Paypal: advices & info

[Ukyo the undead]

Im about to get a paypal account, since its looks like the best way for me to pay for any products I buy in ebay.

But there´s a few things that I not sure about.

1) Do I pay anything to have the account( fixed cost, percentage over money sent etc)?

2) Is it safe? What should I avoid?

I heard stories about accounts being locked with money in it, losing the money. I want to know aby tips to avoid problems and use it in the best way possible.

Anyone?

 

[Maerdwyn]

You don't have to pay any fees to send someone money by Paypal. The receipient, however, pays a fee to get the money, and some ebay sellers figure this fee into the price of shipping and handling.

I never had a bad experience them, but I know that Morrus did, with Papal holding onto so much of his money that it (I think) may have threatened the viability of continuing to run this site. I've cut off their access to my bank account, and exclusively use a credit card with good buyer protection to send money with Paypal. That may not be as necessary as it was before - They were acquired by Ebay, and have had to run a tighter ship since then, so I've read that it's quite a bit safer now.

Good luck

 

[trancejeremy]

In order to receive money from a credit card, you have to get a premium account, which takes a fairly large chunk out of any money you receive, credit card or not (I think like 5%)

But sending money doesn't cost anything, so it's good for buyers. That supposed "buyer protection" is a joke, though.

 

[Chupacabra]

I have used them about 3 dozen times or so for various ebay purchases. I've never had a problem with them, but I have always just used them as a conduit for credit card purchases. That is, I have an "account" with them, but it is not a "line of credit" or anything -- they are not holding on to any of my money at any time.

Two different folks at my work are avid ebayers and they have never had a problem with paypal before either.

Good luck.

 

[Zappo]

Like chupacabra, I only use it as a mean to pay... they never have any of my money at any given type. I never had any trouble, but I don't like the fact that paypal is effectively a bank, but isn't subject to regulations.