Re: Pls Give Advise - Is this Fair Message #10 Posted by Mike on 29 May 2002, 8:19 p.m., in response to message #1 by Efrain Vas Hochfarber
First, let me say that I have dealt with hp-collector and he is a good, reputable bidder. My comments are in general and not aimed at him.
You are the seller. You set the terms.
If the bidder wants different terms, he has two choices. 1) Negotiate them before the auction ends 2) Go to a different auction
You are not obliged to let bidders dictate after the auction is over. If you don't want to absorbe the selling fees, don't take PayPal. It is totally fair for you to decline to use PayPal.
Most bidders like PayPal because they don't have to pay fees. I see this all the time. But you DO NOT have to let bidders dictate terms.
But, there is one other thing you should know about PayPal. PayPal is very risky for the seller. It protects the bidder but not the seller.
It is possible for the seller to pay with PayPal and demand a chargeback, against your return policy. You will have no choice but to give the return, if the bidder pays with Credit Card.
There are many legitimate reasons for not having a return policy but with PayPal that option is taken out of your hands.
FEES:
This gets a bit sticky. If you don't list PayPal, you might be able to negotiate the fees. If you list PayPal, you may not be able to charge a fee.
eBays policy on surcharges
Payment Surcharges
"Sellers may not charge eBay buyers an additional fee for their use of ordinary forms of payment, including acceptance of checks, money orders, electronic transfers or credit cards. Such costs should be built into the price of the item."
Then, they list 3 ways that you may charge a fee and things like PayPal, checks or credit cards are not in the three.
It may be that if you list PayPal, technically, you may not be able to charge a fee.
I have heard of eBay cancelling auctions for people trying to charge fees for processing checks.
I do know that people try to charge fees all the time for PayPal. Personally, I would NEVER advertize PayPal in an auction.
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