| rick57 |
I just sold some speakers from the Trading Post here to a foreign country.
It’s my first time receiving Paypal funds: I want to be sure the transaction is complete before I send the goods. Beyond giving your Paypal address, does the receiver of funds have to do anything?
Paypal yesterday notified me of funds sent, and Paypal today says Status “Completed”. The funds are not here in my Visa yet, there could just be a processing delay . . but
My reason for asking: I once sent someone in a foreign country, a payment. Because he didn't accept the money - the transaction was cancelled, and the funds returned.
Although the Paypal FAQs refer to accepting foreign currency payments, they don't say 'where', and I can't see it anywhere.
If anyone has accepted foreign currency payments, how or where in Paypal did you did it?
Thanks |
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| poynton |
| quote: | Originally posted by rick57
Beyond giving your Paypal address, does the receiver of funds have to do anything?
Paypal yesterday notified me of funds sent, and Paypal today says Status “Completed”. The funds are not here in my Visa yet, there could just be a processing delay . . but
...........................
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Hi.
I have sent and received money many times via PayPal with no problems at all.
If Paypal says the money has been received and the transaction is completed, then your Paypal account should show a positive balance.
With my UK account, I have to initiate the transfer from Paypal to whichever account I want, usually my registered bank account.
I do not know about non-UK regulations but it is not possible to transfer funds into my registered Visa or other registered credit card account. This may be a UK regulation.
Did the funds come from a credit card account, bank account or other ?? Although it has never happened to me, I think it is possible for some transactions to be reversed. Check the Paypal website.
Again, I have never had a problem. Most Ebayers are honest. Scams are usually obvious. As a rule, I always check the buyers / sellers feedback rating, especially if under 50 and when selling high value items. I am always wary of buyers / sellers from Africa, Far East and former Soviet Block countries.
Andy |
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| peranders |
Rick, when you have sent a request and the status is "pending" this is that same as "not paid yet" even though the payment is in progress it can be canceled. "Completed" means that you _will_ have your money. For me it takes a couple of days the money transfer to my bank.
Foreign currency is no problem at all. Since Paypal now has SEK I only use SEK. |
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| rick57 |
Thanks
(rather than ebay, I sold the gear from the Trading Post here).
My Paypal account does show a positive balance
Ah, but looks like here in Australia too, I need to initiate the transfer from Paypal, by Withdraw Funds - I thought that like the inverse of sending, it would be automatic back to the source . . Paypal wants our interest
But duffy Paypal doesn't seem to allow bank accounts in joint names (eg husband & wife), which mine are - hopefully the transfer works . . don't want to open a new bank ccount just to get the money out of Paypal |
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| elviukai |
| quote: | Originally posted by poynton
I am always wary of buyers / sellers from Africa, Far East and former Soviet Block countries.
Andy |
thats cool :D I am always wondering why buyers and seller in UK do not want to deal with me :D inspite I have 100% positive feedbacks.
the best to judge people not by where they living but how honest they are :smash:
one interesting fact I had over hunderd deals in ebay/audiogon, including east or soviet block countries, and only one time I was ripped of.that was in usa. as soon as he received my money I did not get any replies. luckily it was only 200usd payment not 10 000eur. |
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| poynton |
| quote: | Originally posted by elviukai
thats cool :D I am always wondering why buyers and seller in UK do not want to deal with me :D inspite I have 100% positive feedbacks.
the best to judge people not by where they living but how honest they are :smash:
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Ebay's own statistics show that is where most scams and frauds come from. About the only thing you cannot prove with statistics is how honest an individual is so, unfortunately for you, you get 'tarred with the same brush'.
I have traded with Asia and former Soviet Block countries but, as I said, I am very wary and always check feedback etc.. I always use Paypal and would never give out my bank details. Ebay has stopped the use of Western Union transfers because of scams.
