Posted by Pat/CA on 12/4/10 1:49pm
Msg #363923

Getting prepaid via PayPal - any advice please?

I've accepted a signing from a company with less than stellar reviews on here. Since it's early in the month and I have nothing else scheduled for that slot, I thought I'd take a chance since I indeed need the money.

Does anyone have any advice about getting paid through PayPal? I've searched on here to do my homework first because I remember reading things, but many posts are extensive and plowing through them hasn't brought me the info I'm seeking.

All suggestions are appreciated and thank you in advance.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 12/4/10 1:58pm
Msg #363924

Are you asking How or If you should use PayPal? n/m

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 12/4/10 2:16pm
Msg #363929

If how...

They can pay using PayPal and the email address you have linked to your account. There are no charges for them (the "buyer") but there are to you (the "merchant"). I usually charge a 5% surcharge to cover retrieving my money from my PayPal account (PayPal and ATM fees). If you plan on transferring the funds to a bank account there are no fees, but it does take 5-7 days to receive them. Also, I have my PayPal account tied to an account that I rarely use as PayPal has the right to withdraw funds from your bank account in cases of refunds. IMO, never tie your PayPal account to your major bank account.

I also have any company paying that way sign a statement stating that they have received the services requested and that they are satisfied with them. I do this due to the policies of PayPal regarding refunds. PayPal's system is set up in favor of the "buyer" (as they are known in PayPal terms) and make it easy for the "merchants" to be ripped off. Having something on file that says they have received the services and are satisfied with them may not prevent the charge back but it can go a long way in helping you to argue that it is undeserved.

I'm not a big PayPal fan, but do offer allow past due invoices to be paid using their services.

Reply by Pat/CA on 12/4/10 3:03pm
Msg #363932

Thank you so much for this advice! Very helpful indeed. n/m

Reply by Pat/CA on 12/4/10 3:04pm
Msg #363933

Both. Pros vs. cons, etc. n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 12/4/10 3:27pm
Msg #363934

I will accept PayPal... but now it's not necessary because I have set up a credit card merchant account and I can take credit cards on the spot and over the phone. It hasn't happened often, but if I asked for payment in advance, I send them a credit card authorization form as part of my confirmation. That way, I get a signature. It's easy.

BUT... I only take credit cards now because I do a lot of general notary work, and many people ask to pay me with their credit/debit cards. It's working out really great for me, and people love that I can take credit cards on the spot.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 12/4/10 4:34pm
Msg #363941

Marian, how does that work when you travel to them?

Do you have a small cc swipe and have them sign a cc slip (like the olden days :-) or do you carry some kind of digital equipment to capture payment right then? Just curious.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 12/4/10 7:17pm
Msg #363949

Re: Marian, how does that work when you travel to them?

I use my Blackberry and enter it via a standard secured web browser. I could get a portable swiper, which would reduce my fees, but I haven't done that yet.

This is the service I use, from Intuit:

http://gopayment.com/

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 12/5/10 12:12am
Msg #363974

Thank you for the info, Marian. n/m