Buyer having "Paypal problems" and wants to pay by bank transfer or postal order. WWYD?

[evertonmint]

I'm a new eBay seller, sold a top for £20 to somebody on Saturday. She has just got in touch to say she is having Paypal problems so could pay by bank transfer or postal order.

She has a very good buyer history: 22 positives, no neutral or negative in 6 months.

She was the only person to offer on the top so I can't do a second chance offer.

I'm a bit uncomfortable giving out my bank details, but I do want to sell the top. I could wait a few days for her to sort out her Paypal as I don't need the money straight away.

WWYD?

Send her a message saying its not a problem at all for you to wait and she can send you a message to let you know when it's all sorted out and you will post it off straight away. Be breezy.

I've had PayPal problems myself and I know my buyer didn't believe me.

I would accept a postal order, just don't send the item until you've received it.

I would accept the postal order too. I have money in my paypal account over £40 but they will only let me buy something at £5 odds at the moment as I am a "new user" and they hold on to your money for 21 days in something called "pending" until I guess no dispute arises. I thought it would be a one-off but nope it's for every bleeding transaction. I am getting severly ticked off with it and actually considering stopping using Ebay because of it.

Thanks. It's not so much that I don't believe her I suppose (I had Paypal issues myself a while back, a bit like your Fimbo). It's more that I am a bit nervous about being unprotected if she says she didn't receive the item or something. It only went for £20 but it is designer with tags still so I just want to make sure it goes through ok as would hate to be ripped off on this item as it is actually potentially 'worth' a lot more than the £20 I got for it. Wouldn't care on some of my cheaper stuff! I might just be stressing for no reason as I'm a new seller!

Think I'll say I can wait for Paypal to be sorted out if it is likely to be resolved soon and ask her for a bit more info on that. And then if that will take ages maybe accept PO.

You'll still have to refund her if she claims that she doesn't receive it however she pays.

If you're concerned about that, send it by recorded post.

You're not protected however she pays, paypal is for her protection. I would accept the postal order.

I have just checked and actuallly I had already charged for recorded in the P&P so that bit's covered

I'll ask her about the Paypal issues and how long she thinks it will be (it might just be a funds transfer thing and I'm happy to wait a few days for that) and if not go with postal order.

Thanks all!

bank transfer or postal order are way better than paypal, there is absolutely no risk and if the buyer claims not received there is no way ebay can force you to refund, plus no paypal fees. The only person at risk is the buyer.

no worriess just ask her to send postal order 1st class tomorrow you will actually avoid paypal fees so actually better

also if she claims not received ebay can not force refund though it would not be nice to do that anyway if you send recorded just add tracking details on ebay

don't wait just ask for postal order now, if you wait 3 days then get postal order it will take over a week

i like people paying by cheque saves more money lining ebay/paypal pockets