Good Buy on eBay

Docsknotinn · Sep 25, 2003

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 · Sep 25, 2003

I got discusted and canceled the order. 

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 · Sep 26, 2003

gotrocks:

Since you mention eBay and I have just had a unpleasant experience with them, I thought I'd ask if others had the same. 

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 · Sep 26, 2003

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 · Sep 26, 2003

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 · Sep 26, 2003

Be careful of certified check payments as a seller since forgeries abound. 

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 · Sep 26, 2003

( PayPal instead deducts the amount from my checking account )

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 · Sep 26, 2003

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. 

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 · Sep 26, 2003

( Would any of you follow those instructions for a $49.95 purchase? )

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 · Sep 27, 2003

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