Since when did using PayPal incur a 4% fee? I always calculate it at 2.9% +30c, or whatever PP lists on their site. But more than few sellers on various audio lists now request 4% for using this service. Is this to cover their own incurred costs? And I've had more than a handful of sellers point me at their own excellent feedback attesting their honesty while suggesting I use the 'gift' option if the fees are to be avoided! No irony there for sure. Welcome to the reputation economy.
Patrick...
ReplyDeleteNo, Paypal hasn't raised their fees. Still 2.9% + .30
The seller/sellers are pulling a fast one. As a buyer, I don't mind paying the fee if it was my choice to use PayPal out of several forms of payment accepted by the seller. But if the seller only offers PayPal as an option, and then expects me to foot HIS fee, well...that chaps my backside. Not to mention those that charge up to 5% for the privilege.
I say to those sellers...thanks, but NO THANKS!
Agree Bob -- I thought 5% was a fiction but then I check A'gon this morning and within two new listings under cartridges, I see a person demanding +5% as the upcharge. Can 6% be far behind? No thanks indeed.
ReplyDeleteA'gon sellers are particularly out of control in that regard. A guy selling a pair of Pass XA160.8's that I was interested in, for a competitive price, wanted 4.9% in PayPal fees. I told him it was not in my best interest to pay a full two points above what PayPal charges HIM. As he had stellar feedback, I told him I'd be happy to send him a cashiers check for the amps. He demurred. The guy simply wanted the extra $250+ that bumping up the established fee would have gained him. Incredible.
ReplyDeleteI must comment Paypal fees. I am selling on audiogon for a few years, and most of my customers ask me to pay via paypal. As I am living in European Union, more exactly in Croatia, Paypal fees for my citizens in Croatia and some other E.U. countries are more then 4%. To be exact for Croatia it is around 5.5%. You can check this with Paypal. They advertise 2.9% but they charge me as a seller from Croatia who is a full member of European Union more then 5%. So this is what I am telling to my customers, who do not belive that this is true. Yes it is true. Please check with Paypal!
ReplyDeleteYes, international shipping is a problem with PayPal costs, and these are not always clear up front, as I found out myself after shipping gear to Canadian buyers. But the real complaint here is US sellers trying to up the margins beyond what PayPal charges. I don't know if you make this distinction clear when selling from Croatia but an upfront explanation would likely go a long way to dispelling some concerns. Thanks for the comment.
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