ebay/US money order

Subject: ebay/US money order
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 04:45 AM

Not sure if this is an above the line or below the line.

I need to pay a US ebay seller $45 in US dollars. I am in the UK. He (unlike some US sellers) faces extortionate bank charges to take UK postal orders.

I don't trust paypal - they are based in Switzerland and if they steal your money it is very difficult for a non-swiss to sue them. That is the purpose of Swiss corporations (trust me, I'm a lawyer, I know this, I have sued Swiss before and it ain't easy).

A US money order would be a suitable way to pay - but does anyone know how to get one in the UK without paying GBP 10 to 15 on top of the value? I have tried to find this out more than once and always come up with nothing useful. Same seems to apply to things like Western Union.

Would a US seller have the same problems if I got a dollar travellers cheque, fully pre-signed it and sent it to him?

If I wrap a $50 note up in writing paper and sent it return receipt requested (recorded delivery) how likely is it to go missing on the way?

Any other useful ideas? Remember, I am in England.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 05:03 AM

I've done lots of dealings with Paypal without any problems. Isn't Paypal owned by Ebay?

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Folkiedave
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 05:15 AM

I think you will find that Paypal is a lot better now Ebay have taken over. You will also find (I think) Ebay is based in Switzerland. Having said that I had a problem which was solved to my satisfaction immediately but the man who helped by phoning me(!!) was based in Vancouver.

I have also sent cash to the States without problems (find a travel agent offering commission free).

HTH

Dave

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 05:28 AM

I suppose it should go below the line, Richard. I've used PayPal often, and I've never had a problem. I'm in the US, but I occasionally use PayPal for overseas purchases - in fact, it's the way I prefer for overseas purchases. I have it linked to an account with a small balance ($500), not to the account that has my life savings.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Scoville
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 06:22 PM

I've never had trouble with PayPal, including for purchases in the UK (I'm in the US) and I figure they must be pretty good in light of the number of phishing emails I get from crooks trying to cash in on their reputation. I'm also involved with a hobby group that uses PayPal extensively, internationally, and for respectable sums (mostly in the $75-$150 range, but sometimes into the multiple-$1000's) and have never heard any complaints.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Sorcha
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 06:36 PM

And I have rec'd cash in the post also. Seems that a UK post office can change $ to £ for free??

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 08:01 PM

Here in Canada, a U. S. international money order can be obtained at any bank, which makes it simple, also the bank will sell me sterling money orders. I have sent cash registered (tracked with a signature at the end) and it seems to be OK.
I do a lot of buying on EBay but refuse to deal with those that ask for paypal only payment. My bank, when I checked some time ago, refused to deal with Paypal, but a daughter tells me it is OK now.

I have received notice from a couple of California dealers saying that their banks charge for US international money orders, but I don't believe them. Of course Postal money orders are a no-no where the US-Canada border must be crossed. Banks can't accept them.

Probably none of this will help.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 11:58 PM

I have found Paypal totally dependable. Be that as it may, if you want to send cash, concealed in an envelope, well, it will probably get there okay...if it's properly concealed.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 05:37 AM

Thanks for the input, now going a different route: my daughter has a paypal account as she does quite a lot of selling, and she will log into the item as me and pay with her paypal account, and I will do an internet transfer to her (not possible to an account outside the UK) of the money.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Hrothgar
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 05:49 AM

I have never had a problem with Paypal.

When I have to pay someone in the US who does not use Paypal, I get US cash from a travel agent (they charge less than banks) and send it well wrapped through the mail. no problems so far, but then again, they are not big amounts.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 07:39 AM

Its usually the sellers who get ripped off by Paypal.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 11:38 AM

Well, call me paranoid, but I don't like the idea of authorising someone to take money from me if I can't sue him to get it back if he takes too much. If Paypal were based and could be sued in the UK or USA I would have no problem with them.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 02:26 PM

One problem with international money orders is that most US banks (on the receiving end) charge a lot to cash them.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 03:38 PM

I hate banks

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 04:24 PM

Dick, I have sent out a lot of U. S. International dollar money orders, from Canada to the States, both to private individuals and shops. No complaints about charges. Many advised in their offerings that they would accept them.
Seems to me I would have heard back about high charges.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 09:38 PM

I wish someone would tell me how/where to cash one. I get them occasionally in the course of business, and have to return them.

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 10:31 PM

On very immediate past experiences doing advance business (accomdation-reservations-train-ferries)with the UK has been VERY frustrating.

With the EU - friends vouch and advance and write checks. With the UK - professional with EU BANKING connections cannot make connections.

Once I "tricked one of stock brokerage houses into a wire-transfer" They NEVER let me "trick" them again.

Most small B&B's do not take credit cards.

I am not sure who is holding back the tide of tourist trade, parliment? economists? brick masons? However, it appears to benefit somebody that , "Britania est insula."

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: ebay/US money order
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 10:36 PM

About two years ago - my sister-in-law's PayPal and E-Bay account was robbed of 2,000 USA.

A "pouser" took over her name and account, then presented fradulant accounts and offers....when the money was in....he ran...no goods delivered, an impeccable account history tarnished, complaints and e-mails, and two grand swirling with the dust in the wind.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle