Quick personal research about Paypal

Deadly Ferret · 7 Dec 2008 at 20:08

I've just created an account on the auction site to sell an unwanted mobile, and am considering opening a Paypal account to make the sale easier.

However, I remember hearing some awful stories of sellers losing the money/being scammed after sending the goods. It was years ago that I heard this though, and I wonder if it has improved since then...

So quick question please, in your personal opinion is it a safe thing to use these days?

Thanks

CliffyBiro · 7 Dec 2008 at 20:10

Yes, although I've only just started but find it very simple and appears safe through eBay.

Morba · 7 Dec 2008 at 20:10

do you not HAVE to accept paypal now? or is that just some other countries?
its safe to an extent, though some people have problems with people who receive an item then report it as faulty and get a claimback through paypal without the seller being able to do much about it.

have you seen how much you can get from envirophone or whatever the company is? might be about as much as an auction AND be much less stress from scam buyers.

Deadly Ferret · 7 Dec 2008 at 20:14

Morba said:
do you not HAVE to accept paypal now?

Yes in theory, but a friend tells me you can just say in the description no Paypal, if worded right to circumvent their autobots, and then be bloody-minded if the buyer tries to use it.

Never heard of Envirophone but I assume it's some sort of recycling scheme? This is a new, modern phone that I got at the start of a contract but I'm keeping my existing handset. Can't see them offering enough. I appreciate the suggestion though.

titchard · 7 Dec 2008 at 20:28

Deadly Ferret said:
Yes in theory, but a friend tells me you can just say in the description no Paypal, if worded right to circumvent their autobots, and then be bloody-minded if the buyer tries to use it.

Never heard of Envirophone but I assume it's some sort of recycling scheme? This is a new, modern phone that I got at the start of a contract but I'm keeping my existing handset. Can't see them offering enough. I appreciate the suggestion though.

Aye - was about to mention Envirofone, I used them instead of eBay because I was a bit wary about scams etc. May not have got the same ammount as I would have done with eBay but got a deposit in the bank within a week!

Rich

dntbloodshot · 7 Dec 2008 at 20:32

Paypal is fine, as long as you follow all their (absurd) rules, and do not use it professionally, or entrust it with serious money.

Soupy · 7 Dec 2008 at 21:30

Never had a problem with Paypal, casual or professional even receiving individual payments of over £900 ... cleared to my account within 7 days ... it's fine if you're sensible with it.

ins0mn1ac · 7 Dec 2008 at 21:33

You'll have no end of trouble selling small electrical items on Ebay, I need that African Fonejacker pic...

Johnny Girth · 7 Dec 2008 at 21:33

I've had a lot of experience with ebay and Paypal and generally they're safe but there are always idiots who will try to scam you. Particularly over things like phones. As has been mentioned, you are at risk of people scamming you but if you ship to confirmed addresses only and to people with decent feedback you should be ok.

The_Abyss · 7 Dec 2008 at 22:30

Johnny Girth said:
I've had a lot of experience with ebay and Paypal and generally they're safe but there are always idiots who will try to scam you. Particularly over things like phones. As has been mentioned, you are at risk of people scamming you but if you ship to confirmed addresses only and to people with decent feedback you should be ok.

What he said. Registered addresses only, and expect to have your Paypal accout hacked every now and again (they sort it out ok though). Never keep a large balance there, and never allow anything with any sort of credit limit to be the main funding account to Paypal once established, unless it is a credit card.