"Paypal add 3%"..... ??

[1pRoscoe]

This is just a peeve of mine, but isn't the use of paypal supposed to make it easier/quicker for the seller to get their funds? Why should they feel the need to charge the fee associated?

A few years ago, nobody ever asked for the purchaser to add funds if they want to use paypal, it was just part of the cost of doing a deal. Now (along with raffles) this seems to be the new trend..... a seller will only take paypal if the buyer covers the fee for them. I can't remember paying someone with a credit card and having to pay more... Why should this be any different?

My opinion - if you're willing to accept payment real time, be prepared to suck up the 3% fee, which in the grand scheme of things is minimal. Either that, or price your item 3% higher to offset....

Am I the only one that thinks this is another way to nickle and dime a buyer???

Thoughts?

 

[OneArmed]

I work in the industry (CCNow.com).

Adding a fee to use PayPal generally violates their terms & conditions, at least if it is called out as a PayPal fee. SOP is to increase the price by 3% prior to close. They can lose their PP account and have funds frozen over it if PP finds out.

 

[JCIN]

Well maybe the way to do it is : "3% discount for money orders"

 

[Flex]

This is just a peeve of mine, but isn't the use of paypal supposed to make it easier/quicker for the seller to get their funds? Why should they feel the need to charge the fee associated?

A few years ago, nobody ever asked for the purchaser to add funds if they want to use paypal, it was just part of the cost of doing a deal. Now (along with raffles) this seems to be the new trend..... a seller will only take paypal if the buyer covers the fee for them. I can't remember paying someone with a credit card and having to pay more... Why should this be any different?

My opinion - if you're willing to accept payment real time, be prepared to suck up the 3% fee, which in the grand scheme of things is minimal. Either that, or price your item 3% higher to offset....

Am I the only one that thinks this is another way to nickle and dime a buyer???

Thoughts?

They want to charge a premium to take Paypal??

Not for me.

Go with a credit card, say Master or Visa or Discover. The buyer actually has some real protection with a credit card. However, I do use Paypal. But I never pay using my bank account, and always pay with a credit card. If the seller doesn't like it, tough cookies. I'm elsewhere.

Flex

 

[Flex]

Well maybe the way to do it is : "3% discount for money orders"

Just wondering what kind of buyer protection is built in for money orders... Is there any? Only certain kinds of money orders? Also, a money order will have to be mailed or hand delivered right? How old.... (Who wants to drive over to somewhere (using precious gas...) to buy a money order that costs extra to use it, then get an envelope (more money spent on that) then postage (want to make sure it gets there, so send it certified mail return receipt requested)... etc.. Forget it!

Paypal is quick and easy...

Same with a credit card.

Flex

 

[CK6Speed]

If I understand correctly, I thought paypal only charges the 3% fee for credit car use since they have to pay a fee to the credit card companies to accept the credit card. If the money comes from your checking account they waive the fee. I could be wrong on that though. I do recall one member passing the 3% fee on to his customers is against paypal rules though.

 

[joeboxer]

This is just a peeve of mine, but isn't the use of paypal supposed to make it easier/quicker for the seller to get their funds? Why should they feel the need to charge the fee associated?

A few years ago, nobody ever asked for the purchaser to add funds if they want to use paypal, it was just part of the cost of doing a deal. Now (along with raffles) this seems to be the new trend..... a seller will only take paypal if the buyer covers the fee for them. I can't remember paying someone with a credit card and having to pay more... Why should this be any different?

My opinion - if you're willing to accept payment real time, be prepared to suck up the 3% fee, which in the grand scheme of things is minimal. Either that, or price your item 3% higher to offset....

Am I the only one that thinks this is another way to nickle and dime a buyer???

Thoughts?

Absolutely agree. The ones i love the most are the ones that write "XXX plus the standard 3% for paypal"
As if they think its expected of buyers to pay the sellers fees.
Like you said they need to price their items accordingly.
I've passed on a few items i was interested in because of that fee.

 

[CK6Speed]

Absolutely agree. The ones i love the most are the ones that write "XXX plus the standard 3% for paypal"
As if they think its expected of buyers to pay the sellers fees.
Like you said they need to price their items accordingly.
I've passed on a few items i was interested in because of that fee.

I agree as well. I'm new here so I haven't sold or bought much here, but I do a lot of buying and selling on ebay. I like to accept paypal, but I always eat the paypal fees myself. I like paypal because it it just easier for me as I can do everything electronically and don't have to cash a check or money order in at the bank. I can do everything from my computer. I generally don't care if someone else passes the fee to their customers, but I'm not one that would do it. Depending on the item, I too have passed up on buying something because they wanted the fee. Most people I have done business with in the pass also eat the paypal fee themselves.

 

[D-Sub]

so what about a seller who prefers not to use paypal for that very reason? I have been selling pro audio for nearly ten years now, and have lost thousands of dollars through ebay and paypal fees. Most buyers insist on using paypal...so I am literally forced to pay those fees.

you guys sound ridiculous here. You're arguing that you shouldn't have to pay those fees, but someone else who might not even want to use that service should?

anyway...I say this time and time again, but the only way for both buyer and seller to be 100% protected is using an escrow service. I have used www.escrow.com many, many times and every single time was a flawless transaction.

takes a little longer, costs a little bit, but well worth it, and usually buyer and seller agree to split the costs.

oh, and yes, it is against Paypal's terms to charge buyers the transaction fees. I don't agree with this in the slightest.

