Is Paypal a good method of payment online?

Question

I'm currently 16 years old and I want to start a commissions page online on this art website, but unsure of what's a good method of recieving money. Snail mail is really slow and unsafe so I really don't want to use that, and I don't own a credit card--so Paypal's all really that's left for me?

I was just wondering if Paypal's okay to use, since alot of people seemed to hate it because of what it does sometimes with your refund and the customer service. I will be recieving the money most of the time instead of using it online, and most likely won't ever use it online. I already got two offers for 75 dollars for an artwork, but unsure of how to respond since I don't know if I should use Paypal or not.

And please don't tell me to concentrate on school work like some people have answered in other people's question. I already have a 4.5 GPA in school and already taking SAT classes over summer :)

Best answer will be rewarded for best answer :D d(^-^d ) thanks!

Answer 1

If you use PayPal and people pay by credit card there is a risk in it. They can buy your merchandise and then call their credit card company and have it charged back, leaving you without your product and money.

I run my own small business and alot people are just crooked like that. I had to stop using PayPal for that Reason.

They would claim...
"I don't Like it." "Its not what I wanted after all." And never get in contact with me or send my product back.

I find its usually better to just accept Money Orders.

It takes a little more time but you'll be sure to get your money, and if there is a dispute you can handle it instead of being out 75$ and your Artwork.

Answer 2

I've used Paypal for years and never had a problem. I know some people have had charges reversed, but the same thing happens with credit cards. Even if you only take checks, a number of them with bounce. One thing that people do to protect themselves is they remove the money from their Paypal account as soon as they receive it. that way if someone tries to reverse the charges there is no money in the account for them to get. One thing to know, though, is this situation is a cost of doing business that sometimes your customers will be flakey and cheat you out of money. Just realize it happens and don't depend on the money until it clears.

If you are selling online, you really need something, credit card processing, Paypal or something. You will lose 90% of your potential customers if you only take checks, western union and money orders. Again, part of the price of doing business today.

Paypal has a couple of different options for you to get your money to use. You can get a prepaid debit card through them. It works just like a Visa where you can buy stuff either around town or online. That might be iffy because of your age, so you might check with Paypal about the requirements for that.

The other way is you can link a bank account to Paypal. So when you receive a payment through Paypal, you instruct Paypal to deposit it into your bank account. There are a few small charges and it can take a couple days, but it is actually easy. Just look at the costs, and keep those costs in mind when you price your products, and you'll do fine.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I think it's a great scheme, and they allow small traders the ability to use their pre-built pages and shopping carts, outside of ebay. This is good if you're selling a smallish number of products, like your specialized art pieces etc. There is validation of buyers, though people can dispute purchases of course.

You need to be sure that your terms of business are clear, regarding refunds and disputes. Otherwise, I'd say go for it - as you're not locked into to any long-term contract with monthly fees etc. If you find that at some point it doesn't suit you, you can change to a different service - though it would mean rebuilding some of your web-site.

It's always worth shopping around for comparable services, and specifically look at commissions and charge-back terms of service. Best of luck!!

Answer 4

I have used Paypal personally for about 4 years. I have never had any kind of problem at all. I have probably put about $3,000.00 through its system since I only use it for fairly small purchases and payments such as EBay. I think it is very safe and a very quick and convenient way to both receive and pay money. One of the things I like best is that fact that you can look back and see a record of your transactions complete with names of individuals and details of the transaction. I would recommend it with no reservations.

Answer 5

I have used it to pay for items, in particular a monthly fee for a Thoroughbred racing partnership I was in for about a year, and found it highly convenient and had no problems. It is a good way to not have the hassles of getting "real" payments from people. Chase your dreams and when you get more confident in business, then you may want to personally delve into that aspect.....but for now you may want to be an artist before anything else.

Answer 6

paypal is fine - just be aware that when you reach a certain limit of rceiving money, you are open to investigation.

As a seller on ebay for some 5 years, I find PP invaluable, even including their costs. As a buyer, they are fab!

Answer 7

I've used it many times without any problems. It's fast and easy. I would recommend it.

Answer 8

I use it and feel completely comfortable with the security and flexibility it offers.

Answer 9

It is excellent!!! Very secure and reliable!

Answer 10

yes its secure .... gl dont just give ur details to any one but hey you know that..........