PayPal: Is it really REALLY safe?

from WinCustomize Forums
I am asking this again because I am about to start a business using eBay. now I know eBay bought PayPal, but then again I wasn't to sure about eBay either.

So I am going to give it a shot. I am into anything that is scaled down but mostly diecast cars. So I decided to start selling them (from mint condition to somewhat used) and include other items in the sale to make it unique (thinking about giving away free skins that match the car before I realise it to the public).

Long story short, someone told me that PayPal is the best way to go for transactions, but how trustworthy is it??? I am a little scared about using it but if it works it could help my budding business to grow.

Do I use PayPal? Do I trust the eBay way of trading? I did some research and it seems ok, but I value the opinions of the people on the message board here.

Thank you.

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1,809 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Nothing is safe anymore.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've never had any problems with it, and i used to use it all the time
Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've been using Paypal for a couple of years now with no problems. I've found it to be safe as well as convenient for eBay autions.

One word of caution though, you will be receiving emails from time to time telling you that your registration with Paypal is about to expire, or telling you that they are conducting security updates, or.... or..... or.....

The two things that these emails have is that 1) they will take you to an http URL and not an https URS (the missing s will tell you right off the bat that they are scams. That and the fact the Paypal and eBay never ever send out such emails), and 2) they are scams to try and get your registration info from you. Don't reply to them, just report them to Paypal.

Ditto with the ones that want your eBay info.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ok... I just want it to work so badly.



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Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As a seller just starting out, PayPal offers about the best combination of convenience, cost, and security of any electronic payment option you're going to find, especially on eBay, in my opinion. Having your own accounts with the major credit card companies might be marginally more secure, but qualifying can be difficult and paying for the accounts can represent a significant investment upfront, and unless you have a reasonably high transaction volume, the costs are just as high or even higher in some cases than PayPal.

On eBay especially, PayPal is integrated so well that it makes handling the financial end of things very easy to use and manage as a seller. Invoices, reminders, payment notification, and all of the other aspects of managing your account are very easy and straightforward. The biggest problems I've seen with PayPal are typically the same problems you'd have with any other setup - chargebacks, returns, and other claims.

My best advice for things to do to protect yourself:

1. Decide in advance and write a simple, clearly understandable notice regarding:

A. Payment: What you will and won't accept, time limits, etc.
B. Shipping: Acceptable addresses, methods, insurance, receipts, geographic limits.
C. Warranty/Guarantee: As is, limits, etc.
D. Return Policy: Do you accept returns, time limits, conditions, restock fees, etc.
E. Claims: Who and how to contact, etc.

Post a notice in every eBay ad you place.

2. Keep your shipping costs as low as possible, but don't short yourself or your customer. Packaging supplies cost money, but don't skimp on packaging because it will increase satisfaction and cut down on claims.

3. Whenever possible, calculate shipping costs ahead of time and show them in the ad, and explain the method and geographic limits they are based on (e.g. US Priority Insured Mail in the 48 states). It will cut down on inquiries and make payment easier. There are buyers out there who will jump the gun and pay only the sale price through paypal if you don't post shipping. It can be a hassle to sort out later.

4. Don't forget the PayPal fees and don't let your PayPal balance drop too low or go negative. It sounds simple, but you'd be amazed at how many people forget this. The same thing applies to your eBay fees.

5. Invoice and ship as soon as you possibly can. Generally speaking, the faster the transaction goes, the less problems you'll have. And always answer emails with a copy to yourself and leave feedback for your customers. You might be surprised at how often that makes a difference in resolving disputes.

That's the best advice I have coming from being a longterm eBay seller myself and having helped several friends setup their own eBay stores. Good luck!



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Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Don't assume 'https' is above board, either....got one allegedly from 'my' bank with the secure prefix....only trouble was I have never been with that bank....neither online nor off...
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
JTB, Paypayl IS save. I have been using it for transactions upto 200$ and never had ANY problems with it. I would mind using it for larger transactions.

I can really advice you to use it as it is a great way to get your money. You give your paypal, you instantly see the money on your account and with a few simple clicks you can transfer it to your bankaccount.