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Paypal

3K views 37 replies 33 participants last post by  Wood_smith 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have been asked twice in the last week if I accept paypal and as of right now I do not. I have heard some stories of folks that have had bad experiences with it. I feel like the fact that I did not accept a deposit through paypal probably cost me one of the jobs, so now I am starting to consider using it. For those that do, are there any tricks to making it work? I kind of get the feeling that I am being over cautions but I would like to hear some first hand experience.
 
#4 ·
First off, I want to start by saying, I have had a PayPal account for over 8 years. I have not had any problems. I started out using PayPal when I used to sell things on E-bay. Since I got into woodcarving more seriously and travel to and from shows, I use it more often. I have a business account with a debit card that I only use when I travel on those "business" trips. I also have a card swipe for my Iphone, to accept credit/debit cards at the shows. I have not used the swipe that much so I can't talk much about that part of it, yet.

PayPal, I've found, is a very secure and easy way of doing money transactions. Keep this in mind though, treat it like you would your other accounts, i.e saving, checking, credit cards.

Hope this helps.
 
#8 ·
I've had a Paypal account since they started. Haven't used it for much lately except for some eBay stuff, but I've never had a problem. If I were running a business I'd have no concerns about using it for that. Just treat it like any other bank account and keep your info secure.
 
#10 ·
I have had a PayPal account for years. I used it to buy and sell photography equipment. Later I used it while shooting youth sports. Now I use it for taking payments for woodworking stuff.

I also used a Square card reader for on site sales at the softball tournaments. No problems of any kind.
Mike
 
#11 ·
I haven't had any problems, and like others have said, its easy and convenient. Just like credit cards, it does cost you money.

I've heard some horror stories, but that goes with any kind of transaction account.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
I spent many years as a freelance advertising artist and copywriter. About eight years ago I put up a website and included a PayPal button on the site. PayPal has worked flawlessly for me since I included it on my "store" page.

If you would like to test it, you can send me donations in any amount you wish. Just ask me for the URL :)
 
#16 ·
I thought it was secure also until I looked one day to fine I had an alternate address somewhere a thousand miles from my home. I tried to query PayPal about when the change was made to no avail so finally closed the account and never looked back. They way I look at it, if someone can change my info and not notify me, I don't need it. Some only accept PayPal for goods and services but I've always found someone else who will deal in something more secure.
 
#17 ·
I've used PayPal for several years now. So far no problems other than the fee I have to pay for every transaction. But the end of the year statements really help with taxes and since I deal internationally, it is nice to receive and send money in a flash.
 
#19 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have used PayPal for years and never had any problems but I know of guys that have been really screwed by them. The biggest problem is not with honest people but with the crooks. They will buy something from you and you will ship it to them. Then they will say they never got it and file a dispute. PayPal almost always sides with the buyer and you get screwed out of your goods. Doesn't matter how the facts stand, I have seen cases where they had proof that it was delivered and the crook and it up for sale on e-bay. Paypal still sided with the buyer. Just my 2¢'s.
 
#20 ·
PayPal almost always sides with the buyer

This is not my experience if you have proof of shipping.

Do not ever be tempted by their "Bill me later" option. For whatever reason it only allows you to pay 50% of the balance at a time and then locks you out of paying more for a day or two, annoying as hell.
 
#22 ·
The problem with PayPal is if you are using a secondary account like E-bay. Not only you pay for E-bay fees, you also pay for PayPal for the transactions. In essence, you will end up paying somewhere around 13% for fees when using E-bay and PayPal together. If you can recover those fees, then you are good to go. I have noticed that people produce less-desirable things to sell in order to cover the fees from these entities.
 
#23 ·
No problems with paypal here either. Several years of use.
Just cover your rear when any type of transaction takes place; only ship to confirmed address, signature confirmation, traceable shipping, etc.
 
#26 ·
My experience was similar to retfr8flyr's, though it was 7 years ago. I had shipping proof and Paypal sided with the buyer, I was out $1300 and my stuff, local authorities claimed they couldn't do anything.
 
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