Is it effective to use Paypal with large transactions?

[Deleted member 70659]

I Like Paypal, it's easy and the invoicing is nice. Sometimes I have ad-hoc small jobs to do like web banners and icons, I don't mind slipping them a few percentages for their troubles , and it's easy to use.

But when I get medium to large projects in, a fair chunk goes to paypal, I know it's like anything, but It got me thinking, should I be looking to use another service for these projects. For UK clients I do an instant bank payment, but sometimes I deal with people in Europe / USA , and I cannot do bank transfers.

Normally I would say 'Well Paypal makes my life easier and I don't mind the fees' , but sometimes I think, well I just lost 20 minutes of my work for a glorified online-bank.

Thoughts?

 

[CSBob]

There are lots of different options available - have a look at something like:

comparemoneytransfer.co.uk

One to definitely avoid, however, is moneybookers.com. My brother used them a few times for large payments to China, using an email set up exclusively for this purpose (to keep that account separate from his other dealings) and ever since then that email address has been bombarded with offers from countless online casinos - i.e. his personal details were sold to third parties without his consent.

Try to go with a larger, more reputable company.

 

[fashionhandbagsline]

anyway, i don't like to use paypal for large amount business

 

[Alby10]

The only problem i have with Paypal are the fee's. Apart from that, they offer a quick and efficient online payment processing system. That said, i have heard horror stories if you have problems, in getting them to sort it out.

The fees get a bit annoying when the payments are anymore than £100 +, the alternative is to see if the client can sort out a bank transfer direct into you bank. Even from European states i believe you can still do a bank transfer, using the IBAN system.

 

[thecyclingartist]

I don't mind Paypal's fees - but my only concern would be your protection for large transactions. Remember that Paypal's system is for posted items - if there is a dispute you need to show proof of delivery. You say web banners and icons so I would be concerned you may not have a product you're actually mailing.

The odds on a dispute are probably rare with clients you know, but it's just worth keeping in mind. Paypal also do their own investigations randomly even if the buyer hasn't complained - and will still reverse the funds if you can't show proof of delivery. Yes, even if the customer responds that the transaction was genuine. (this happened to a friend of mine) For what it's worth, the odds of this happening are lower the longer you've been a Paypal member, and especially if you've already been through their EU fraud check routine.

Tina.