Since eBay’s new paperless payment policy went into effect on 10/20/08, I’ve sold nine items out of my eBay store to nine different buyers. Seven of those nine buyers have written and asked the same basic question.
In addition, I’ve received emails from five potential bidders on various auction items with the same question.
What they have all said is, “The only payment option you show is PayPal. I don’t use credit cards on the net. Can I pay for this item with a check or money order?”
If eBay is determined to force their new paperless payment policy down the throats of both buyers and sellers, then they need to step-up and show they’ve got a pair by placing an explanation of the new policy on their home page large enough so it is impossible for buyers to miss it.
They need to show they have a pair by telling buyers they have taken on the roll of Big Brother and are making the buying experience safer and more enjoyable whether the buyer likes it or not.
Photograph by Steve Garry.
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November 1st, 2008 at 10:05 pm
The way I understand it sellers cannot put that they will accept checks, moneyorders or cash in their listings, but if a buyer requests to pay by any of those methods then the seller may accept the payment. In other words buyers can pay however they wish but sellers cannot advertise that they’ll take checks, moneyorders or cash. Its just more of Ebay’s arrogant new rules that benefit only them
I also have several buyers who absolutely will not put their credit cards online. Its good to know that I can accept their payments if they request it.
November 1st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Patricia,
While that’s true, eBay has also said that they will have a mechanism in place that will track what percentage of your auctions/store items are not paid for via their checkout. This will provide them with a percentage of your sales that you are allowing buyers to pay for with checks or money orders.
Although, to date, they haven’t announced what the percentage will be, if too many of your sales don’t comply with their Paperless Payment Policy you will be hearing from them. And, that’s something we likely don’t want to take place.
Gary H.
November 2nd, 2008 at 12:59 am
Yes, I have heard that too but I’m sure they mean to “catch” the sellers who are still trying to bypass Paypal fees. There are plenty of sellers who won’t take paypal at all and those are the Paypal fees ebay is after. For those of us who have a few buyers who won’t put their information online I’m sure it will be okay. Even Ebay is not that dumb to forgo sales and FVF’s for a Paypal fee
…or maybe they are! 
November 2nd, 2008 at 7:30 am
Hi Gary,
I’ll admit, I’m fine with the new “don’t tell, please ask” policy and will continue to accept checks/mo from U.S. buyers at their request. I’ve removed all reference to paper payments from my listings, no small task! And I’m actually very happy about the way that eBay is handling this, as I don’t mind at all the eventual endgame (true paperless payments) which will save me work, but this wishy-washy transitional period allows me not to alienate long-time customers along the way.
That said, what if I didn’t want checks/mo? Buyers have now been conditioned to request the option, how friendly are they to sellers who say “No.” With the raised importance of DSRs from everything from search to fees to whether or not you can even sell on the site, I feel for the seller who might take a communications ding just for abiding the actual rules if they happen to be his own preference.
Thanks,Cliff
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:18 am
REMOVE ebay CEO, John Donahoe!
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?jdonohoe
November 2nd, 2008 at 12:25 pm
There policy is absurd as we all know. Ebayer’s are still emailing to see if they can send check or money orders. Ebay is delusional if they think they can force people to sign up for Paypal. I’ll continue to take checks & money orders as the buyers make it known that’s how they want to pay. If Ebay gets more heavy handed about it then they can kiss those sales good bye as buyers go elsewhere.
You just have to wonder what is next! Thanks for keeping us updated on your Ebay experiences Gary.
Cathleen
November 2nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
i see it several ways:
as a buyer i like the policy especially with new and small or occasional sellers. i have extreme difficulty in sending someone $500+ with money order - free money - with NO recourse whatsoever. its very stupid really. if sellers are pros i would not feel that way. but on the other hand, i have seen over and over again, people who only take money orders do NOT get all they should or can get for a item, as it seems to also scare many others away. seen it over and over.
so as a seller, why would you NOT take paypal or other online payment form? you are leaving MONEY on the table as they say. if you are a pro, you ONLY ship with tracking/confirmation and NO issues. cover your but, and you will NOT have issues with paypal believe me.
didnt know about the ‘dont ask’ thing, so that is good to know.