 

[Flex]

so what about a seller who prefers not to use paypal for that very reason? I have been selling pro audio for nearly ten years now, and have lost thousands of dollars through ebay and paypal fees. Most buyers insist on using paypal...so I am literally forced to pay those fees.

you guys sound ridiculous here. You're arguing that you shouldn't have to pay those fees, but someone else who might not even want to use that service should?

anyway...I say this time and time again, but the only way for both buyer and seller to be 100% protected is using an escrow service. I have used www.escrow.com many, many times and every single time was a flawless transaction.

takes a little longer, costs a little bit, but well worth it, and usually buyer and seller agree to split the costs.

oh, and yes, it is against Paypal's terms to charge buyers the transaction fees. I don't agree with this in the slightest.

Well, you're not actually forced to pay those fees. You only have to pay them if you take Paypal. Paypal offers a service... why shouldn't they be paid for their service?

I know someone who sells used children's books at fairs and book shows. When she started taking Visa/MasterCard, her sales increased by 40%...

She said it's totally worth it to pay those fees because of the huge increase in business that it brings her.

Flex

 

[Str8PoolPlayer]

I have noticed lately (here on the West Coast) that many smaller businesses are now charging a fee when you use a Debit or Credit Card ... It usually runs between .35 cents and a 1.00 and is becoming the norm in my area ...

 

[1pRoscoe]

so what about a seller who prefers not to use paypal for that very reason? I have been selling pro audio for nearly ten years now, and have lost thousands of dollars through ebay and paypal fees. Most buyers insist on using paypal...so I am literally forced to pay those fees.

you guys sound ridiculous here. You're arguing that you shouldn't have to pay those fees, but someone else who might not even want to use that service should?

Sorry, but the latter part of this is laughable at best.... You're arguing that your clients "force" you to take paypal you and you are "forced" to pay these fees??? Hardly.... You choose to deal with these people in efforts to make new clients and you choose to extend paypal as a payment method if you want their business....

You always have a choice - you can pass on the sale.

So - how do I (we) sound rediculous? For paying extra to make it easier on the seller? I don't think so....

 

[CK6Speed]

so what about a seller who prefers not to use paypal for that very reason? I have been selling pro audio for nearly ten years now, and have lost thousands of dollars through ebay and paypal fees. Most buyers insist on using paypal...so I am literally forced to pay those fees.

you guys sound ridiculous here. You're arguing that you shouldn't have to pay those fees, but someone else who might not even want to use that service should?

anyway...I say this time and time again, but the only way for both buyer and seller to be 100% protected is using an escrow service. I have used www.escrow.com many, many times and every single time was a flawless transaction.

takes a little longer, costs a little bit, but well worth it, and usually buyer and seller agree to split the costs.

oh, and yes, it is against Paypal's terms to charge buyers the transaction fees. I don't agree with this in the slightest.

If I want to buy something from you more than likely I will buy it and pay you anyway you want. I just bought a cue from an AZB cue maker that only accepted money order or check. I sent him a check. No bid deal. For me, just depends on if I want to buy it or not. If I don't need it and they ask for a fee, I probably wont buy it. Nothing wrong with a seller NOT accepting paypal at all. It is just another service. Some prefer it some don't. Some gain business because of paypal, some loose business because of paypal. No different than any other business out there. I personally would never go to a gas station that doesn't accept credit cards at the pump. I rather not have to go into the store. Some people will not use a credit car at all and rather pay cash. That is just part of doing business. No business can capture the entire market. You have to pick and choose which type of customer you want to cater to. I'm not that young and hip onto everything online or the internet, but I do know I do nearly all my banking and bill paying online. I only keep my checkbook around for those few times when I actually need to write a check.

 

[D-Sub]

Nothing wrong with a seller NOT accepting paypal at all.

Sorry, but when you use ebay, just under the surface is the implication that you must use paypal. Buyers have been convinced that it;s the only safe way to pay (pure bullshit) and that sellers that don't accept it should be avoided.

You guys are missing the Paypal propaganda here. Yes, it's convenient (until you get a chargeback or paypal chooses to freeze your account OR as a buyer you get something "not as described" which is not covered).

Yeah, a seller can just set a price that covers those fees, or choose to just eat them (like I said, I've "lost" thousands that way) but again...people are often darn close to forced to accept paypal.

 

[D-Sub]

Sorry, but the latter part of this is laughable at best.... You're arguing that your clients "force" you to take paypal you and you are "forced" to pay these fees??? Hardly.... You choose to deal with these people in efforts to make new clients and you choose to extend paypal as a payment method if you want their business....

You always have a choice - you can pass on the sale.

So - how do I (we) sound rediculous? For paying extra to make it easier on the seller? I don't think so....

I knew this was going to happen. Bowing out here because I have no desire to argue this with any of you. I shouldn't have gotten into it in the first place.