GERMAN READERS PLEASE NOTE
I buy some items from Germany. However, German users seem very reluctant to use Paypal and prefer to use Bank Transfer. This is so expensive from the UK that it makes trading uneconomic. I am sure that German users would get a better response to listings if they used Paypal.
Andy |
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| Ciscokid |
you need to make sure the PayPal transaction is NOT funded with a credit card. If someone uses a stolen credit card to finance PayPal (happens all of the time), it will take several days for the fraud to be discovered. Usually this is discovered AFTER the seller has sent items. Credit card company will go back on PayPal and PayPal will go back on YOU. Both money and goods will be gone! :mad:
Hope this helps.
dg |
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| spencer |
| How to know if the paypal account is funed by a credit card?? |
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| rick57 |
| Yes, wouldn’t the funding of PayPal transactions be confidential between PayPal and the buyer? |
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| Dennis Hui |
I've recented received a number of payments through
paypal that is in Canadian dollars.
However, the base currency of my paypal account
is in USD, and so those payments were all 'pending'
until I told paypal to add a Canadian currency
balance to my account. (An alternative was
to convert the CAD payments to USD.)
If I hadn't done that, the payments would have
been cancelled after a period of time (30 days?)
Cheers,
Dennis |
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| Nisbeth |
Credit cards have to be verified by paypal before they can be used. When you enter a new credit card into paypal, PP will charge you a nominal amount ($1.95 or something). When you get the statement there is a code next to the transaction which you have to enter to confirm that the credit card is yours and then the money charged to your card is credited to your paypal accoiunt. A thief would therefore have to wait until the credit card statement shows up and then steal that as well as the card number before the card can be used with paypal so this should be the least of your worries.
/U. |
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| jeff mai |
| Wouldn't it be preferable to read the Paypal web site for their instructions and rules? You run a big risk of operating under misinformation if you do not. |
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| spzzzzkt |
I second Jeff's comments. You have to be aware that the terms and conditions are NOT the same in every country. Fees for accepting/withdrawing money are one specific instance where this applies.
Funding is definitely not confidential, as private accounts can incur a fee for accepting credit card funded payments. The recipient is free to choose whether they want to incur that fee, so you get the option to refuse the payment. I've had payments returned as the recipient choose not to accept credit card funded payments.
Paul |
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| rick57 |
> Wouldn't it be preferable to read the Paypal web site for their instructions and rules?
IME Paypal's web site seems to tell you simple things explictly, other things not well or buried, eg:
- they don't tell you up front that they act like a defacto bank on receiving money, unless you take two actions;
- Of more concern, that in some sitiations, and I still don'y know which, if the receiver doesn't accept the money, he/ she can forfeit it |
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| jeff mai |
| quote: | Originally posted by rick57
Of more concern, that in some sitiations, and I still don'y know which, if the receiver doesn't accept the money, he/ she can forfeit it |
I'm sure the info you seek is all on the Paypal web site. Millions and millions of people use it. The ins and outs can't be that hidden. |
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| rick57 |
Millions of people use Micrsoft Excel, Lotus Notes, etc etc every day. Doesnt mean the "Help" is intuitive to all people, in the right context or always helpful.
I looked for the answer, and the only references I found were for PayPal merchants/ or those using Outlook - I am neither.
Nothing I saw about accepting funds . .
And in PayPal's "How does Email Payments work?" it make no refernce to the 2 steps that avoid PayPal earning interest on your money.
Which is why posted here. |
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| audio-kraut |
| quote: | | Ah, but looks like here in Australia too, I need to initiate the transfer from Paypal, by Withdraw Funds |
It clearly indicates in the Navigation bar on your paypal account:
"WITHDRAW FUNDS"
Even I as a complete computer idiot was able to figure that one out.
Some folks - me included - leave their money in their paypal account pending ebay purchase. |
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| spzzzzkt |
I'm not sure what you mean by forfeit in this context??
