did paypal raise their fees?

[Nepenthe]

Or maybe I've never sold anything that expensive before...but damn - paypal is worst than the government! I guess this isn't a technical question but I wasn't sure where it belonged.

What's the most ethical way to handle paypal fees? Should the seller take that into account when setting the price, or just eat it? Is there a better way to accept payment than paypal?

[kina]

a shock, isnt it?

It's no more than stores pay when they accept your credit card.

It depends on how fast you want the money. Ebay won't allow you to list an item where you tell people that you are charging a higher price because of paypal.

If you don't mind waiting for cash, you could accept a personal check or money order, but it also slows the transaction time down by about 2-3 weeks.

I generally accept and use it because it I feel like I'm paying for the convenience. Plus, I can just print out my paypal account for my taxes, so it's already organized for me, assuming that's all I used my paypal account for.

Not really a direct answer to your question.

No, to my knowledge, they have not raised fees. You pay a percentage of the purchases price, i believe it's about 3%.

There are people who love paypal, people who hate it. I get frustrated at the fees, but it's a business expense.

There are other ways to pay (western union, billpayer, etc) I don't find them any more economical, and I've had problems with them.

[lilya]

Look at it this way: I think a lot of people prefer to pay through paypal because they can use their credit cards. Would you rather eat a 3% fee or not have the costume sell because nobody wants to front that kind of cash?

(This may only apply in poor graduate student land, but in order to afford a costume I have to put it on my cc and budget that into my next month's spending unless I've had a ton of gigs during the previous month)

[Nepenthe]

I just started a google spreadsheet to start tracking this stuff. At least I'll know for the future. I'm also tracking the cost to ship so that I won't just be guessing every time (I usually underestimate).

[kina]

Originally Posted by Nepenthe

I just started a google spreadsheet to start tracking this stuff. At least I'll know for the future. I'm also tracking the cost to ship so that I won't just be guessing every time (I usually underestimate).

Don't forget to add in tracking ($.50) and insurance (varies) I insure for the full value of the costume, not for what I sold it for. e.g. selling a $1000 bella for $750, insure at $1000

adding the $.50 tracking is what will cover your assets with paypal (not available for international mail through the USPS) if someone claims non delivery, you just input your tracking number.

[caasious]

I look at it this way...
If I put a costume on the consignment rack at our local shop - I'll have to pay 15-30% of the selling price to the shop owner 'cause she's displaying it to the dance community.

If I sell it myself on-line, 3% to Paypal will cost me alot less in fees.

[mahira-michelle]

It is very frustrating to have to pay those fees. They are very high. IMO.
My question is, what is an echeck? What is the buyer using to pay when it's called an echeck. It takes 3-5 business days to clear.

[gypsydanse]

It's an electronic check. It's a way of paying on the spot if you want something, and haven't gotten your paycheck just yet. It's a way of stallling the payment until you get paid.