BidPay vs PayPal

I write one serious piece and no-one replies!

R2

R2 - I've never used bidpay because they have (or had, at the time I checked them out) heavy duty fees.

Bidpay doesn't take mastercard either, if that's a concern. And from reading their website, all they do is send the seller a money order (for non u.s. transactions) - something I'm sure most of us could do a lot cheaper.

quote:

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She did offer to let me pay by PayPal if I paid their fees but that's illegal so what should I do? I want the item but I don't know her.

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I would, and have, paid the fees. Life (time) is a non-renewable resource and endangered. The ease of use and security is well worth a little jail time. And, like speeding – it’s only illegal if you are caught.

(I won't tell anyone)

I would think ebay were just telling you not to use Western Union etc as they dont own it.

I have used Western Union/Bdpay without problem, but BJ is right, they are fee heavy.

quote:

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Dear Algenon

Thank you for contacting BidPay. We are writing regarding your inquiry.

We apologize for any confusion. BidPay is an online-auction payment service whereby a winning bidder can use a major credit card to purchase a money order to be mailed directly to the seller. For more information regarding paying for an auction, please view our frequently asked questions. http://www.bidpay.com/faqIndex.asp

Our money orders are simple paper Western Union International money orders issued in US dollars. They can be deposited into a bank account, just as any other check or money order.

Once a payment is issued and confirmed to the seller, we can not cancel or stop the money order from being delivered. A Western Union money order is quite literally the same as cash.

When you direct us to send a payment, we put a Western Union money order in an envelope and mail it to the seller. If you write back to us later and say 'cancel the order' ... there is nothing that we can do to prevent receipt.

While we appreciate your circumstances in cases where the seller does not wish to cooperate or complete the auction transaction, BidPay has no involvement with the seller, and both the item purchased and the prices agreed upon are between you and the seller alone. We recommend contacting the auction site you were involved to receive a dispute resolution. We appreciate your understanding.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact us by clicking on the "Contact Us" link via the web page at www.bidpay.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,
bidpayservice@bidpay.com
www.BidPay.com

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R2

eBay does not recommend the use of instant cash wire transfer services. These services are designed to allow you to send money to family and friends—people you know and trust. While sellers may offer this option, they cannot require you to pay this way.

R2 have checked out the member to member forum in AU which covers your question (I think) It is clearly stated that if a seller has offered Paypal in the auction and has not mentioned that the buyer has to pay extra fees involved then they cannot charge it......against ebay rules

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Bidpay doesn't take mastercard either, if that's a concern. And from reading their website, all they do is send the seller a money order (for non u.s. transactions) - something I'm sure most of us could do a lot cheaper.

I agree, BJ. I had someone pay that way. It took over a week to get here and I wondered why the person didn't simply buy a mo at the market and send it!

To be fair to BidPay, it is much cheaper and more convenient than going to a UK bank to buy a banker's draft, then post it to the US. For larger transactions BidPay may offer a better exchange rate than PayPal. The money order takes time to arrive, but the BidPay website confirms that the buyer has purchased the money order, so the seller need not wait for the money order before sending the purchase. Some sellers may offer a discount to buyers using BidPay, because it is much cheaper for them than PayPal. The total charges from BidPay are usually less than from PayPal.

I would not send anything until I had the money, no matter who said what! I just had a case of a MO sent to me that never arrived !
If the cost is less in England, I understand why you might use it, however. Here, MO are very cheap. Many stores offer them for under .50. Even if it does cost a little more, and actually it does not for my purchases as there is no charge on my end for paying, I prefer paypal. IF I pay with a credit card, I do have a recourse. As for my customers, I offer it because I get my money instantly and because if you don't, you limit your possible bidders!

Mrs. M, what happened? Did your grand number of posts break the AS forum counter? All of your posts say that you have posted ZERO times!

One time it says 0 , then it comes back the next time! Lol! Funny picture!