Yes, The receiver can refuse payment. I believe there is a time period in which the amount must be accepted or refused, or the system returns the payment. In fact the first item displayed in response to a search for "how long before payment is returned" gives the answer:
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What happens to payments that aren't collected after thirty days?
Payments that are not collected after 30 days are returned to the sender and marked as "Returned" in the Transaction History. PayPal members can manually reverse unclaimed payments before the thirty-day automatic reversal. Members may also reverse unclaimed payments before the 30-day automatic reversal if the recipient has not signed up for PayPal using the email address to which the payment was sent.
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"- they don't tell you up front that they act like a defacto bank on receiving money, unless you take two actions;"
You mean there is no clear statement in the Help that you have to first setup bank funding, and then transfer the money to your bank account or the money just sits in paypal? I agree there is no explanation of this until you access the withdraw money tab in you account. But once you do access that area of the account the procedure is pretty straight forward and explained step by step. Perhaps PayPal are assuming that people are not reading the help, and are presenting contextual information instead?
Personally I find it useful to be able to leave US$ amounts in my paypal account as it reduces transaction costs of foreign currency transactions, so I don't find the fact that PayPal retain money in your account until you chose to withdraw it to be an issue.
How much interest do you think you are losing out on?? Even if you've got a balance of $1000 you'd be looking at a few dollars a month at most? I'd be far more worried about what you're losing with the unfavorable exchange rates PayPal uses. Even so at present PayPal seems to the best available solution for small international transactions. The $40.00 or so the local banks charge to make international electronic money transfers makes PayPal's charges look pretty reasonable.
Paul |
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| luka |
| If I'm getting this right, let say that I was buying something, I pay the price to paypal and wait for seller to send me that thing. But if he can get money before he had sended that was he selling, then he can "legally" steal money from me, rihgt? |
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| rick57 |
ak
> "WITHDRAW FUNDS"
> Even I as a complete computer idiot was able to figure that one out.
I didn't consider Paypal like a bank, I thought of them like a Post Office/ exchange dealer. I was wrong, as they sit on your money, they're also in part a 'bank'.
> Some folks - me included - leave their money in their paypal account pending ebay purchase.
I don't leave money in institutions that make money from me on the exchange rate, then pays no interest. Even most cheque accounts pay interest.
Paul
> I find it useful to be able to leave US$ amounts in my paypal account as it reduces transaction costs of foreign currency transactions
As one with no intention to buy, I hadn't thought of that.
> The receiver can refuse payment. I believe there is a time period in which the amount must be accepted or refused, or the system returns the payment.
I didn't get this option, hence my question
"the Paypal FAQs refer to accepting foreign currency payments, they don't say 'where', and I can't see it anywhere. If anyone has accepted foreign currency payments, how or where in Paypal did you did it?"
I have since seen where it's done with "PayPal’s Request Money", but not where it's initiated 'offline' by a simple request, as I had done here, and in the past buying via diyaudio.
> How much interest do you think you are losing out on?? Even if you've got a balance of $1000 you'd be looking at a few dollars a month at most?
Not much, but if you have have a bank account that pays mortgage rates, tax free, it's the opportunity cost. When i linked my Visa to draw money from for purchases it, I thought vice versa would apply - sales would automatically credit back, or PayPal would tell you otherwise, maybe I was naive
> I'd be far more worried about what you're losing with the unfavorable exchange rates PayPal uses.
If you're selling and buying, yes.
> Even so at present PayPal seems to the best available solution for small international transactions.
as long as know the ins and outs.
> The $40.00 or so the local banks charge to make international electronic money transfers makes PayPal's charges look pretty reasonable.
Mine is less, but I agree - I'm not saying PayPal is bad, just that for a first time seller all is not evident.
luka
> But if he can get money before he had sended that was he selling, then he can "legally" steal money from me, rihgt?
