posted on November 5, 2000 02:44:10 PM new
I've been thinking about this....
Since Paypal fiasco and the inception of Paydirect I have always felt they would be the last of the "free" start-ups (payplace exchangepath, I don't know who else) to begin to charge a fee. I have outlined *why* on these boards many times.
I have been using them (I have 66 transactions under my main ID)and crediting my cc, and transferring money into 3 different checking accts, sending money, etc and paying attention.
The main thing is that they are slow to transfer the money. 10 days slow. To my surprise I found that I was comforted by this. They are setting the precedent here and they have a model where they really can be profitable on the float.
Think about half.com delaying payment..
This makes big bucks.
Full disclosure - *I* want to move money for FREE.
Let's just say IF you are getting your money faster via paypal (if you are not paying, you will be shortly if you use to any degree at all) or exchangepath. Anyone want to bet that if they are delaying payment 3 days it will morph to 4 and then 5 and then 6 days?
When they go public - do you think the shareholders will be satisfied with 6?
Hah!
I think Yahoo has done it again. Outclassed 'em all. And I don't think they are going to charge. They will do it the smart thing and leave basic use free.
I'll say it again. Most always the past predicts the future. Yahoo lets you list 1000 auctions a month for free. Virtually no one uses that many. More than that, get out your (Y) wallet.
How about 15 transfers a month for free - then a charge per...??
posted on November 5, 2000 04:01:35 PM new
I like Paydirect, only one of the online payment sites I actually signed up for.
But it takes 10 days for a seller to get their money?
Ain't Life Grand...
posted on November 5, 2000 04:47:46 PM new
I am not concerned about fees - that to me is merely the cost of doing business but this endless problem with shipping not being included, which happened again today, that to me is a major problem. Writing to them has done no good, not even a form response.
VERYMODERN - did you ever write them regarding this problem? Have you received any type of response?
posted on November 5, 2000 04:58:09 PM new
Paul - I got a form response but I did see 1/2 the problem has been fixed. I also appreciate that some people don't care about fees but I am posting for those who do.
It is a trade off.
I prefer not to pay a percentage on everything I sell (shipping costs too) and if it takes Paydirect 10 days to beam my money to my checking account (twelvepole it takes 7-10 days for sure) I can live with that. Like I said. I am relieved. I want to know what the deal is and I don't want the rules to move on a daily basis. I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way.
posted on November 5, 2000 05:12:33 PM new
Paul as I was writing the last post I had a buyer pay DIRECT and no shipping. I hope this is resolved soon, but in the meantime..
I accept the payment, post back that they forgot to add shipping, ask that they send $4.30 or whatever, add that I will ship in the morning and "in the meantime, leave you feedback".
This seems to piss people off the LEAST that I can come up with.
Note that Yahoo have GRAND motivation to resolve this if they are paying a transaction fee for each transaction and each deal is taking two! Means their cost is double and how long do you think they'll leave that be?
posted on November 5, 2000 07:04:03 PM new
VM -- hope you're right - but I really doubt it. I believe they all did and PD will too. The reason is -- 1) they MENTION that this could change (in their own words)
2) Their number crunchers need a certain window of time to see if the sales reflect the correct profit float. i.e. IF 1 million sales occur UNDER 10.00 then the float is X, right? If 1 million sales occur OVER 20.00 then the float is XY, right? However if the mean average sales which occur is 15.00 then the float is XYZ, right? The proper adjustments would have to be made in the form of - you guessed it, FEES TO SELLERS.
3) Since they have sacrificed the NON CC users-- and it definitely had an adverse effect -- then I can betcha they will make it up with - you guessed it, FEES TO SELLERS.
I truly don't believe they expected such hostility from bidders who refuse to register CCs. Also, NO large corporation designs a money making venture to remain at a FIXED income. Sooo in my barely educated guess-like manner - I would gamble on Yahoo trying to bring up the rear with - you guessed it FEES TO SELLERS. Paypal was one of the big boys and they already did it and folks are still using them.
We shall NOT overcome--- we will be asked to come-over and .... Paydirect to- you guessed it, Yahoo!
(written with and NO hostility
posted on November 5, 2000 07:33:07 PM new
ioughta, I disagree.
