Should I use paypal ?

[smurfchops]

They have had such bad publicity recently. I want to sell a couple of things, possibly abroad for more money, on eBay. How safe is paypal, do I have to have an online bank account to transfer, and basically is it worth the hassle and possible problems?

[spudqueen]

I use paypal on ebay and personally have never had a problem with it. I usually state that overseas buyers MUST pay by paypal, saves so much hassle.

[rachela500]

I have been using paypal for over 3 years and have never had a problem. You do need to set up an account with them first though. You don't need online banking, just your bank details.

When you sell, make sure you only post to the buyers address that is registered with paypal. This is the only way you are protected against claims for non-receipt of goods. Also, make sure you use a postal service with tracking eg. recorded del, international signed-for etc. You need proof that you have sent the item to the buyer if they say they have not received it, that way they cannot claim against you.

Follow this and you should have no problems!

I always make more money on ebay when I sell internationally rather than just to the UK.

Good luck!

[thikasabrik]

I loathe paypal with a vengeance. I sold an expensive item on ebay and thinking I was being diligent, I kept all my emails and proof of posting for 3 months & then deleted/binned them. A month after that (FOUR months after the sale) paypal took the money back from my account and said the seller was claiming someone had made an unauthorised transaction on her credit card to make the purchase. They wouldn't believe anything I said so I lost my goods and my money. Use paypal by all means but keep every detail of the transaction forever!

[smurfchops]

Thanks everyone, I am still in two minds, but might give it a go ...