Best alternative to Paypal?

[jco5055]

Hey guys,

As I try to decide on what head/any other gear in the future I want, I have a question for you.

In the past I've always used paypal, but I know some sellers don't like/will refuse to have money sent via services/transaction option, because of the fees (or just charge more to counteract these fees). Now I've personally used the gift option in the past, but only with personal friends and/or the amount being transferred a couple hundred dollars at the most, which is quite a bit less than what you're going to spend on gear.

So I'm wondering (and I've explored rig talk enough to see the drama with certain sellers/builders that have occurred in the past, as well as guitar fiascos like Bernie Rico Jr etc), if there's an alternative platform that provides at least decent buyer protection and has no fees? Or does everyone either take gambles all the time or just refuse to deal with sellers who will only use the gift option?

 

[napalmdeath]

Hey guys,

As I try to decide on what head/any other gear in the future I want, I have a question for you.

In the past I've always used paypal, but I know some sellers don't like/will refuse to have money sent via services/transaction option, because of the fees (or just charge more to counteract these fees). Now I've personally used the gift option in the past, but only with personal friends and/or the amount being transferred a couple hundred dollars at the most, which is quite a bit less than what you're going to spend on gear.

So I'm wondering (and I've explored rig talk enough to see the drama with certain sellers/builders that have occurred in the past, as well as guitar fiascos like Bernie Rico Jr etc), if there's an alternative platform that provides at least decent buyer protection and has no fees? Or does everyone either take gambles all the time or just refuse to deal with sellers who will only use the gift option?

If they won't take Paypal, fuck 'em. Buy from someone who does. You're the buyer, its your money, and your prerogative to buy from somebody trustworthy. Make that your priority, not catering to a buyer crying about fees.

 

[PhloridaMan]

I've used Venmo before but I don't know what kind of buyer/seller protection there is with that.

 

[Rick Lee]

I've done lots of deals outside of PayPal, even some cross-country gun trades with complete strangers. Never had a problem once. Talk to the other party and you should know within seconds if they're legit or sketchy. If sketchy, even PayPal won't do much for you, unless you're the buyer. Know the other party and trust your gut.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

Cash in my hand or postal money order.

 

[xzacx]

You can always offer to add extra for the fees. (Not that you should have to pay extra, if it's not THAT much for some piece of mind.) If they aren't willing to do that, it'd be a big red flag to me. Better yet though, unless it's a piece that you just can't get otherwise, only deal with someone who's willing to take PayPal. It really is the best option as a buyer IMO.

 

[Rick Lee]

You can always offer to add extra for the fees. (Not that you should have to pay extra, if it's not THAT much for some piece of mind.) If they aren't willing to do that, it'd be a big red flag to me. Better yet though, unless it's a piece that you just can't get otherwise, only deal with someone who's willing to take PayPal. It really is the best option as a buyer IMO.

Yes, but not for the seller and not because of the fees the seller pays. This six month return policy that a buyer will always win in a dispute is total BS. Hasn't happened to me (yet), but Mrs. Lee does a lot of eBay selling for women's apparel. It's very common practice there to buy something nice for a one time use, special event, party, photo sessions, whatever, then return it because "Oh, it doesn't fit" or "It looks different than in the photos" or some such BS. Basically, it's like a free online formal wear rental shop, where return shipping is the only cost. AND when you get a 1099 from PayPal, they don't back out their fees or returns. So you can trip their threshold for getting a 1099, when you've had returns and fees deducted from that amount that, had they counted beforehand, would have kept you under the 1099 threshold. Ask me how I know.