I don't think legal is the word ;)
(I have written so much more here than could have anticipated) though the funds are now apparently in transit from PayPal to my bank . . can anyone answer the 'current state' of the original question:
I'm puzzled why I wasn't asked to accept funds ~ does it only apply to "PayPal’s Request Money", not where it's initiated 'offline'?"
thanks |
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| luka |
| Maybe not legal but still, he gets your money... |
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| peranders |
| quote: | Originally posted by luka
If I'm getting this right, let say that I was buying something, I pay the price to paypal and wait for seller to send me that thing. But if he can get money before he had sended that was he selling, then he can "legally" steal money from me, rihgt? |
There are at least three ways of doing business:
Pay in advance
Pay at delivery
Pay after you have recieved the stuff
Haven't you got these options in your country?
Pay is not a cheap alternative. Bank transfer in Europe is for more cheap but Paypal is 1000 times faster and much more convenient, this you have to pay for. Paypal has never messed with _and_ I have also read the fine print which more people should do. Much of the complaints are about not reading the conditions. |
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| luka |
I haven't check yet, but I think we should have everthing possible, since there is many people that I know that use PayPal..
Pay at delivery, or when after you have recieved the stuff is good enought for me. |
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| peranders |
| Payment is decided by the seller. |
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| poynton |
| quote: | Originally posted by peranders
Pay is not a cheap alternative. Bank transfer in Europe is for more cheap but Paypal is 1000 times faster and much more convenient, |
In the UK, Paypal is far cheaper than bank transfer !!!!
Bank transfer rates are a Rip-off!! I get annoyed with German vendors who insist on bank transfer.
When I purchase items, I hit the pay now within minutes of making the purchase unless I am making another purchase from the same vendor or require a total. Why wait ??
Having said that, I have made sales to a couple of Japanese buyers who wanted to wait until the end of the month to pay !!
Andy |
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| poynton |
| quote: | Originally posted by luka
If I'm getting this right, let say that I was buying something, I pay the price to paypal and wait for seller to send me that thing. But if he can get money before he had sended that was he selling, then he can "legally" steal money from me, rihgt? |
As a seller, I would not send an item without receiving payment. Paypal does offer some protection to the vendor and buyer (mainly the buyer) if you follow the procedures.
The only exception to this would be if the buyer was collecting.
Even receiving payment first is no guarantee that attempts will not be made to claim the money back after the goods have been received.
I recently sold a very nice pair of B&O speakers to a guy in Turkey.
He happily agreed to pay for DHL courier and of course I got proof of delivery. He then emailed me to say the speakers were sh1t, damaged, not working, ripped cones etc. I replied 'OK, send them back and I will reimburse the money'. His reply was 'They were so sh1t that I threw them on the tip. I still want my money back.' He tried to claim through Paypal but needless to say they threw his claim out!! So the system does work.
Andy |
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| peranders |
| In such cases, ask him to take a photo! :nod: |
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| Fin |
PayPal is one of the best systems ever introduced.
Located here in Australia - where it is not always easy to get what you are looking for - PayPal has opened up a whole new world of shopping. Items that were virtually impossible to find locally are now available internationally and easily paid for.
In the last 4 years I have traded (buying and selling) with private individuals and businesses in the USA, Europe, Asia and Australia without any problems. I only incurr fees because my account is enabled to accept credit card payments. If I sell something in Australia, I generally try to use electronic bank transfer as it is free.
From my experience, it seems to be generally accepted that the buyer pays first - then the goods are shipped. I'm quite happy with this. |
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| audio-kraut |
I never had complaints about paypal - with several hundred (>500) transactions, both as seller and buyer.
Bank charges are very high, no way to retrieve when a problem with the purchase occurs, i.e. item not as described.
At western union, someone was able to hack into my account - totally unexplainable by WU, I guess an insider job, they were not even able to trace the email of the hacker - and took 1000$ out to pay for his purchases. Luckily they were deducted from my registered Visa card, so Visa reimbursed me as I could proof no ebay purchases at the time.
