posted on November 22, 2009 05:13:16 PM new
I list only Paypal as the only form of payment for auctions. I received this message today from a bidder.
"I would like to arrange my payment to you for the item without using PayPal. I have had more than one issue using PayPal and now refuse to use them. Please advise."
I don't think I really have any options other than Paypal, and I really don't want to open a 2nd payment source at this time. I can't offer mailing a payment, or really any other options. Seems like this person is shooting themselves in the foot.
posted on November 22, 2009 05:39:57 PM new
You can accept a check, or money order, if the buyer does not want to pay with PayPal. Just send an email, advising them that since they do not want to use PayPal, you are willing to accept a check, or money order.
Somewhere in the recesses of the eBay site is verbage advising that while you cannot offer in the item description, you can accept alternate payment when it is necessary to complete a sale.
I had already sent him a message regarding mailing payment, but then I thought I should verify the info. I thought eBay had changed their policy... but everything with them is so vague now too. I can find conflicting info on their site easily.
posted on November 22, 2009 06:42:10 PM new
I've struggled with this, eBay's apparent stance is that buyers cannot pay with non-electronic methods, yet they don't inform buyers of this. Ebay infers to sellers that they may accept non-electronic forms of payment but may not solicit them. You can respond to buyer/potential buyer that you cannot accept postage stamps as payment, but all other forms can go through PayPal or be sent to (give your address). Edited to add: My loss in sales is roughly equivalent to the checks I used to deposit. Ebay was counting on the non-Paypal users to sign up but it's just not happening. I think many of them have left eBay in disgust.
[ edited by pixiamom on Nov 22, 2009 06:53 PM ]
posted on November 22, 2009 07:13:40 PM new
I don't believe buyers have to sign up for paypal if they use a credit card. A lot of web sites are using paypal now for you to pay with your credit card so the card account number is not shown to the seller. This is for safety and privacy for the buyer.
posted on November 22, 2009 08:03:14 PM new
bank to bank transfer is electronic.
It did not say you cannot offer direct credit card payment,so you can use google checkout,propay,amzn one click or your own merchant account .
Google checkout may be a good alternative for both of you.
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
[ edited by hwahwa on Nov 22, 2009 08:04 PM ]
posted on November 22, 2009 09:44:12 PM new
If the buyer suggests an alternative means of payment (check, money order etc), I accept it. The seller can't do the suggesting or soliciting.
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posted on November 23, 2009 07:08:59 AM new
Your bidder can use his credit card to pay you via Paypal without signing up with Paypal.
When someone who bids on EBAY tells me he does not want to use Paypal,there are usually reasons why-either his account has a debit balance or closed or 'unfinished business' with Paypal or he does not have a credit card or a bank account.
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
[ edited by hwahwa on Nov 23, 2009 07:11 AM ]
[ edited by hwahwa on Nov 23, 2009 07:20 AM ]
posted on November 23, 2009 08:30:33 PM new
This would apply to your situation -
"What should I do if I have long-standing, repeat customers who insist on paying with checks or money orders, even after I explain the benefits of electronic payments and offer suggestions?
We know this may happen occasionally. A seller can accept check and money order payment from a buyer if (and only if) the buyer requests it. We will not take action against a seller who is trying to accommodate their buyer, complete a sale and be in compliance with the policy. Sellers cannot in any way solicit check or money order payment from a buyer. This is considered abuse of the payments policy. Remember also, you can refuse to accept these payment methods. If the buyer doesn't pay, you can file an unpaid item (UPI) complaint. Buyers who insist on paying with these prohibited payment methods in a UPI claim will lose the claim and will not be allowed to leave negative feedback."
