posted on February 21, 2001 04:16:22 PM
I wasn't sure where to post this and I am sure it is probably old news to a lot of you, but I need some advice re paypal (and selling on ebay).I signed up with paypal when they first began. Then had to "verify myself".I am a bit slow - to say the least but I just realized I am going to get hit this weekend with probably being forced into upgrading at paypal to accept payments, I didn't know the darn limit was $100 per month accepting CC payments. I'm a bit ticked with everybody wanting a piece of some of the items I sell that are under $10 and $5.00. At this rate I could make more working at McDonalds if I wasn't too darn old to do so How are other sellers handling this? They (paypal) slap those logos into my auctions so I can't say I don't take paypal. And I can't charge the buyer a fee cause it is not in my TOS. I don't think I can do it even if it was in my TOS as I am in PA and was told by a friend who owns an antique co-op that it is illegal in PA to charge the buyer the fee....that the dealer (seller) must pay the fee.Sorry to be so long winded to get to the bottom line question...how can I get out of having to upgrade at paypal without losing buyers or getting in trouble with ebay when I am sure to go over my limit this coming weekend when my auctions end?Please don't tell me what I SHOULD have done....I see it now. (I think...ready for the home for the bewildered here) Thnx for any advice.aramatha
posted on February 21, 2001 04:31:46 PM
Your options are limited ~ you can either go ahead and go with the full meal deal with paypal and then every single time someone uses paypal it will cost you or you can state your problem in your end of auction email - tell them they can either use non-credit card paypal money to pay you or wait until the first of the following month to pay you - and change your auction terms for your next group of auctions to either not take paypal or I have seen some auctions say you have to pay with non credit card to use paypal. Just my two cents.
posted on February 21, 2001 04:45:22 PM
I no longer have PayPal logos on my auctions but I do say that I accept PayPal. It's enormously convenient to use this service, so even with the fees, it is worth doing as bidders are more likely to buy if it is easy to do. You either have to price your stuff to carry your fees or bury your fees in your shipping charge.
Face the facts: the costs of doing business must be reflected in what you charge for something.
You do not have to accept PayPal payments unless you say that you do. So if PayPal costs are too high for you, stop promoting the fact. You may or may not lose business as a result--it depends on what percentage use it. Weigh the evidence and make a choice.
posted on February 21, 2001 04:45:48 PM
Pass The Buck!
My S&H fees went from $2 First Class Flat Rate to $2.50.
After Ebay upped the fee for 10 day auctions and listing fees.
My S&H went to $2.75.
You have to CYA.
Since I combine auctions at no additional charge most customers don't mind.
Since many Items i sell close at Under $10 this fee increase helps cover the costs.
After all if I buy an item for $1 and sell it for $5 The fees are
Ebay Listing and FVF $.65
Paypal $.30
That makes my profit $3.05
Not much for the work into listing an item.
But add the $2.75 S&H
It costs $.55 postage and $.35 supplies (mailer tape bubble wrap) to ship and my profit perks up a nice bit.
Now I don't recover if someone buys 10 items but enough people buy single items that it all balances out.
Joe B
[ edited by jrb3 on Feb 21, 2001 04:47 PM ]
but I just realized I am going to get hit this weekend with probably being forced into upgrading at paypal to accept payments, I didn't know the darn limit was $100 per month accepting CC payments. I'm a bit ticked with everybody wanting a piece of some of the items I sell that are under $10 and $5.00. At this rate I could make more working at McDonalds if I wasn't too darn old to do so 
Thnx for any advice.aramatha