Yes, they make money, and the exchange rates are not the kindest - but I had the same complaint from customers in europe, where they also charge the recipient for transactions, even if you had paid all fees pertaining in NA already. And its faster and works instantly.
If ou complain - try the bank, stand 3/4 hour at the counter because the clerk doesn't have a clue how to proceed and you wind up with three clerks trying to solve the problem how to transfer 150$ to europe - and charge you 30$ plus for the works. I am talking from experience |
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| rick57 |
ak
> If ou complain
I started with a question
"If anyone has accepted foreign currency payments, how or where in Paypal did you did it?"
and pointed out a simplistic limitation
"doesn't seem to allow bank accounts in joint names"
and pointed out my view of disclosure, from a newbie's perspective.
"try the bank, stand 3/4 hour at the counter"
That's not the only alternative, my bank, and i imagine many now has online banking. Paypal is cheaper for smaller trx, maybe not for larger ones.
You're happy, good, but you haven't told me anything specific to my question(s).
I'm not bagging paypal generally, I just couldn't see what I wanted to find. Comprende vous? |
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| Fin |
| I don't think that PayPal really cares whose name the bank account is in - or whether it is in individual or joint names........so long as you are an authorised person on thst account and provide the correct BSB and Account No. Once you provide those details, PayPal then goes through the verification process which proves that you are authorised to use that account and the bank account becomes confirmed. |
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| audio-kraut |
| quote: | | doesn't seem to allow bank accounts in joint names |
Do not know what you are talking about - my at paypal registered account is in my wifes and my name.
| quote: | | If anyone has accepted foreign currency payments, how or where in Paypal did you did it |
There just isn't much to do. Payments on ebay purchases don't have to be approved - you only have to accept money from non ebay transfers.
Paypal in their email messages clearly state what you have to do.
And no - I do not know of any fast, easy money transfer to paypal or non paypal account holders - as long as they have an email address.
As I pointed out - I purchased before the majority dealing on ebay had paypal accounts - and I usually do not buy from anybody anymore not having a paypal account. |
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| protos |
Paypal is very difficult to deal with when something goes wrong.I have had various problems but recently for example I made a claim for refund because the item was sent damaged (an expensive tonearm).The seller accepted the process and I received paypal instructions to return the item whereupon I would be refunded.
I sent the package by registered mail from Brazil to UK which is not online trackable but is traceable with some effort.
The user agreement only says paypal may request confirmation of reception.
Paypal asked for a tracking number after I sent it and they messaged me that since they could not track it online they summarily closed the case.
This is silly because
1.They did not bother to ask the seller if he had received the returned package
2.the user agreement does not specifically say online tracking is necessary.
3.They did not ask if there was any other proof/documents etc
They just cannot be bothered with the millions of claims and counterclaims
The end result is that the seller has my money and the original merchandise and does not need to answer any emails from me!! |
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| Fin |
| quote: | Originally posted by protos
Paypal is very difficult to deal with when something goes wrong. |
But it is no worse than if you had sent him a cheque or money order...........and a lot better when things go right.
Ultimately, I don't think that it should be PayPal's responsibility to ensure that all dealings between buyers and sellers are handled in a fair and honest manner....that is up to the buyer and seller to manage that. PayPal is just an efficient way of transferring funds from one party to another. The fact that they offer some protection is a bonus! |
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| spzzzzkt |
Here's a little anecdote about the joys of ebay and paypal.
I've just completed a transaction for a sale of a clarinet on ebay. The buyer insisted on using credit card funded paypal. I asked that he not use this method and pay by direct deposit. I was told I was breaching ebay rules and would be given very negative feedback if i persisted.
