posted on December 5, 2000 11:00:56 AM
Hi! A friend has a buyer for one of his auctions from the Netherlands. He was asking if he should sign up for PayPal to get paid. They don't do much volume in sales, so I don't think it would pay them to do this. Also, the auction has already ended and it would take a while for them to get verified. What do you think? What other way could they ask for payment? Also, what is the best way to ship there? I would really appreciate your help on this! Thank you!
posted on December 5, 2000 11:03:55 AM
When I have a buyer from the Netherlands, or whereever, I simply ask them to let me know if they want AIR MAIL or Surface rate, then I give them the total [I look it up on the USPS web site].
They can pay me by International money order, well-concealed cash, or BidPay [that's a new one for me]. Personal checks don't cut it. As for shipping, you fill out a customs form at the Post Office but otherwise it's not much different from shipping anywhere.
posted on December 5, 2000 12:53:28 PM
There isn't any point in their signing up for BidPay or PayPal for this particular transaction, is there? It takes time to verify them and with international transactions only available through PayPal if you are called a "business". They would be paying the "business" rate forever after.
posted on December 5, 2000 12:56:11 PM
Sellers do not have to sign up for Bidpay. Bidpay allows the buyer to purchase a western union money order, which is payable in US funds, and sent directly to the seller by bidpay.
It does not cost the seller anything, and they do not have to sign up.
posted on December 5, 2000 01:13:47 PM
All the buyers I have had from the Netherlands paid with cash. I have made 3 purchases from the Netherlands also and have paid by cash at the sellers request.
posted on December 5, 2000 06:54:36 PM
I just completed a successful (and first) Netherlands transaction. As Keziak, I also ask international buyers their preference in shipping...Air or Surface, quoting the cost of each to them. The international buyer is usually experienced, knows exactly which shipping method they prefer. They've *been there, done that*.
Regarding payments, the Netherlands buyer asked if she might send a certified check drawn on a U.S. bank, U.S. funds. Fine with me. I believe she said the cost of Money Orders was prohibitive there. She said the transfer could take as long as three weeks. Still fine with me! It arrived a tad over two weeks. Credit Cards have yet to be a factor, as my internationals, with exception to Netherlands, were pre-PayPal days. Fortunately none have mentioned personal check. All have been either Certified Checks or International Money Orders. A few Canadian transactions under 40.00 were handled with cash, at their request.
With exception to filling out customs form, mailing is as simple as sending anywhere in U.S. My ten or so internationals have been among the most polite, professional, super nice folks on eBay.
With eBay's growth and so many choices in electronic payment services....most of which this Grandma doesn't comprehend, I may halt international sales for the time being. I use PayPal, understand it and love the convenience. I WAS a registered member of ExchangePath for a week, until I saw the SURPRISE! You're Suspended! Luckily, I have no auctions transacting through them. I was still trying to figure how to place their plain logo, rather than *I prefer* on my auctions. Still sitting on the fence with them...not certain which way I'll jump. If only they'd been considerate enough to send an email warning or explanation.
Wishing your friend good luck with the Netherlands transaction.
