posted on April 15, 2005 05:31:45 PM new
Just wondering if/how Canadian sellers offer paypal, and how they deal with the question of delivery confirmation, $ exchange fees, etc.
Neglus asked me why I don't accept paypal and I thought this thread might help me consider the pros/cons.
posted on April 15, 2005 05:50:19 PM new
I am a Canadian seller, and I accept Paypal from US buyers only as a rule. The odd buyer who I know has been a good customer, I change my setting for so that they can use it. So far, I have NEVER had a Paypal problem.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean here. Were you thinking "...as an exception", based on your further explanation?
"The odd buyer who I know has been a good customer, I change my setting for so that they can use it."
Do you sell multiples of the same/similar widgets? If so I can see doing that. I don't think it would work for me though as I mostly get unique buyers with the antiques/collectibles I usually offer.
Do you use delivery confirmation? Can one do so for items mailed from Canada? As I understand it from others here, without dc, one leaves oneself open to instantly losing a none-delivery pp dispute.
posted on April 15, 2005 07:10:50 PM new
bcpostcard: I sell craft items, books, yarn etc, so I get a lot of repeat buyers. Some are in Canada and England, and as a courtesy to them, I change my setting from "Paypal from US buyers only" long enough for them to pay by Paypal, and then change it back.
If you use expedited mail, you can get delivery confirmation, but not for small packages or letter mail. As I said, I have never had a problem with Paypal, no chargebacks etc. On a couple of occasions when buyer have reported a problem, I just reverse their Paypal payments. Most of my buyers are from the US, and about 70% of them pay by Paypal. I will not take Paypal from International buyers for higher priced items.
thanks for explaining. I think I now understand how/why you temporarily accept paypal payments from repeat or trusted buyers. But if that's as far as you go with paypal, then it's understandable that you haven't had problems with chargebacks.
As you sell recurring items to regular, repeat customers, it also makes sense that when a small problem does occur, you generously reverse the PP payment. A grand gesture that (while hopefully not too expensive for you) will no doubt be greatly apreciated by and encourage buyers to remain loyal, and purchase more.
But, so far as I have seen with the paypal kvetches on this board, it's essentially the unique buyer with their own personal axe to grind that creaters many problems for sellers allowing blanket PP payments. This is my concern.
"If you use expedited mail, you can get delivery confirmation, but not for small packages or letter mail."
I thought expedited parcels from Canada DO include delivery confirmation (not criticizing you here). Does Paypal accept the Canadian expedited parcel's dc as sufficient proof of delivery? Can this be verified on Paypal's site?
It would be nice to know ahead of time. If so, this would work for the larger/heavier items suitable for expedited, but as you say would still leave exposed the small packets or letter mail items.
posted on April 16, 2005 02:59:05 AM new
As a non-US based seller we used to accept PayPal in it's early days when there were sufficient safeguards for sellers. After PayPal decided they no longer wanted to look after the interests of sellers (who incidentally create all the business income for PayPal) we closed our account. We prefer to accept other forms of payments that are not subject to arbitrary reversals or charge backs months or even years down the line.
Canadian and non-US based sellers would be advised to only accept PayPal from US buyers and ship through the mail to the buyer - that way you can file Federal Mail Fraud charges against delinquent buyers who pull charge backs or payment reversals. You can do this if you ship by other carriers or to other countries.
posted on April 16, 2005 03:37:20 AM new
Yes, expedited mail does include delivery confirmation, I have never had to make a claim, so I don't know if Paypal would accept it. Personally I would not accept Paypal from International (including Canadian) buyers, apart from the exceptions that I mentioned. I do find that Bidpay is not too popular with buyers because of the cost, and also, they are now limiting which credit cards can be used, and most people are not comfortable sending cash. International money orders are also expensive, so there really is a problem with payments from International buyers.
posted on April 16, 2005 04:45:17 AM new
Actually we don't have any problem with international bidders except US ones. Then we insist on money orders (47 cent ones from WalMart or 7 Eleven are fine).
All others pay direct into our bank accounts in their country or currency zone i.e. IBAN transfers for Euro zone. No problem!
"After PayPal decided they no longer wanted to look after the interests of sellers (who incidentally create all the business income for PayPal) we closed our account. We prefer to accept other forms of payments that are not subject to arbitrary reversals or charge backs months or even years down the line."
I'm of the same mind on these points. Can't deny I'm likely losing some bids/sales, yet I still feel thrilled to not have to worry about chargebacks or, for that matter the problems some sellers using paypal are currently debating on this board (and please note I am not gloating here) - paypal: robot phonecalls? Keylogging? Phishes? Yuk!
amber
"Yes, expedited mail does include delivery confirmation, I have never had to make a claim, so I don't know if Paypal would accept it."
Despite what I have said above, I'm thinking I'll have to do a Paypal test run of my own, soon, so I can decide for myself whether or not or how well PP would work with my particular mix of widgets. I'll get around at some point to emailing PP re expedited parcel dc's and see if it gets their seal of approval.
I've had 50-something people pay with Bidpay so far, problem-free too save for sometimes taking 3+ weeks getting here (I ship goods soon after conf. email), so it is definitely a viable and good payment option. A couple of my buyers also moaned about the cost when the total was for a larger amount. "Why can't they pay with PP?" Answer, maybe because it then costs ME.
BP m/o's certainly aren't free, but they are price-competitive with other places' m/o's (at least at the lower amounts, and there are cost-savings when one can order from the comfort of their computer and don't have to write a check or physically get a m/o from the bank, PO and run out to mail the letter. What's your time worth? I have received Bidpay m/o's from a few dollars up to several hundred, so the BP costs don't matter if the buyers want the widget or if they are better-off buyers anyways.
posted on April 16, 2005 08:09:10 PM new
I don't think delivery confirmation even matters. A transaction between Canada and the U.S. is an international transaction and not subject to seller protection. Consequently, a buyer can charge back the full amount at any time by claiming they didn't receive the item. As far as I know, there is no exemption between Canada and the U.S. Maybe Tomwii will check in a little later. He has disected the seller protection rule every way possible and can give a definitive answer because I'm not 100% sure when it comes to Canada.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
posted on April 16, 2005 09:23:56 PM new
"A transaction between Canada and the U.S. is an international transaction and not subject to seller protection."
Doh...! Think you're right on this one sparkz. I seem to recall reading a thread along those lines sometime ago (now that you've refreshed my memory).
Still, lets wait for Tom as it'll give him a chance to let 'er rip once again. It'll be fun.
posted on April 16, 2005 09:51:27 PM new
BC...Actually, all Tom does is do the typing. Ralphie is the brains in the outfit. We'll have to wait on him for the clarification
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
posted on April 16, 2005 10:15:41 PM new
LOL. Hmm...yeah, Tom's lucky to have Ralphie. I may not have a dog, but I certainly have been known to sit on my brain!
"In terms of timetables, as quickly as possible—whatever that means."
—On ElmerW Fudd's time frame for shoring up Social Security, Washington D.C., March 16, 2005
posted on April 17, 2005 03:58:58 PM new
Thanks Tom...I knew Ralphie was good at sniffing out land mines, elephant traps and quicksand. So BC, the only thing you need to consider now is your risk tolerance. Just like you do when you walk into a casino
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
