Good Buy on eBay

[Slamfire]

When you set up your pay pal account you may specify whether you want your bank account charged or a credit card. If you choose the latter you'll have the full use of that company's protection. I had a pay pal account once, but never used it. I did get the $5.00 credit card credit, and the $0.02 they depositied into my checking account. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[akman]

I think the bottom line here is that Paypal is not a scam operation. The 4 day delay is for your and their own good. When I opened my Paypal accounts it only took 2 days to get verified via checking and MC/AMEX accounts and all the $1.98 was re deposited to my accounts.

I have bought and sold several times on eBay with paypal and have to say that other than one non paying bidder it's been a good experience and I have made out very well.

Like buying or selling anything, you have to do the research before making the transaction. Weather your doing it online or person to person or even going to a tractor dealership !

Where else can you buy an $8000 vineyard sprayer for $1100. Or an $9000 hydraulic rotary WeedBadger (in row rotary tiller) for only $4000 ?? I sold a backpack mistblower / sprayer this year for what I paid for it, this after using it several times !

Good luck. I always say to be smart with your money, but don't be paranoid about using it, especially when there are protective measures ou there. You could end up missing out on a great deal.
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Tony

 

[Docsknotinn]

I used to buy a lot on eBay and used pay pal when they were in fact still owned by Pay Pal. Once eBay bought them and I got all of the 40 page updated user agreements which include them selling your name and address I stayed away. It is totally wrong to hold a seller responsible for any payment errors with pay pal. The number of other items they have for sale, the same or not is a non issue. After I sold a number of items their I thought about signing up for a sellers account. Try getting a hold of pay pal customer service and you will find out what a lousy service they are. I never ever never use pay pal now as they just want WAY too much personal info. If you dont trust the seller enought to send a check or money order then why bid ? There are a couple of other solutions. One is to use a Postal Money order. Under a buck. If they rip you off it becomes a Federal crime Vs a Civel issue as they were paid with a federal money order. It wont be easy but at least their is some possability for recourse. Second is to use Bid Pay. This would have been the best choice for our non paying bidder. You are simply buying a money order with your credit card from western union. They charge 3% ( the same as pay pal) plus a processing fee and shipping arrangement of your choice. I have had several people pay me with bid pay and they are a very reliable company. If the seller takes money orders he will gladly accept Bid Pay. The cost is yours to bare though. The biggest and easiest way to avoid problems on eBay is to ask questions BEFORE you bid. If you dont like the answer or dont get a answer just look for another seller. People are basicly good. If its under $30 and I want it fast sometimes I just send cash. I have never been ripped of or cheated on a cash deal. I did get burned once and I was glad for a direct Visa payment that time. For the most part now I avoid eBay on items over a couple of hundred dollars unless the seller has a sterling reputation. If we have any race fans I will have Daytona 500 tickets up in the near future as I just cant make it this year, NO PAY PAL. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Dave

 

[EdK]

Thanks for the response and the link to the light thread. I'm watching the price on those lights as they creep up...$76 now with 2.5 days to go...

I also liked your portable building. I had one of the basic ones like in one of your early pictures that I got from Harbor Freight. It collapsed on my machine last winter! My neighbor stores his JD in a half-round style similar to yours and has had good luck with it. At least this winter I now have a garage for my tractor.

Thanks again, Ed

 

[fishman]

Bird and others,

I've used Paypal at least 20 times and never had a problem. When I originally set up my account, they "verified" my checking acount by making two small deposits. Then I returned to their website and entered the amounts to "verify my account. After that point I could add as many different credit cards as I wanted, as well as more than one shipping address (business, home). I've never had a problem and if I ever have any questions, I can find my transactions on the Paypal website or on my credit card statement.

And I've gotten some great deals on stuff from Ebay. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

That might not be the way it works now, but it must be pretty similar. You just have to allow a little time to set up your account before you want to buy something. Just like most things in life, preparation is important. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[pruntyc]

I have never had a problem with PayPal, but then again I have never had it verified either. But I trust them more than just throwing your CC number out on the web. But I trust the web, if it has a lock at the bottom, at least as much as I do some crudy looking guy or gal takeing it at a store. Some of the ID thief is a lot of times from the store or station, or wherever, and not from the web. Anyone that you give your card to, to charge something, can steal the number.

