craftycancer

Hello!

I just wanted to know if anyone sells their handmade crafts online and use paypal as a seller's payment option. I am new to conducting business online; and I have heard the nightmares of funds being held or withdrawn by paypal. Are there any pros/cons or alternate payment options. Any info you can offer will be appreciated.

Thanks

nativetexan

me too, one day i hope to use Paypal.

SewExtremeSeams

This will be an interesting topic.

bearisgray

I have used PayPal for both making and receiving payments for items sold through this board.

There have been a few glitches, but those were mostly user error ones - such as not using the correct "address" for an account.

A buyer pays nothing for the transfer. A seller pays fees - last year (I wasn't able to open the window for fees right this minute) the fees for me were $0.30 per transaction, plus 2.9% of the total payment.

On a $1.00 transaction, this is how it would go:
The sender sends $1.00 to me.
PayPal deducts $0.30 plus $0.03 for it's handling fee.
I ended up with $0.67

The fee was more tolerable on bigger transactions, but it really "hurt" on the very small transactions.

If one has a very high volume of business, the rates are lower.

The plus side - one could get payment right away if the buyer paid right away.
The plus side for a buyer - no postage to pay

ptquilts

what bear said - I have been using it for 15 years, no problem. The problems you hear about are mostly related to scams on Ebay -- you sell a designer bag, buyer says it was a fake, Ebay/PP sides with buyer and holds your money.

I have never encountered anything but the nicest people buying/selling crafts.

nativetexan

yeah, the bad guys are the ones I worry about. They can mess up your account big time. Thanks

willferg

I recently bought fabric from an online company that didn't offer Paypal. I emailed and asked about it and was told they used to use Paypal but had problems (PP held onto funds during disputes, I think it was). I understood their position, but I said the reason I use Paypal is so that *I* don't have problems, especially with my own credit cards or bank cards.

I have some "fun" money in Paypal that I use for fabric purchases, and I didn't really want to pay any other way. They opted to restore the Paypal option, and I made the purchase.

I have considered setting up an Etsy store, and while I think maybe they assist in helping you process credit cards (?), I think Paypal is the easiest way to go...

ManiacQuilter2

I have sold on eBay before they increase taking 9% out of what I charged for shipping, I have never had any problem selling or paying for items bought here or on Ebay. I think it is the safest way to conduct business with total strangers. If I was doing craft shows and had a smart phone, there are options like the Square when you can swipe a person's credit card. I always ship using PayPal because you get discounts on shipping charges so the delivery notification 19c is then paid for which is real cheap insurance. My friend sells blocks on eBay and she has had a customer saying they never received the package. I always verify a customer address to make sure it is current before shipping. Remember, in most disputes, the customer is usually right from PayPal's view.

Kimkankwilt

My husband is a very highly rated e-bay seller and uses paypal all the time. Never had not 1 problem, not 1 issue. Everything has worked out just great for him so far.

KrissyD.

I have also sold & bought on Ebay & Etsy . I use paypal & love the no hassle process .