personally, I accept any legal method of payment the client prefers, at the exact same price. I abide by the terms-of-service I signed-off on for all that stuff, and absorb/average those costs into my pricing, so it really doesn't matter much to me in the long-run.

But I simply can't promise the same speediness of delivery if I have to wait a week or more for snail-mail. If the buyer flakes out, or the promised MO/transfer/check just never shows up for whatever reason... I'm out a sale and have to start over. Good luck asking me to wait for that next time.

Just look at the Knife Exchange here on the Forum, there's lots of guys who expect buyers to eat the fees, it's what sparked my initial question.

Never, ever, EVER do business with a person who charges you extra to send them your money quicker. They are crooks, plain and simple. Especially the ones who ask you to use the "gift" option instead of "payment for goods/services". :thumbdn: :grumpy:

As a seller, one has to be careful as well. If it sounds too good to be true....