BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: CapriUni
Date: 19 Apr 04 - 04:17 PM

PayPal had decided that someone who travelled that much must be a terrorist!

Sorry for the risk of thread creep, here... but (heh) I couldn't resist: Sounds like PayPal works with the same effeciency as the United States government.

Foolstroupe: While the information on the "PayPal Sucks!" site certainly gives me pause, I was not feeling all that safe after reading more about the alternatives they offered on their Options page, either.

YowCow seems the closest thing to paypal, but their opening home page gives very little information on how their service actually works. It says that others can send you money for FREE! (if they are also YowCow members). But it doesn't say how much non-members have to pay to send you money.

And the various ATM card systems aren't practical for anyone (like me, for example) who doesn't have access to an ATM, and/or doesn't necessarialy want their money as bills in hand.

The merchant account services are best, NoPayPal says, if you have a regular monthly stream of business... if that happens with my writing gig, you'd have to pry my jaw off the floor with a crobar.

But thanks for the warning, in any case.... that's the kind of thing I was fearing after trying to read all the fine print.

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 19 Apr 04 - 09:15 AM

Someone I know bought a minidisc recorder from someone via PayPal. He (the seller) was travelling around the world, and because he was making transactions in several countries they froze his account, leaving him badly stuck, according to my friend (the buyer). It was frozen for ages; she'd paid in the money but the seller couldn't get it, because PayPal had decided that someone who travelled that much must be a terrorist!

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 02:05 PM

Dave, I did it from a link on tripod, but you could go to Merchant Tools at PayPal and follow the instructions.:-)

Thanks, CU, I think I like the look of the one I chose best. I wish PP offered one which had both their logo and the credit card logos.

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 12:38 PM

I'd like to add a PayPal access to my website. I have the account, but I see that people have referred to a "PayPal Button". How does one do that?

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 08:29 AM

Was looking at the "anti" sites again today - I note that there are still current complaints - this year - being added to the sites - some of them for several thousand dollars 'confiscated' by PayPal, and numerous complaints.

Your decision, but be warned.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: CapriUni
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 08:03 PM

Well, if you've signed up to use credit cards, that's cool.

Frankly, I think you made a good choice, ff you're trying to look like a well-established business. If you had the paypal one there, it would look more home-made, if you know what I mean...

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 07:28 PM

Yep, CU, it's one of the ones I had to choose from when I added PP. I wasn't sure if I liked it better than one which clearly said "PayPal.":-)

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: CapriUni
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 06:34 PM

Thanks for all your input, friends! While I haven't made a firm decision, yet, PayPal has gone higher up on my list of possible financial options.

Kat -- Just checked out your site... the book looks wonderful indeed (I may PM you about it later). Is that little "Buy Now" button with the Visa and Mastercard logos the paypal link (I've seen the ones with the "PayPal: donate" symbol, too)?

Just curious...

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 05:34 PM

I have us3d Paypal extensively for all the reasons mentioned already: ease of use; international payments; security.

I would emphasise the people are aware of "phishing" emails spoof ones seeking your account. In fact because I buy and sell with regularity I never take any money out - just use it for purchases and so on.

Recommended by me and undoubtedly better since Ebay took over. However for an alternative view see:

http://www.paypalsucks.com/

Folkiedave
www.collectorsfolk.co.uk

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 04:50 PM

I've been registered on PayPal for quite some time. I've never bought anything with PayPal's help, but have received funds for a few sales of my CD, The Real Story!.   No problems.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 11:44 AM

CU, thanks to your starting this thread and the input of Mudcatters, I've added PayPal to my book site. Also, I noticed one does not have to list a credit card or bank account with them; it is optional.

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 09:12 PM

It was indeed several years ago when I had a problem with PayPal, before eBay ownership. They took money out of my checking account, twice, for the same amount/same sale, and it took forever to get it taken care of...but, after reading all of these good comments, I am ready to add it to my site, which, since you asked**bg** is HERE. (Thanks for asking:-)

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 06:17 PM

Here is what PayPal's sign in page says about security:

Keep your PayPal account safe and secure; here are some tips every PayPal member should know:
Log in safely whenever you access your PayPal account; open a new web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Netscape) and type in the following: (deleted by Mick)


PayPal emails will never ask you for personal information such as social security numbers, passwords, credit card or bank account numbers


Never download any attachments in a suspicious email
If you think that you have received a fraudulent email (or fake website link in an email), please forward the email (or URL address) to [e-mail] then delete the email from your mailbox. Visit our Security Center to learn more.

