posted on July 24, 2002 11:50:54 AM
Because most of the items I sell are "consignment" for friends/relatives, I charge a very small commission. Taking PayPal for sums less than $25 just isn't economically feasible for me and I've stated in my TOS that I do not accept PayPal payments for less than that amount. I HAVE had customers who have offered (and I've willingly accepted) to pay with PayPal and pay the extra fee. I know eBay prohibits me from stating that folks who use PayPal have to pay extra but I'd like to make some sort of statement that lets people know if they're willing to pay the fees, it's fine with me. With the increase in postage fees, it actually would be cheaper to pay with PayPal rather than buying a money order and spending 37 cents for a stamp. SO...Pardon this lengthy post but do you think the following would be acceptable to eBay and PayPal?
My usual statement about NOT accepting PayPal payments for less than $25. Then add: "If, however, the winning bidder wishes to pay with PayPal, please let me know in your response to my EOA and I'll be happy to relate PayPal's fee structure."
Do you think the above would meet eBay's rules? If not...any other suggestions? Thanks...
posted on July 24, 2002 12:07:01 PM
Blueeyes, I'm not that "up" on all the Paypal rules and regulations, but I think you would still be skating on thin ice, especially if you get a malcontent who decides to cause trouble.
Maybe you're looking at it all wrong.
You say most of your stuff is sold on consignment, at a very small commission.
Have you thought about this: Your commission comes off the top (actual bid price); then the consignor (do I have it right, or is it consignee?) pays all charges associated with the sale...listing, eBay fvf, Paypal fees, etc. out of his portion. Let the true seller decides if he is willing to pay the Paypal fees.
Or, perhaps on the smaller items (under 25.00) you could leave it as a potential Paypal payment, and state a small handling charge just for those auctions (which could be waived if you saw fit... in other words, if the buyer did not use Paypal).
posted on July 24, 2002 12:30:44 PM
It is not Paypal rules but Visa's Rules and Federal Regulation that states that retailers etc. using the a charge card service can not charge the person buying a fee for using a credit card (even if they want to or offer). Some say it illegal some say it is against federal regulation both are the same really. So to put that in your auction you are welcoming trouble. I have a buddy that grows grass (the 60s kind) on his back porch for all to see. I tell him all the time he is welcoming trouble. In more ways then one. (I don't approve of Drug use period) He is really asking for it by putting it all out there for all to see and that is what you would be doing. Saying the rules don't apply to me only all other sellers.
posted on July 24, 2002 06:51:34 PM
The legal way around that is to word your TOS to say payments by Check or MO may deduct
2.5 or 3 percent (or what ever percent you wish.
I have sold many items lately on consignment. My deal is that I deduct my comession off the top of the sale, then deduct the Ebay fees. What is left goes to the original owner of the item. I make a little off the shipping for making the trip to the PO, FedEx or UPS.
[ edited by bear1949 on Jul 24, 2002 06:58 PM ]
posted on July 24, 2002 06:55:03 PM
I PUT RIGHT IN MY EOA NOTICE,,,PLEASE INFORM US MONEY ORDER OR PAY PAL.
[ edited by JACKSWEBB on Jul 24, 2002 09:49 PM ]
posted on July 24, 2002 09:37:51 PM
I would do it in a heart beat. The government already charges extra for services paid with a credit card so any claim that it is illegal is bogus. Just be discrete about it. It is technically against ebay and paypal rules. I personally make it an optional fee. I just don't tell anyone. If the buyer pays it, great. If not, oh well. It is not that much money to argue about.
posted on July 24, 2002 09:48:30 PM
CAFFE..........HAHAHAHAH. THERE IS NOTHING DISCRETE WHEN POSTING HERE. YOU MAY WANT TO BE MORE DISCRETE. .02 CENTS.
posted on July 24, 2002 11:14:19 PM
You are within your right to establish a minimum credit card purchase. However, I would leave out the part where the buyer can assume credit card fees.
posted on July 24, 2002 11:40:28 PM
Wonder what would happen if you put in your auctions: "Sorry, but we can't accept Paypal for items under 25.00." You might even word it someway to say that the cost to you was prohibitive.
And if the buyer just wanted to 'round up' his payment....
posted on July 25, 2002 03:01:29 AM
Why not just add a small handling charge to your shipping that is enough to cover the PayPal fee. If they don't pay with PayPal you make a little extra on the sale.
posted on July 25, 2002 07:04:14 AM
If you want to offer the credit card option on these low cost items, why not accept just BidPay (www.bidpay.com) on these auctions? The small fee the customer will pay will be for the Western Union money order they buy from BidPay. Alternatively, you could use Citibank's c2it service for these low price items. Since c2it doesn't currently charge a fee to accept credit cards, there is no fee with which to worry.
Either of the aforementioned options keeps the transaction clean and street legal for eBay, and you don't give up a cut of the selling price. As a seller, I've been PayPal free for a few months, and I've had good success using both of these alternatives.
