I only buy on ebay. I never bid unless the seller accepts paypal. I don't have the time to screw around with money orders, checks, etc. It also costs me another $0.43 for the stamp.
I prefer paypal for both ways. As a buyer, I have a credit card tied to my paypal that is only used for online purchases. So, if something happens...there is nothing else on the card to have a problem with. Plus, I always pay off the card in full once the item arrives so it is really easy to spot if I have a fraudulent charge. I haven't had a problem yet.
Strictly as a payment method a money order is better for the seller. There's no extra charge. BUT eBay won't let you advertise that you accept money orders. And if a money order is used, the protection afforded the buyer by eBay/PayPal disappears. They really have you coming and going.
FYI, the largest source for identity theft is - your physical mail box. Also, the main purpose of PayPal was top remove your credit card info from the net. I find it hard to believe that it is perfect, but I have yet to hear of a problem. Yes, there are problems with PayPal, but identity theft/credit card info is not one of them.
I agree with you...except for the amazing increase in MO fraud over the last few years. Fraudulent money orders have become so common that they are really not much more safe than a personal check.
Super-easy question! As a buyer, I love PayPal. It doesn't cost me anything, and I often use my credit card in addition, so I get really good protection. I've never had a problem as a buyer getting a refund on bad merchandise. As an honest seller, I strongly prefer postal money orders. PayPal is a seller's worst enemy. You get hit with a fee, and any dispute from the buyer gets your money tied up for who-knows-how long. There is too much opportunity to be taken advantage of by a dishonest buyer.
I haven't sold in years - maybe not since 2000. But I accepted PayPal and checks / MO, and didn't care which method people used. As a buyer, Paypal is great - comes right out of my bank account. Joe
Another large source: when you go into a restaurant or bar, hand your credit card over to the waiter/waitress, and they disappear with it for 10-15 minutes. But I believe the biggest source is data on the net that's not protected well (no, not from on-line purchased, but in-store purchases) Agreed . . .
agreed, and you don't have to worry about whether or not the m/o is good. just cash it at the PO before putting a stamp on the envelope. And, best part: no stupid PayPay fees!