posted on August 21, 2008 07:09:14 AM new
The new PAYPAL ONLY policy of eBay violates the Anti Trust Act becuse eBay limits the sale of an item to only those Sellers who are willing to allow payment accepted from PAYPAL, an eBay owned company.
If you purchase an item from Sears, you have the option to use cash, a check, a Sears Credit card, or any other major credit card. Paying by cash check, or using a major credit card is an option. If using another major credit card, Sears must pay them a fee.
With the new policy, eBay requires the seller and the buyer to essentially use their (eBay's) PayPal credit card only. For which eBay reaps the profit not only from the sale of the item, but also from the payment of the item.
posted on August 21, 2008 07:18:14 AM new
They are not limiting to PayPal. The way they got around this is to limit to APPROVED electronic payment methods. Buyers can pay through Paypal, ProPay (whatver that is) and merchant credit card accounts. They say that there will be other approved electronic payment companies (don't hold your breath for Google Payments).
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posted on August 21, 2008 08:24:23 AM new
YIKES - I just googled Propay - talk about fees - they have all kinds of hidden fees. One was a $20 charge if someone calls to check on a charge that came from your account (showing your email address). Can you image have 4 or 5 of these a month or even one on a $10 sale.
I don't think they will give paypal any competition and I'm pretty sure that was the PLAN.
[ edited by ladyjewels2000 on Aug 21, 2008 08:33 AM ]
posted on August 21, 2008 08:49:18 AM new
Thats funny, eBay tells the Buyers what online methods are acceptable at http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/payment-ov.html.
ProPay is not listed....I wonder why?
Also...looking at the fees for ProPay...no seller in their right mind would opt for that payment method and eBay knows that.
posted on August 21, 2008 09:15:57 AM new
It is very cleverly stated by eBay. You are not limited to Paypal. You are limited to electronic payment. If you can accept CC payments - that is fine.
Or you can take a check or MO if ya want them to drop over and pick up their purchase
Buyers can still use these payment methods for item pick-up, at the seller's discretion. In addition, the electronic payment methods will be fully integrated into eBay checkout. For example, if a seller has an internet merchant account, a buyer will be able to directly enter a credit card and never have to leave the site
posted on August 21, 2008 09:24:32 AM new
As others have said, they are very cleverly NOT making paypal the only option, but making it so that for most it is the only viable option. I have an off-line merchant account that will apparently not be compatible, but I have no intention of paying the fees for a gateway account that will allow for real time credit card processing. The amount of business I get that way is just too low.
I looked into propay, they are WAY out of line with fees. I can find companies that charge HALF of what they do for a transaction percentage.
posted on August 21, 2008 09:24:59 AM new
Buyers will still be able to pay with a check or money order (and not just for items that are picked up) but sellers will not be allowed to request such forms of payment.
posted on August 21, 2008 10:01:58 AM new
Where are all the ebay cheerleaders (you know who you are), what do you think now? Ebay gets by with this because we (sellers and buyers) allow them to. Maybe one person does not make a difference but a few million unhappy people would.
ebay right now is acting holier-than-thou and they will continue to do so. None of this is a surprise, it has been in the works for a long time. Everyone complaining is fragmented and never work together (no, I do not have a plan - I do not list on ebay, anymore), signing a petition is stupid.
posted on August 21, 2008 10:13:55 AM new
Petitions are a waste of time, I agree. I would say as recently as three years ago, ebay appeared untouchable, the proverbial 800 pound gorilla that was safe from anything. Right now, I would put it at a 500 pound gorilla. It definitely has been affected.
I guess one day I can tell my grandchildren I remember when I could list on ebay for a quarter, and pay only 5% FVF...and they used to have these things called checks, which were pieces of paper that were IOU's the people readily accepted. My kids can't believe there was a time before DVD's, Cable, Cel Phones, and even microwave ovens.
posted on August 21, 2008 07:03:07 PM new
" ... propay has a minimum annual fee of $34.95 ..."
I use ProPay and I am quite happy to pay an Annual Fee of $59.95 for the Premium Plan. It certainly is a lot cheaper than other providers, and has enabled me to accept payment by credit card at my Vendio store.
I've learned that the more options that I have available at my Vendio store, the more sales generated. My customers have the option to pay by check, money order, PayPal, and credit card. The ability to accept some form of credit card payment is well worth the expense. I even have taken orders paid by credit card over the phone.
Remember, any money spent in the furtherance of your business is a business expense. That is why I use ProPay, Skype, Adwords, and smile when I drive back and forth to the local Post Office or UPS office (because of the mileage deduction).
posted on August 21, 2008 07:25:47 PM new
I'm a PT seller and have always asked for payment by chk or MO because I like the money in my pocket not some electronic bank account. I've had fun selling on eBay and even made a little cash, I'll miss it.
