posted on October 21, 2004 04:29:10 PM
I have a buyer from Austria that wants to pay via Western Union (wired, not through BidPay). Now I know not to pay an unknown seller through it, but is there any risk for me to -accept- one (aside from a neg if the person doesn't get the item)?
posted on October 21, 2004 05:00:25 PM
GREAT for the SELLER...
EXPENSIVE for the buyer! Don't know why they use them -- probably because CC's are less common in Europe than US??
Anyhoo, just bring yer PHOTO ID + the CONTROL NUMBER & a print out of the EMAIL to any WU depot & they cut a check after about 5 min /PLUS/ most will immediately cash the check for you on the spot if you so desire
posted on October 21, 2004 05:33:34 PM
I've never had a single problem with BidPay, even with foreign buyers.
Just be sure to wait until their second confirming email to mail out the item. Your Western Union money order will arrive in 3-5 days.
____________________
"Bad temper is its own scourge. Few things are more bitter than to feel bitter. A man's venom poisons himself more than his victim." --Charles Buxton
No risk for you as seller provided the amount is sent in USD and free of collection charges. (The buyer can always file fraud charges with your local police if they don't receive the goods in addition to negative eBay feedback.)
tomwiii,
Europeans, as well as Canadians, Aussies, and Kiwis are so used to direct p2p bank-to-bank transfers that they seldom bother with credit cards, and when they do they are more likely to be EFTPOS debit cards directly linked to their saving accounts. Basically it comes to a savings-based culture versus a spending-based one in the USA. Also most direct bank transfers are free and real time. Even cross-border ones in Europe which used to cost and arm & a leg and take days, are now instantaneous and usually FREE so no fees to buyer or seller
It's unlikely that direct bank transfers will be available to many US bank customers due to the patchwork and fragmented nature of your banking industry and laws The good news is that Bank of America is taking steps to offer free p2p transfers using ACH payments probably like those already offered (but largely unpublicized) by CheckFree.com
posted on October 21, 2004 06:16:17 PM
I have received many,please do not mix them up,a moneygram is not western union,it is Travelers and normally has an 8 digit code.Western union has a 10 digit code.They are 2 competing ways to get your money but they will not be found in the same place.
1tuna
The good news is that Bank of America is taking steps to offer free p2p transfers using ACH payments probably like those already offered (but largely unpublicized) by CheckFree.com 
Guess I was reading too fast, Tomwii!