Paypal for Dummies

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by autograf

In all actuality, it's illegal to request that someone pay you 2.9-3% MORE for an item for you to accept paypal. At least that's the way I understand it. That invalidates the user agreement for accepting Paypal. You should build that into your fees or what you're requesting for the item OR give a discount for cash/check, not charge a vig for the choice to use Paypal. Don't think anyone's gonna beat down your doors but always good to know what's up........

While it's not "illegal", it is against their rules. Also, for anybody with a merchant account of any kind (Paypal may fall under this in certain circumstances), it is also against the rules to offer a discount for a cash/check transaction in lieu of a credit card payment...........unless you are selling gas in certain selected states.

[tonyo]

Tim,

I've used paypal for years and never had any problems. More and more places other than eBay are accepting it as well.

Although I understand the points, the whole gift issue is a shoulder shrugger for me....., but I did just update my two listings on BST !

Tony

[B O'Brien]

Being the fine upstanding Irish (C word) boy that I am, I do hate to use the "gift" to sell, due to the guilt, but on the other hand, it helps me sell things at 3% less to the other fine members of 54. I am more than happy to take a 3% hit on ebay from folks I don't know or trust. I only use the 3% gift rule here (checks, cash and MO always welcome!), because I think it is a nice thing to do amoung card trading buddies.

But back to the point from Tim's post. I am a fan of Paypal as a buyer and a seller. I can buy something on my CC without having to worry about having cash on hand. This lets me sell the stuff to pay for it over a month!!! On the seller side, I have sold some stuff to folks on ebay (like myself) that have limited cash on hand, from time to time, until sales are made to pay. I think it has helped me as a buyer and seller on ebay, and the BST.

Hope all is well and just my opinon,
Bob

[dougscats]

I just made a buy using paypal as gift again.
Only this time I feel guilty.
Thanks guys.

In the end, I do usually follow my feelings [I trust them more than rationalization], so my "gift" days may be over [though I still hold out hope of being persuaded otherwise].
Of course, you're right, Jeff; once the word "gift" is used, it's hard to argue ethics [This had dawned on me just before I read your message; I couldn't believe I had conveniently overlooked that word].

I am like an old dog, I'm sorry to say; sometimes I have to learn a lesson a few times before it gets drilled in [though to be honest, age has nothing to do with it; like how many times must I learn to be more prudent and shut up sometimes?].
I've found myself humbled/disappointed in myself on Net54 a few times, now. But I would aspire to integrity, and so I appreciate the lessons.

The aforesaid notwithstanding, I'm happily editing this ending!

I just tested it [Sending money by paypal] your way, drc--going to "Personal"/checking "Payment Owed" [instead of "Gift"], and then changing Method of Payment from credit card to bank account--and lo and behold it worked!--no fee to either buyer or seller!

So you can transact for free, and ethically, too!

Good news for all!

Thanks again.

Duh, Doug

[glynparson]

It is not wrong per the credit card companies policies to give a cash discount it is against the policies to have a credit card surcharge. At least with mine. This may be splitting hairs but the listed price is to be the credit price and you have every right to give someone a cash break just not a credit card surcharge.