So on a $535AU sale, i get stung $15.00 by ebay. fair enough. I'm now forced to accept a paypal credit card payment, at a mere 3.4% cost to me. ok, can almost stomach that. Hmmm next problem, because I'm using paypal to sell/buy stuff in US $ my main account is in US$, so paypal kindly convert a AU$ payment to US$ with out asking what I want to do. Great. I want to transfer my $$ plus $12US (approx $15AU) to my bank account, so they convert US$ to AU$ at their c**p exchange rate. Greeeeaaaaat!!!!.
So what do I have left from my apparent $550AU? Paypal have kindly transfer $506AU to my bank account. Yup $44.00AU in fees. If you factor in Parent Company ebay's $15.00 slice for a total corporate fee of $51.00 or around 9%, you can understand why ebay will joyously be forcing sellers to accept paypal payments as a condition of listing from march 1. Guess I won't be selling on ebay for much longer.
an unhappy ebay seller, paypal victim.
Paul |
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| peranders |
| You can set the preferences about converting. |
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| rick57 |
audio-kraut
quote:
doesn't seem to allow bank accounts in joint names
ak > Do not know what you are talking about - my at paypal registered account is in my wifes and my name.
As someone said, it doesn't operate the same in every country
peranders,
> You can set the preferences about converting.
thanks, one of my points was that some aspects that are to your disadvantage, are not made apparent
Regards |
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| jeff mai |
| quote: | Originally posted by rick57
thanks, one of my points was that some aspects that are to your disadvantage, are not made apparent
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They are made quite plain if you read the terms of use agreement that is presented when you sign up. I know nobody reads those things, but I did. I'm sure you can find the terms of use on the Paypal Australia site.
You may not want to spend an hour or two reading it, but that's an entirely different issue isn't it? :D |
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| peranders |
| I read it also _very_ carefully. I can't understand why folks don't read the user agreement. Why agree of something you don't know and especially when it's about money. |
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| rick57 |
When I signed, I only intended to buy or two things, so risk of incomplete knowledge was low.
If only I had stuck to that :smash: |
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| spzzzzkt |
| quote: | Originally posted by peranders
You can set the preferences about converting. |
So I'm required to log on an change my preferences before every transaction from a different source. Nice solution. 99% of my transactions are in Euros or US$.
I guess most people get hooked on Paypal by the need to pay for one thing, as Rick57 points out. By the time you get to receiving money the User Agreement is a distant memory.
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| Fin |
For all of those who are not bothered to find out how PayPal works - and make it work to their advantage.....and those who don't see the benefits of using this invaluable system......and those who just want to complain but have no better solution:-
"Don't use it!!!!!" |
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| poynton |
| quote: | Originally posted by spzzzzkt
So on a $535AU sale, i get stung ..................... Paypal have kindly transfer $506AU ....................$15.00 slice for a total corporate fee of $51.00 or around 9%, ................ Guess I won't be selling on ebay for much longer.
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You cannot really complain as Ebay's and Paypal's fees are widely advertised. As with any sale at auction, you should check out the seller and buyer commission rates. Would you still be complaining if your clarinet only sold for $450AU ?? instead of $535 ?? It could have happened, it was an auction.
As with many things in life, you have to weigh up the pros and cons.
It is still cheaper to use it, from the UK, rather than bank transfer.
It is far more convenient than most other methods.
It is the quickest method.
It does offer some protection.
It is expensive (especially when added to the other Ebay costs)
As regards costs, while it is 'not permitted' to charge buyers to use Paypal, it is permitted to charge 'reasonable' postage, packaging and handling' so build in a 'little slack'.. You should also set your start price accordingly.
Andy |
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| peranders |
| quote: | Originally posted by spzzzzkt
So I'm required to log on an change my preferences before every transaction from a different source. Nice solution. 99% of my transactions are in Euros or US$. |
No. :no: Have you checked how you balance your funds?
You have three options, do nothing, Paypal asks, Paypal convert automaticly. |
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| spzzzzkt |
PerAnders,
I have checked. Paypal.com.au doesn't seem to give those options afaik. Seriously, PP do not offer the same services in each country.