First, I haven't witnessed *any* hostility regarding the credit cards. I have sold to 10-12 people outside auction who did not have a credit card, but their attitude was hapless not hostile. One of them wrote me "okay dudette - you're on..." yesterday and really cracked me up. He hoped to make a deal, no anger at all and this attitude has been common to every single buyer who has written me in these circumstances.
I also disagree that the "reserve the right to charge..." language is a tip off.
I think it is nothing more than CYA. The reason I think this is because most everything on Yahoo is free and ALL of it has this language. ALL OF IT.
I hate to be repetitive, but things like Y Billpay, and Yahoo Storefront are NOT free and were introduced offered right out of the gate for a fee. No bait and switch. This is simply not Yahoo's game, they have no history operating like this, and to expect it in this situation shows no logic, and I am not meaning to be rude.
Show me one thing that *was* free on Yahoo and is now for fee (outside of a trial period for billpay or something) and you will have my attention. Then I can start wondering if we're next.
You remind me of me ioughta. Always planning for a horribly rainy day.
We can still put up auctions for free, right?
Pic hosting is free, yes/no?
email? Yep. It's still free.
messenger? Still free, and in fact with added features (free long distance domestic calls)
The list is a long one and the same story over and over again,
No.
I don't think they are going to charge.
Further, as I wrote 6 or 9 months ago, I still think that Ebay and yahoo could be neck and neck by Christmas - auction count wise I mean.
Paypal? I'd like to flush the toilet and be done with it.
Anyone got a dime?
posted on November 5, 2000 08:35:42 PM new
Very Modern- I'll send you a dime, Flush them !!!
I still contend that the CC problem to bidders isn't a problem. It really cut out all the Deadbeats, really did.
Before that was requested from bidders, I had nothing but fighting to get people to pay and be upfront etc etc...
Now it's Send them a Yahoo pay direct, get the monies almost instantly and the item is shipped, very happy customers, and one happy ol Bitty to say the least.
SMOOOOOOOOTH, YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
posted on November 7, 2000 05:50:09 AM new
VM--How about if I send you a dime via PayDirect!
I flushed PayPal. I have only had 2 buyers who decided that if I didn't take PayPal they would send a Money Order or Check--which is fine with me! This is on both Ebay and Yahoo.
I keep wondering about the international community though. I do offer BidPay and EnergyFlow for international users, but there is a charge to the customer for those services.
However, as I read the update for International users, if you are the seller you must be upgraded to take 100% advantage of the international use.
Just another way to make people upgrade and pay at their mercy without a way to not accept a payment if it is for the wrong amount and then end up paying more in fees.
posted on November 7, 2000 06:06:45 AM new
labbie - regarding paypal and int'l transactions, I think that there is going to be increased risk of fraud. I don't mean to be a bigot - I think this is just a fact of life. Assuming this is the case, who do you think is going to get stuck holding the bag?
I am going to stick with Bidpay for int'l because I trust them, and also cash and MO's of course. I appreciate that this may lose me some international sales but I have thought it through and...
I use stamps.com and so international sales require a trip to the post office and I also have to find a box. I am happy to do this and I do not charge handling of any kind, but feel my costs are higher for international sales so I am not willing to assume any risk of chargeback / fraud /whatever in addition.
Bottom line, I put the stuff up for a fair price, with fair terms and very frankly if it is not good enough, absolutely buy from someone else. Bidpay offers a guarentee to the seller. Unless I have that - I won't be shipping stuff all over the world where the shipping alone is usually $50 a pop - on faith (especially in paypal).
[ edited by VeryModern on Nov 7, 2000 06:08 AM ]
posted on November 7, 2000 06:36:25 AM new
thanks labbie, but I think I should have been clearer..
The increased risk of loss is because of high shipping costs. Domestic, I am out the cost of the item plus $3.20 or $5.40 or something.
I have had int'l shipments run $70 postage and average is probably $35-40.
Do that 10 times a week, and no thank you. I want a guaranteed payment.
Bidpay is offering this and at what I think is a very fair cost to the int'l buyer if you consider the cost of buying a MO and sending it / or the risk of sending cash, plus the time involved.
This does not even take into account Paypal's cut. To me, this is a no brainer. Sellers better set some boundaries, or go out of business trying to cater to the buyers every desire.
and NO hostility 