 

[Docsknotinn]

Dick, untill you get verified you have a spending limit. If you reach that cap you wont be able to use them any more with out getting verifyed. I used them many times before they were bought by eBay no problems. After that I just didnt like their terms. Many sellers on eBay are merchants in the real world as well. Like sears and Northern tool. Many take Crddit cards direct as well as eBay. Anytime you can go direct you are better off due to bank card protection even if they still charge you the 3%. eBay is a lot of fum. I guess its the 21 first century version of the garage sale. Dave

 

[MadReferee]

I always use my American Express card for internet purchases. They do not take fraud lightly. A few years ago I purchased something from a hardware vendor and used my AMEX card over the phone. A month or so later I was checking my on-line AMEX statement when I noticed a charge for a computer I did not buy. I immediately called AMEX and they cancelled the card and re-issued me another card. Since the charge had been posted but the monthly billing cycle was not yet over, they would not do anything to the charge since the merchant had until the end of my billing cycle to make a correction.

As soon as the billing cycle closed, they credited my account and went after the merchant since it is AMEX's policy that merchants must ship to the card address (or an alternate address on file with AMEX) for all purchases. To make a long story short, a few months later I got a credit transaction from the merchant and a debit transaction from AMEX (they wanted their credited money back). When I asked AMEX what was happening they indicated that the merchant was responsible since he did not follow the terms set forth by AMEX. AMEX also went after the crook who used my card number. I never found out what they did to the crook but a lawyer friend told me that AMEX almost always aggressively prosecutes.

 

[mountain_man]

<font color="blue"> How do you know whether it was online purchases or some other means by which someone got your card number? </font>

It was some time ago, but I think I remember the credit card company gave me the info about a hacked on-line server (not theirs). I'm guessing they knew it because of the large volume of similar fraudulent claims in a short time period that were traced back to a (legitimate) previous purchase at same on-line place.

PS - I haven't had any fraud problems since discontinuing using the new card on-line. Might be coincidence, but I doubt it....

 

[pruntyc]

I know about the limit Dave. I havn't got there yet, and when I do, then I will think about it. But I don't like the idea of them having my account number at the bank. Guess just geting old and I worry too much, but I don't think I will verify. I don't buy much on eBay, and if I bought something big, would probably use some other way of paying for it anyway.

 

[Docsknotinn]

If its just due to age Dick I'm catchin up fast old friend ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I dont like giveing up my account numbers and such either. Overall I'm convinced that for the money US Postal money orders are the Best deal. When some one buys from me on eBay and its over $250 I usually offer a discount $5-10.oo just for useing a US Postal money order. I do that because its as good as cash. By that I mean I can cash the check right at the post office when I'm shipping their item. Plus as a buyer they have federal documentation of payment. Dave

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color="blue"> I got discusted and canceled the order. </font>

This won't be what you want to hear, but I agree with the seller. It's not his fault that PayPal works that way. Beyond that, you probably could have overnighted him a certified check to expidite the process if that was your concern. I'm with the seller on this one. You bid on it, you bought it then you refused to pay.

 

[Libertine]

gotrocks:

<font color="blue">Since you mention eBay and I have just had a unpleasant experience with them, I thought I'd ask if others had the same. </font>

Yes. Although others have reported positively about eBay, I do not trust them. Period. Decided to "register" a couple weeks ago. Provided information (no financial stuff though - planned only to accept US Postal money orders). Couldn't get through the sign on process. For example, the "print friendly" option didn't work to print out the service agreements. Tried to print their rates in help screen - that didn't work either. Never did log on so I sent them email. They replied but insisted was "my" software (I use Netscape). Finally, they admitted they had upgraded their system and there were "problems". They then changed my password and sent (via an open, unencrypted email) the new one!!! Talk about lack of concern about security. So I sent request to cancel my registration since their "rules" say I am liable for anything done under my password. Took a number of emails before they finally agreed to cancel my registration (I HAD NEVER EVEN COMPLETED LOGGING ON!!!!). I still don't know if it has been removed.