I've checked again, while I can have multiple currency accounts, you have to have a primary account which is the default for sending and receiving $$. Can't see anything like what your talking about, which would have solve my issues.
cheers
Paul |
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| spzzzzkt |
| quote: | Originally posted by poynton
You cannot really complain as Ebay's and Paypal's fees are widely advertised. As with any sale at auction, you should check out the seller and buyer commission rates. Would you still be complaining if your clarinet only sold for $450AU ?? instead of $535 ?? It could have happened, it was an auction.
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To be honest the clarinet in question was valued at $1300AU 2 years ago, and I was about to pull it 2 days before the auction ended expect someone beat me to it and bid. $450.00 was the starting price, and I was pretty disappointed to be honest at the bidding, but thats the risk. Lets just say I wouldn't ever put something like that on ebay again.
The paypal cc fees were a PITA but manageable, and ebay is well advertised thats fine. The AU$->US$->AU$ exchange shuffle which ended up costing me 2x the CC fee was the killer, and completely avoidable.
edit:
Ok I see what's happened, they bundle the currency conversion question in with the accept credit card payment information, so to OK a cc funded payment you also accept the currency conversion. I could avoided this if I'd had an AUS$ balance in addition to the US$ balance I normally use. doh.
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| rick57 |
Fin
>For all of those who are not bothered to find out how PayPal works - and make it work to their advantage.....and those who don't see the benefits of using this invaluable system......and those who just want to complain but have no better solution:-
"Don't use it!!!!!"
there’s a big difference between having some frustrations - and abandoning the option, or just wanting to learn more about it |
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| Fin |
| quote: | Originally posted by spzzzzkt
I've checked again, while I can have multiple currency accounts, you have to have a primary account which is the default for sending and receiving $$. Can't see anything like what your talking about, which would have solve my issues.
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| quote: | Originally posted by spzzzzkt
Ok I see what's happened, they bundle the currency conversion question in with the accept credit card payment information, so to OK a cc funded payment you also accept the currency conversion. I could avoided this if I'd had an AUS$ balance in addition to the US$ balance I normally use. doh. |
My account is in Australia too - so I have the same limitations as you. What I have found to work well is to set my primary account to $AUD and it is set up to draw automatically from a nominated bank account. I also have accounts in most of the major currencies.
When I sell something - I let the funds go into the appropriate currency account depending on how the buyer paid. I generally leave the funds there until I need to buy something in that currency.
When I purchase something - PayPal gives me the option to use funds that are currently in any of my various currency accounts - or to automatically draws funds from my nominated bank account.
| quote: | Originally posted by spzzzzkt
To be honest the clarinet in question was valued at $1300AU 2 years ago, and I was about to pull it 2 days before the auction ended expect someone beat me to it and bid. $450.00 was the starting price, and I was pretty disappointed to be honest at the bidding, but thats the risk. Lets just say I wouldn't ever put something like that on ebay again. |
I can see how you would be disappointed and it was an expensive way to learn. If you do decide to sell something on eBay again I suggest the following:-
1. Before listing it....decide on how much you really want for the item (the minimum that you would be happy receiving for it) and set the starting price or reserve price at that value. You might not get as many bids...but who cares about the bids that are below the price you want for it. If you don't get any bids....then it has only cost you a few dollars in listing fees.
2. If, for some reason, you change your mind about selling the item - or if you don't think you will get the price you are hoping for.....cancel the auction - even if there are bids. You are entitled to do this....and nothing bad will happen. You will only receive negative feedback if the auction continues to the end and you don't complete the sale.
| quote: | Originally posted by rick57
there’s a big difference between having some frustrations - and abandoning the option, or just wanting to learn more about it |
OK - I appologise if my attitude/comments were a bit harsh. I wasn't being very helpfull or constructive. :sorry:
Indeed, using PayPal and eBay is definitely a learning process. I too had a few misshaps at the start - where I could have sold something for a better price, bought something cheaper or reduced the costs....but you live and learn.
