How to buy online for a kid?

I am 13, and my parents are not involved in my coin collecting.
Well, I have been collecting for about 4 years now(since age 9).:smile And, I have mostly only bought things a few times!(from a coin dealer)
I attended my coin club for 3 and a half years, but only in the summer! I know that I really want to make my collecting more elaborate, so can anyone here tell me how to buy things online?
I am not allowed to get a pay-pal till I have money(which I have none)! But, I just wanted to have help in advance, along with any warnings! Thanks in advance!:smile
-Taylor

 

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Your 13? I thought you were an adult by what you knew. Sorry no tips for you! I was think of eBay, but you can't have a paypal until you have money!

 

Yeah, I plan on getting a paypal this December!

 

Not sure if this would work or not. A reloadable VISA card ?

I use eBay alot. Also have used dealers that advertise in COINage magazine.

 

Yeah! That would work!
-Taylor

 

I would use eBay, but I am 13 also. I don't care for Paypal that much, however.

 

I have a debit card for my daughter that I put money on it for her. That way she doesn't have to carry cash. That would be a way to purchase online if you have money.

 

I was 9 when I started collecting,! I would do odd jobs, collect up all the bottles I could find! Didn't have Ebay back then, so I would hit up the local flea market for my coins! Good luck w/ your collection!

 

I have been using eBay & PayPal for 10 years, 99.9% success rate !


Edit: I have PayPal linked to my Wells Fargo Bank acct.

 

I'd be wary of buying online, to be honest. With ebay's buyer protection, etc it's pretty easy nowadays to recoup losses...but they still do happen. At that age, and with the limited cashflow associated with being so young, getting burnt on the cost of an item could mean that your next 3-months coin money is down the drain. I'd stick with your local dealers and purchasing from members of your club until you're old enough to get a part-time job.

 

Your 13 too??!!! Why do I think everybody is grown-up? Maybe its because I'm a kid myself.

 

Well, I'm 15 years old. I've got a PayPal account linked with eBay and my debit card (I bank with Wells Fargo). I find eBay, for certified coins at least, to USUALLY be a good source if the listing includes a crisp, clear photograph of the coin so you know exactly what you're buying (You don't want your coin to arrive in the mail with unattractive toning that wasn't visible in the photo). Ofcourse, I prefer buying a coin that I've seen in hand. But when it's just a generic ASE, 21st century, or modern commemorative coin, you can find some decent deals on eBay. I know from previous conversations with you, Taylor, that you use Amazon. I find that there is not nearly as wide a variety on that site compared to eBay and what you DO find on Amazon is usually outrageously overpriced. Try to convince your parents to open up a PayPal account for you, once you get some money ofcourse.

-Brian

 

When I was your age and sending off for coins, I would ask my mother to write me a *check* for the purchase amount.

 

Thanks for the info and I plan to get a paypal and a ebay soon! 1 Question, can you buy on sites other than ebay with paypal?
-Taylor

 

You can use paypal on almost every site, not only eBay.

Also the suggestion earlier, of a prepaid credit card is a good one as well, I use that with my kids. You can pick up a prepaid card from Target, wal-mart, etc. Almost anywhere and then you just reload it with cash.

Good luck Taylor.

 

I thought eBay didn't permit minors to have an account? Or if they do then the parents have to agree to be responsible for the purchases of the minors. Usually credit cards have the same problem , but prepaid cards might not have that restriction.

 

Personally I would prefer a credit card with Paypal just as an extra level of security. Yes, Paypal usually helps if there is fraud, but you can be without funds for a while with a debit card. I would see if your parents would open a charge card just for your purchases, and have you pay them as you use it. If not, then a debit card is a good option.

You know, I still get good deals via mail order. Your only options are still not a local shop or Ebay. Check out NN or Coinworld for some good mail order or mail bid sellers as well, they usually accept checks.

 

I can probably get debit cards form the store!
-Taylor

 

Taylor, I'm impressed you enjoy coins so fervently at your age. You sound like a good kid and I'll bet you have a very bright future.

PM me your address and I'll send you a nice PCGS MS64RD 1959-D Lincoln.
Lance.

 

Awww! Thanks! Your nice!