I will say, however, that on ebay I can not "pass on a sale" once an auction is complete, but yes, you're right...in regular dealings I certainly can.

 

[1pRoscoe]

I will say, however, that on ebay I can not "pass on a sale" once an auction is complete, but yes, you're right...in regular dealings I certainly can.

True, but I've bought a bunch of stuff on ebay and not been asked to pay any additional for using paypal....

At least here there is no listing fee, nor a final value fee.....

Thanks for your input.

 

[hejests]

This is just a peeve of mine, but isn't the use of paypal supposed to make it easier/quicker for the seller to get their funds? Why should they feel the need to charge the fee associated?

A few years ago, nobody ever asked for the purchaser to add funds if they want to use paypal, it was just part of the cost of doing a deal. Now (along with raffles) this seems to be the new trend..... a seller will only take paypal if the buyer covers the fee for them. I can't remember paying someone with a credit card and having to pay more... Why should this be any different?

My opinion - if you're willing to accept payment real time, be prepared to suck up the 3% fee, which in the grand scheme of things is minimal. Either that, or price your item 3% higher to offset....

Am I the only one that thinks this is another way to nickle and dime a buyer???

Thoughts?

Nothing's free in life. Either...
A. The seller jacks up the price upfront by about 3%. ex: instead of listing for ~$300, they list for ~$310 which applies to everyone.
B. The seller jacks up the price for only ppl paying through paypal

Ultimately the seller is setting the price, so the only thing you're really complaining about is "knowing" that the price is being jacked up on you vs. the price being jacked up being totally transparent to you. Since the seller's setting the price, the end result is the same (except with scenario b some ppl pay less).

So you're advocating that everyone should pay a higher price outright?

 

[1pRoscoe]

Nothing's free in life. Either...
A. The seller jacks up the price upfront by about 3%. ex: instead of listing for ~$300, they list for ~$310 which applies to everyone.
B. The seller jacks up the price for only ppl paying through paypal

Ultimately the seller is setting the price, so the only thing you're really complaining about is "knowing" that the price is being jacked up on you vs. the price being jacked up being totally transparent to you. Since the seller's setting the price, the end result is the same (except with scenario b some ppl pay less).

So you're advocating that everyone should pay a higher price outright?

No.... Jesus.....

A seller can list any item for whatever they choose. If the price is fair, it will sell.

What is bullshit is a seller listing for $xxx, but add more if you want to pay me through paypal...

I think I've clearly itemized my standpoint on this matter above.

 

[CK6Speed]

Sorry, but when you use ebay, just under the surface is the implication that you must use paypal. Buyers have been convinced that it;s the only safe way to pay (pure bullshit) and that sellers that don't accept it should be avoided.

You guys are missing the Paypal propaganda here. Yes, it's convenient (until you get a chargeback or paypal chooses to freeze your account OR as a buyer you get something "not as described" which is not covered).

Yeah, a seller can just set a price that covers those fees, or choose to just eat them (like I said, I've "lost" thousands that way) but again...people are often darn close to forced to accept paypal.

I'm in no way an ebay power seller. I have been on ebay since nearly the beginning and do buy and sell personal things there a lot. I do notice the trend that people rather only accept paypal, but most still give you other options. I have seen paypal only auctions, but I don't think that is the majority. I am always worried about paypal fraud. I only had one case where I had to file a complaint with paypal and I got most of my money back. It is a risk thats for sure. That is also why my paypal checking account generally has less than $10 in it. If I need to use it I transfer money into it. If I get paid by paypal I immediately transfer my money out. If something goes totally wrong, the most paypal can do is freeze my paypal account, but I loose virtually no money since my money would already be in another account.

As for safe, I don't consider paypal any safer than mailing a check or cash even. I just think of it as another form of payment. The day I get majorly burned by paypal is the day I'll probably stop using it like many have already, but so far I've been able to choose carefully or maybe just be luck in the last 10 or how many years paypal has been in existence.

I do see your concern, but convenience and technology will keep on moving forward. Either you have to keep up and accept this whole electronic media and banking age, or you have to accept you will loose business if you choose not to.

 

[Rocket354]

My opinion - if you're willing to accept payment real time, be prepared to suck up the 3% fee, which in the grand scheme of things is minimal. Either that, or price your item 3% higher to offset....

Am I the only one that thinks this is another way to nickle and dime a buyer???

I don't understand--you hate if someone requests an extra 3% if the buyer wants to pay with paypal, but you're perfectly OK with someone just listing their item at a 3% higher price? What's the difference?

If someone requests 3% for paypal then at least they are offering a cheaper alternative for those who don't want to pay with paypal. Instead of viewing it as "$500 + 3% for paypal" look at it as "$515 ($500 if you pay with money order)."

Although, clearly, the best way to do it would be to just ask for $515 right off the bat, because for some reason that's so much less offensive.

Have people noticed how many sellers are asking $x35 for items (ie, $735, $935, etc; a few other numbers too). You think that $35 is just random? I read that as "I want to get $700 for the item, and that $35 is to cover paypal and shipping fees."