VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

MelissaVoicer · Guest

So a quick survey here: I hate taking Paypal because of the fees...but I always say I can if they need to use a credit card or something (better than not getting paid cuz they don't have the cash) But I see so many VOs who have a paypal button on their site, etc. Don't you get a sick little feeling in the pit of your tummy from the percentage you lose on each payment? Ninja

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:28 am Post subject:

When I use PayPal I almost always let the client know that there will be a small miscellaneous paperwork charge. I build it right into the link that I send in my invoice. But there are other times when I look at it like an agent fee and simply write it off at the end of the year. It's just not that much - and if 3.5% will ensure a payment - rather than wait for 160+ days for a check (even from some of my best clients that happens!), then I think it is worth it.

[slight edit]
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asnively · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:32 am Post subject:

I consider it a cost of doing business, and I just write it off. Even when I offer the option, most clients cut me a check. But if it makes it easier for someone to pay me more quickly, then it's worth the very small amount of money I pay in fees.
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Rognog · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:41 am Post subject:

It's fast and it's safe. What's not to love?
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todd ellis · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:52 am Post subject:

yup. I write it off at the end of the year. I do a lot of work with companies in the UK and it makes getting paid SO much faster ... I don't have to mess with currency conversions either - which is good because I suck at the math.
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MelissaVoicer · Guest

...yes, I suppose...and also, I have a Canadian client who pays me by e-check, which is a flat $5 fee...and the wait for the check to clear is better than waiting for him to mail it, and the bank to hold it FOREVER> I've been having sooo much trouble with Canadian checks lately!

Yoda117 · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:42 am Post subject:

provided a little additional modicum of security for the client and you...

what's not to like?

If you have to charge extra for that, then state it up front, but otherwise it's a nice option to have.
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Doc · Guest

Unless it's something local, I use PayPal exclusively. It certainly beats paying a monthly fee, PLUS a transaction fee should one use their own CC processing facility.

I find the cost to be minimal - I can create the invoice directly from PayPal - it gets e-mailed to the client with a copy coming to me and they notify me when payment is received via e-mail. AND, they transfer funds directly to my bank account for free.

For the fee PayPal charges, I would spend more money driving to and from the bank. And, PayPal keeps an ongoing record of my transactions.

Couldn't be a better service for the price IMHO.

Bruce · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 1:31 pm Post subject:

PayPal is safe and fairly cost competitive with merchant accounts that allow you to accept MC, Visa, et al., and PayPal does that and more. The invoicing feature is neat for clients who have PayPal accounts.

I have seen some sites on Google that talk about PayPal seizing/freezing some folks' money for periods of time, but I'd bet there was often a good reason. Nonetheless, I transfer the money to my bank account soon after I get the payment notice from them. It often takes just two days to hit my account instead of the 3 to 4 days they say.

I just consider it a cost of doing business so I don't charge extra.

B
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DaveChristi · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 1:38 pm Post subject:

MelissaVoicer · Guest

I had that happen with a regular Visa or some such on my honeymoon in Puerto Rico! And we didn't know about it til we got to the car rental place. It was a mess. They said since we were in a foreign country, they didn't believe it was us, and we had to have my parents wire us money so we could get the car! I can't remember how long it took to clear up but it was annoying as hell. I recommend calling your credit card company before a strange trip in the future!

billelder · Guest

I write my PayPal fees off too. It's much less expensive than getting a bank card account. I've never had a problem using it. Plus, your clients no longer have to be PayPal members to use it.

Mike · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:57 pm Post subject:

Without PayPal it would have been a real pain for me to receive payment from overseas customers. It's also useful for me to be able to keep an account in US$ to be able to pay for webhosting, trips to Vegas and my somewhat odd little collecting habits. So, all in all it's well worth the fee.

My account was never officially verified because of an error by Visa. PayPal were kind enough were to find a workaround and lift the limits on my spending without the verification. However, it was an intensly frustrating process as their customer reps seemed to have little idea about how their own company worked.

Maiku
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Lizden · Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:54 am Post subject:

I also use PayPal when I am dealing with "online" & foreign clients.
With local clients it depends - last week I got a check at the end of the session! (I LOVE cleints like that!)

It's easy and as the others have done, I write off the fees.

So: PayPal is good.

Liz
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MelissaVoicer · Guest

You do have to be careful with charging a fee to take paypal. You can't call it that...I don't know how they'd know or what, but it is against paypal's rules to charge a fee for people using their service. (that is for US to charge a fee..) So you have to call it something else...I just say "misc" on the invoice if I do take paypal from someone.