I DON'T TRUST eBAY. THEY CLEARLY ARE NOT SERIOUSLY CONCERNED ABOUT SECURITY. I know others have reported good experiences. Fine. BUT I DON'T TRUST THEM. I realize most people are sheep and believe what they are told, but I DON'T TRUST eBAY. At the very minimum, changing their software without adequate testing is irresponsible as their site services many people.

JEH

 

[Docsknotinn]

Wont get much debate from me on that one. Even though I use them they wont be getting my votr for "customer service" of the year. Dave

 

[elmerinva]

My experience with PayPal had nothing to do with EBay but I think they misrepresent the way they work. I had some legal work done some years ago and asked if the law firm would accept credit cards(CC). No, but they take PayPal which the law firm said would accept CC as payment. Filled out forms, gave them CC nos., checking acct nos, verified deposit, etc. and then went to pay the lawyer some $2000 by PayPal expecting them to charge the CC; PayPal instead deducts the amount from my checking account. I could cover the check withdrawal, but they did not do what they said they would. I cancelled my PayPal and NEVER will deal with again.

Be careful of certified check payments as a seller since forgeries abound. Before you ship the goods, contact the bank on which the certified check is made and verify that it is valid.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color="blue"> Be careful of certified check payments as a seller since forgeries abound. </font>

THAT is excellent advice. It's those type of forgeries that allow the Nigerian check scam to work so effectively. I have a software program that allows me to very easily print a very nice looking check on watermarked safety paper complete with MICR routing numbers and account numbers across the bottom. I'm sure it wouldn't take a whole lot of effort to add the words "Bank Check" or "Certified Check" to it. I can even buy magnetic ink for my laser printer so the MICR encoding can be read at the bank. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Fortunately, I've chosen to use my super powers for good and not evil. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Gatorboy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( PayPal instead deducts the amount from my checking account )</font>

When you make a payment, there is a DROP-DOWN box where you select what account you want the payment to come out of. I'm sure your Checking Account was selected, and you failed to change it to your actual preference.

 

[gotrocks]

<font color="blue"> You just have to allow a little time to set up your account before you want to buy something. Just like most things in life, preparation is important. </font>

I have an account set up and have used it for many years, without difficulty.
It's my Master Card. And the seller (a company not individual) indicated they would accept PayPal and PayPal indicated they would accept Master Card.

Sorry if I made this thread "jump the track".

If anyone wants to see more PayPal experiences check out this:

http://forums.ebay.com/db2/forum.jsp?forum=97

At least I'm not the only one that is not a Pal to PayPal.

Just because they eBay and PayPal are the largest does not impress me,
So was Enron, World Com, etc......

To Repeat my previous example:

I felt this was not much different than if I walked into my local hardware store and made a purchase for an item needed this weekend; since I had help coming to assist with the task at hand.

Ok here's my CC-- sorry we'll have to wait until next Wednesday and check with your bank and bill you $1.95 on you card and then when you get your statement come back and tell us what our secret number is and you can pick up your merchandise.


Now this hypothetical merchant has overhead just like the on line seller, maybe I had to get the stock clerk to pull the item from the top rack with the lift truck......
you know go to some effort and expense to get the item in my cart.

Then arrive at checkout and have the above happen. Would any of you follow those instructions for a $49.95 purchase?

Bye Bye Now, You all come back U hear.

 

[Gatorboy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Would any of you follow those instructions for a $49.95 purchase? )</font>

If you didn't have a PayPal account at the time you bought -- then you should have just sent the seller a money order. You really shouldn't include your signing up with PayPal as part of your transaction with the Seller.

Because you found grief with PayPal should be no reason you stiffed the Seller.

 

[Docsknotinn]

Pay Pal and the seller have nothing to do with each other. Stiffing the seller and makeing him pay eBays listing and end valuation fees is simply wrong. Wouldn't it be nice if we could always blame or make some one else financially responsible for our mistakes. Many of the anti- Pay pal sites are HOAXES. So dont be miss lead by false propoganda. Their not the best but not a scam either. Elvis might be dead but cash is still king. You should have sent some other form of payment. Sadly thats where negative feed back comes from. A failure to comminicate or be at least a little receptive to the fact that you might be wrong. Hopefully you are at least trying to work it out. Dave