speedy88

Dear 993 members,

Recently, I got into a heated debate with a Rennlist member on a purchase using Paypal. I would like to get your opinions on Paypal payment procedures.

1. I saw a private party ad for a product I wanted to buy.

2. I made a reasonable offer based off retail/business pricing.

3. We agreed to a price. Seller sent me a Paypal invoice. (FYI, there was no mention of fees, type of payment accept on ad prior to agreed price)

4. I paid for it through my debit card (link to my bank account).

5. Seller sent the item, but stated I shorted him ~$3! I told him the full amount came out of my pocket and it was because of Paypal's fees.

6. Seller said I should have paid it through my bank account. Huh? This is a PURCHASE from private party which I do NOT know, not a PERSONAL TRANSFER.

7. Seller states I should have pay through my bank account to avoid fees.

SO... just out of curiousity, from Rennlist member to member purchases', do you pay via "PERSONAL TRANSFER"? Especially, one that you have no experience from before?

Please let me know. I want to put this debate to rest.

Red9

.He sent Paypal invoice-- you paid it -- he could expect no more.
If he wanted to add Paypal fee-- he should have said so BEFORE issuing an invoice.

ble2011

If he wanted a personal transfer (by gift), he should have stated that ahead of the transfer. I have done this on numerous occasions. It's not a given and I would have paid the same way as you if not instructed differently.

EntropyChaser993

I'm done with personal checks and personal transfers when buying from strangers. Paypal is good from the perspective that there is recourse and protection from getting screwed. As far as the Paypal fees... my opinion is that they should be negotiated between the buyer and seller upfront.

Magdaddy

isn't the fee free "gift" option now gone?

But, yes I feel that was the seller's mistake here. Somebody has to pay the fee to Paypal, either buyer or seller.

Paypal is certainly handy, IMHO. The fee structure...just like dealing with ebay, can be difficult to understand. Just know, they'll usually always get their cut.

LvnTheDrm

$3.00? Seriously? Gee, haven't had a business ding me for the 1.5-3.00% fee they pay when I use credit card to purchase...If they don't like the fee, they only take CASH...

KMASS993

I always pay with credit card, that way if something happens I am covered. American Express issued a charged back on a damaged item I received instantly.

slickster85

I always used my Amex for the same reason.

vincer77

The seller is responsible. He sent the invoice, you paid it. Tell him to pound sand. For $3!

FisterD

It sounds like the seller doesn't understand how paypal works. He sent the invoice with the total and did not account for the paypal fee. That is on him. Live and learn. $3.00 is a cheap lesson.

Mark in Baltimore

Based on what you've written, you are right and the seller is wrong. If the seller had wanted you to cover the PayPal fee, he should have asked for it, but, from what I understand, asking a buyer to pay for that fee is against PayPal's rules.

slickster85

It is the price you pay for getting your money right away.

nile13

I think neither seller, no buyer clearly understand how PayPal work.

The seller's issue is obvious. If you negotiated a price, sent an invoice and did not mention anything about fees, you get a payment by any means the buyer feels appropriate. And that's exactly what happened.

The buyer, however, states: "I paid for it through my debit card (link to my bank account)." the very fact that the bank account is mentioned leads me to believe (perhaps incorrectly) that some something might have been discussed regarding Personal payment. If so, the payment could have been fee-free if buyer paid from his linked bank account _without_ using debit card. Maybe OP/buyer will enlighten us.

In general, use of debit cards perplexes me, especially vis a vis Paypal. It gives no added protection of a credit card. It takes money directly from your bank account anyway. If you already have a linked account, pay from it directly and avoid the fees. PayPal is evil (and I say it as a customer for the last 12+ years).

Chuck W.

Ughhhhh..... $3.00..... Ughhhhh If I was the seller, I would eat it. If I was the buyer I would pay him the $3.00 and shake my head in disbelief. $3.00 !!!!!!

goofballdeluxe

$3?