With a little experience, preparation and planning - PayPal and eBay can make a great combination. Learning how to use them to "your" advantage is the key. "You" have to be in control of the transaction - and don't allow those at the other end to control what you do with your item for sale/purchase and your account. |
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| audio-kraut |
| quote: | | Lets just say I wouldn't ever put something like that on ebay again. |
do you guys have no reserve price at ebay down under? |
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| Fin |
| quote: | Originally posted by audio-kraut
do you guys have no reserve price at ebay down under? |
You beat me to it! I was in the process of editing my posting to include a mention of the "reserve" price. |
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| spzzzzkt |
They did originally have a reserve but no longer offer that feature. So where as you could previously set a low starting price and a realistic reserve as a safety net, you now have to decide whether you set a low starting price in the hope that you attract enough interest to push the price up to a sensible price, or set a safe, high starting price and the possibility no-one will bid.
Fin,
thanks for the info on canceling auctions, I'd been under the impression that you were locked in once bids had been placed.
cheers
Paul |
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| Fin |
| quote: | Originally posted by spzzzzkt
.......you now have to decide whether you set a low starting price in the hope that you attract enough interest to push the price up to a sensible price, or set a safe, high starting price and the possibility no-one will bid.
thanks for the info on canceling auctions, I'd been under the impression that you were locked in once bids had been placed. |
I would take the risk of getting no bids rather than take a big loss on selling an item for a lot less than it's real value. Starting a high quality/value item at a low price is only attracting sharks and opportunists who are not prepared to pay what it is worth. It might take longer with a higher starting price - but relisting it again and again will only cost a few dollars.....and might eventually find the right buyer.
The only thing that you are locked into once bids have been place is the layout and content of your listing. Before bids are received, you can alter the listing, text, photos, starting price, buy it now price etc.....Once bids have been placed - no revisions can be made - but you can cancel the listing. |
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| rick57 |
No longer offer a reserve?#
Not great . . |
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| jeff mai |
| quote: | Originally posted by spzzzzkt
They did originally have a reserve but no longer offer that feature. |
Are you sure? My eBay listing program still has reserve price as an option. This is the program supplied by eBay that updates itself everytime I use it, so I think it is up to date. |
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| spzzzzkt |
According to a search on the ebay.com.au help:
"Reserve auctions are available only for auctions in select vehicle categories."
so they haven't entirely done away with reserve auctions.
Paul |
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| jeff mai |
| quote: | Originally posted by spzzzzkt
ebay will joyously be forcing sellers to accept paypal payments as a condition of listing from march 1.
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Do you have a link for the above? I hadn't heard this news. I'll be selling elsewhere if it's true. I accept Paypal for certain international sales, but EFT is so easy (and virtually free) for most people here in AUS that it is stupid to incur Paypal fees. If they changed to a "buyer pays" fees model it would make more sense.
I was wrong about the reserve price still being available in AUS. I never used it because it discourages bidders. |
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| spzzzzkt |
Jeff, rereading this it seems the changes only applies to post 17th Jan 2007 registrations. I suspect it might be the thin edge of wedge however.
http://pages.ebay.com.au/help/polic...nts-policy.html
"To improve the safe payment options available to buyers, eBay will require sellers who register after 17th January 2007 to accept at least one of the preferred safe payment forms of either PayPal or a merchant credit card facilities, in their listings. Other additional payments options, which are currently permitted onsite, may also be provided. Please be aware that this requirement will be enforced starting mid March 2007."
we are safe for the moment:
http://www2.ebay.com/aw/au/200701231029022.html |
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| jackinnj |
They recently changed the shipping options -- a lot of folks have been getting JFETs, HexFETS and Lateral MOSFETS from me but the shipping charges for Euros and Loonies, Aussie Dollar etc aren't showing up.
I've contacted PayPal about the issue. |
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