Accepting/Using PayPal - the 3%

A number of years ago, there was a spate of sellers trying to charge customers an additional 3% (or more) for using PayPal. It was pointed out over and over (and over) again that doing so is a violation of the PayPal User Agreement. It is also unprofessional; and is considered by many to be a deal breaker. The seller benefits just as much from PayPal payments as the buyer - perhaps more, when one considers the sales that would be lost by not accepting credit cards or waiting for money orders that never arrive. The fee (2.9% + $0.30) is a cost of doing business; and if the small amount of money involved makes that much difference, the sellers should reconsider & adjust their pricing. Eventually, the practice of trying to charge the fee essentially disappeared from this site...but, for whatever reason, there has been a resurgence recently.

Hopefully all buyers (new and experienced) have the sense to turn away from sellers adding more money because of the method of payment.

Agreed. It is a cost of doing business.

I agree harald. That fee is part of business and some credit card charges are more that 3% last time i checked. Cost of doing business. Call it a convient fee for using a simple and easy service to get paid.

The newest thing is trying to get you to pay as a gift which gives you no recourse if the seller stiffs you. Unscrupulous people will try anything to make a buck.

Yeah, that's making a resurgence, too.
Just as much of a deal breaker, IMO, but it seems some people don't know any better...either that, or they are so desperate for the deal that they don't care that they're SOL.
No legitimate seller should ask for payment in the form of "Gift" (or tell you to add the fee if you use PayPal)

Yeah only time i send money as a "gift" is to a friend that i fully trust so i can save him from the 3% fee

Originally Posted by Reptile Frenzy

Yeah only time i send money as a "gift" is to a friend that i fully trust so i can save him from the 3% fee

If the friend is selling something to you, I feel that is unethical to deprive Paypal of their 3%. If the service is used it should be paid for.
I think the exception Paypal allows is for real gifts to friends and relatives.

Now that you put it that way it makes sense! Yeah your right paypal is offering a service to use and it should be paid for. Good point!

Originally Posted by Reptile Frenzy

Yeah only time i send money as a "gift" is to a friend that i fully trust so i can save him from the 3% fee

You also put your friend's account in jeopardy when you do that. Gifts are flagged on accounts and if you get too many of them, the account will be locked and PayPal will be calling asking for an explanation for the number of gifts. This happened to me when I was transferring funds between two of my paypal accounts (business and personal) and the personal option was the one that made the most sense.

Thanks for the advice!