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: Mark Clark
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 06:16 PM

I've used PayPal for a few years now and like the service very much. Their bank account registration is really very good and quite secure. During the registration process, they actually make a very small deposit into your account. To complete the registration process, you have to check your account and report back to them the exact amount of the deposit. That way they are assured anyone signing up for bank transfer actually has access to the account they're registering.

I've used it just to send money to people via email as well as eBay and other online purchases. I'ts far and away my favorite way to pay online.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: Jim McLean
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 05:13 PM

I use PayPal regulary and so far have never experienced any problems. Every transaction has gone smoothly.

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 04:37 PM

Yep, same goes for me. I have used them for 2-3 years with nary a problem. We also use them to sell band paraphanalia. Very satisfied.

I have also received the bogus letters. Always be suspicious and check out any request for personal information.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: artbrooks
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 04:34 PM

I guess about 3 years, Ann.

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: CapriUni
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 04:20 PM

Kat, you wrote: I think I remember reading that eBay now owns PayPal, too, so that is reassuring, imo.

Yes, that is what my aide said yesterday. She hasn't quite gotten to the trust level of putting her bank account info online, but she got a seperate credit card account just for ebay (which she uses a lot) and PayPal (So it's easier to keep track of that money), and she said that since eBay bought PP, that the service is virtually seamless.

So :::bibliophile perk::: what book sale site? ;-)

Open Mike, you wrote: i have had good luck with pay pal.. i have used it for quite a few transactions, and had good success. and i have received funds using the system too.

That's reassurring to know. And thanks for the heads up on the scams. I was reminded of them when I did a mudcat search to see if anyone else had asked this question, but it's always good to make sure one keeps these things in mind.

And Art: I've never had any problems with them.

(breathes sigh of relief) Thanks, Art! Just out of curiosity, how long have you been signed up with PayPal (Maybe Kat's rough experience with them came before they got all the kinks out).

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 04:08 PM

I've used PayPal extensively over the past few years. To pay for purchases on ebay and other sites and also to facilitate sales of my CD's. PayPal makes it very simple for people to order one of my recordings from my website , pay for the CD and have delivery begin the same day.

I routinely get several purchase notices from PayPal each month, and find it quick and safe to use when buying something myself. The only problem I've had with it is that once they tried to take money out of a checking account that had been closed instead of my VISA card. It took forever to get it straightened out.

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 04:07 PM

Paypal is great. I have found it very handy for internet buying and selling, and can recommend it without hesitation.

But watch for the scams that send you emails supposedly from Papal. They will try to get personal information from you, and rob you. If Papal sends you a message, they will address you by your actual name...the scammers will not. They'll say "Dear Papal Member..." or something like that. They usually pretend they need to update your membership records.

There are similar scams pretending to be Ebay as well. I have also gotten inquires lately about auction items I am NOT selling! Gotta be more scams, I would figure. I delete them.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: artbrooks
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 03:57 PM

I've used PayPal to make payments, including international ones, but have never received money that way. I've never had any problems with them.

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: open mike
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 02:36 PM

i have had good luck with pay pal.. i have used it for quite a few transactions, and had good success. and i have received funds using the system too. It is set up to prefer a bank account as a source of the funds rather than a credit card, but a card can work too. Be sure to be careful as occasionally there are scam messages masquerading as being from Pay Pal, City Bank and others requesting you to "re-open" your account by inserting info such as social security numbers, etc. NOT!! The scam messages are quite obvious--do not get fooled by them!

Subject: RE: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 02:16 PM

I look forward to what answers you may get, CU, as I've been thinking of adding payPal to my book sale site, too. I think I remember reading that eBay now owns PayPal, too, so that is reassuring, imo. My previous, breif experience with PP, a few years ago, was not pleasant.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: BS: PayPal: Payoffs vs. Pitfalls?
From: CapriUni
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 11:51 AM

Hi there!

Well, after I finish the current story I'm working on, I'm planning on advertising my writing service online, somewhere (maybe Ebay, if I can figure out how to catagorize it -- see New: life 4 CapriUni, & item in Auction for the backstory).*

As there is a good chance that I'll be writing for people outside the States, I'm considering signing up for PayPal, to avoid the hassles of international money exchange, and to make it easier for my clients to pay me. Plus, if I can figure out the wording, I may want to put my service up on e-bay, and PayPal seems to be becoming the norm in terms of payment for that.

However, I find the (last time I looked into it, which was some time ago, frankly) 40-odd pages of small print a little forbidding, to say the least.

So I'm asking into the open ether of the Web: is it worth it? Do I really risk losing my life savings, or getting ripped off through hidden charges and costs? And if there are hidden charges, to whom would I be paying that money? Etc., etc.

Thank you all, ever so much for your input.

*Yes, I will be putting this in the Mudcat auction again ... someday.