Is PayPal REALLY that bad?

deerpathgallery · Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Upper Michigan

I've used PayPal for buying and selling since I started on eBay, and I've had no problems with it at all. (Other than the fees, of course.) But I stick with it mainly because it's so easy. I got a notice from them today about their new plug-in, which allows you to use PayPal anywhere you can use a credit card. I think it's a great idea! I hate the idea of typing in my cc number everywhere.

I've signed up for Google Checkout in two of my stores, but haven't used it yet, so I can't compare the processes.

What you you think? Have you had PayPal troubles? Or is it just their connection with eBay that sticks in the craw?
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Antiques and Vintage at http://deerpathgallery.googlepages.com (Links to my eCrater, eBid, and Etsy stores and more)

ladybelle · Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 6

I just received the Paypal email also. I have been using them what seems like forever, and have never had a problem. (Of course, watch me have onenow)

I have also added Google checkout to my stores, but haven't had a chance to use it.

Maggie45 · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 2:33 am Post subject: PayPal

Paypal's been holding my money ever since I got a merchant account which they charge me $30 a month for. But I used to have a physical merchant account for my word processing business (in another life) that cost me a lot more.

Also, I bought into their Money Market fund and get interest (not much) from my account there. It used to be almost 6% but with the ecomomy it's down to I think 2.5% now and I keep less money in there now and put it in my private MM fund where there's more interest. Also PP money market is not insured.

The other thing I do to get even for them for their crazy fees is - I got their debit card that gives a percentage cash back and use it whenever I make a major purchase just so they have to pay me the cash back. My bank does this too on some purchase - but I'd rather get the money from Paypal. LOL. - Makes me feel better.

I did recently start charging a handling charge on overseas shipments because Paypal adds an additional charge for them and it's just getting over the top with the fees.

I do use Google Checkout in Ecrater and I have not had a problem with it - they charge a fee but it's really low. I also like the way they screen the people who pay you to make sure they're legit.

deerpathgallery · Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Upper Michigan

Maggie, that's interesting. I don't know anything about the merchant account, because I've never had enough sales to warrant it! I also didn't know they charge more for international payments. I've had a couple of those but never noticed the additional fee.

I like the idea of Google Checkout as an alternative, but so far nobody has used it so I really don't know how it works. There is the other one called RME or something? But I don't know anything about that one, either. I just like the idea of not having to type in my credit card number when I purchase something, so I'm glad to see there is some PayPal competition. It can't hurt! Smile

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Antiques and Vintage at http://deerpathgallery.googlepages.com (Links to my eCrater, eBid, and Etsy stores and more)

Maggie45 · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 3:07 am Post subject: Google Checkout

Google checkout is easy to use, and there's a console where you can view your Orders, Tools, etc.

If you don't know how to get to it - Go to Google - Up on top click More (drop box pops up) click "Even More" and a page full of Google tools appears. Just gotta love em.

Google checkout is down a bit on your left. If you can accept Google checkout then you must have an account - so sign in with your name and password and the console will be there. You can view your orders there, let them know you shipped their item and check when their payments are being sent to the bank account you (hopefully) registered with them.

You can also change your bank account, send invoices, integrate your shopping carts (this is under Tools) and other things you may need to do from time to time.

As far as payments - they send them to you periodically.

Maggie45 · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 3:26 am Post subject: PayPal Errors

A couple of weeks ago I noticed (and found out that this happened to others) - Paypal was stating that insurance had been paid that wasn't when you went to print out a mailing label. This was very disconcerting and I actually wound up paying insurance on my own for several packages to be on the safe side.

I haven't seen this happen in over a week - but just a heads up in case the glitch starts happening again.

Also, if you are selling on ebay and have been opted into the new My Ebay page - we found errors there regarding payments being marked as paid that weren't. We therefore opted out of the new format and the normal My Ebay reappeared with the payments not marked.

Maggie

vintagerosecollectibles · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Pennsylvania

I have been with paypal since 99 when I was doing Mystery Shopping. I received my pay that way from some of the companies I worked with. I rather use google first as I find it better than paypal. I like that they screen the buyers first and they do stop transactions if there is a problem with a cc. Their rates will be going up but its okay with me as they were lower than paypal but now I think they will be on an even scale. I have both options on my own websites hoping that my buyers will use google, its their choice.
Now as far as RME, I did use them but I don't like them. Just my opinion. There is nothing wrong with them, I just rather not use them. I feel that you should give your buyers options for making payments. Some folks just don't like paypal. I will in the future use authorizenet. When I start making enough to pay them their monthly fees They are reall a good company to use if you can afford it.
Barbara
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http://twicearoundbooks.chshops.com
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/outoftheattic2u

Maggie45 · Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:00 pm Post subject: Paypal - a necessary evil

First off - welcome to the forum. I hope you find a lot of useful advice and links.

I agree that Paypal is sort of a necessity if you're going to sell online. In Collectors Online Mall (My site), there are a wide variety of payment auctions including Paypal, Google Checkout, 2CO, Moneybookers, Authorize Net, wireless payments and checks / money orders. - So far it's about 80/20 Paypal/Google. No one uses the others, and only 1 person has sent me a check so far - I'm not sure about the other sellers.

So, I take this to mean that people don't like using all different payment methods for fear of having their information stolen and have gotten used to Paypal. I know Google is going to make a bigger push to compete, so maybe if they offer more features people will use them more often.

The main problem I have with Paypal is their long hold on my money, which they hold because I accept credit cards through them. I used to have their money market fund, but the interest was dropping so low I opted out in fear that it would turn negative (it's not insured). Otherwise, it is very convenient, although the slow-down in page loading since they've reskinned is just about driving me nuts when I have to print labels.

vintagerosecollectibles · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Pennsylvania

Yes I agree they are slower and since they changed their format you have to go through tom-dick and harry to find the history pages. Last year I complained about the history pages not being able to find them and to look at some of the payments not received yet etc. They said nothing about the new system, only that I was doing something wrong. It took me 2 months to figure out what to do, and I am not kidding. With google it is so simple, they have changed since I signed up with them and are getting better all the time. When I print a shipping label from them I go to paypal to print it out. I feel like I am winning something from them when I do that lol. Eventually that will probably stop too???
barbara
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http://vintagerosecollectibles.chshops.com
http://twicearoundbooks.chshops.com
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/outoftheattic2u