What Else Can I Give?

[Dancebug]

When I sell my costumes, I normally ask for a money order for payment. When the deal is finalized, I give the buyer my full name, telephone number, address, my NDCA and USADA membership numbers. Then the buyer sends me the money order, and I send the dress when I get the money order. Some buyers are comfortable with this kind of transaction, and others don’t. Is there anything else that I can provide to make the buyer feel more comfortable?

 

[Katarzyna]

Escrow service is another option, but a bit more pricey... than both parties are secured

 

[Laura]

Watch out for forged money orders. Someone tried to buy a dress from me with one, but it was such a bad forgery I realized it as soon as I opened up the envelope.

I've had really good luck using PayPal, believe it or not.

 

[Merrylegs]

Watch out for forged money orders. Someone tried to buy a dress from me with one, but it was such a bad forgery I realized it as soon as I opened up the envelope.

I've had really good luck using PayPal, believe it or not.

Laura, what does PayPal charge for fees?

I am shipping three dresses to 2 different people and I haven't figured out the money issue yet.

 

[Laura]

If the person paying has their PayPal account hooked up to draw money out of their own checking account, then there is no fee. If the person is using a credit card, I think the card fee is 3% but I'm not sure -- you can find out on their web site, though.

 

[SPratt74]

If the person paying has their PayPal account hooked up to draw money out of their own checking account, then there is no fee. If the person is using a credit card, I think the card fee is 3% but I'm not sure -- you can find out on their web site, though.

I had an American Express credit card with my old PayPal account, and that has a high fee, but American Express has a high fee and high interest no matter what you do. It's better to use a checkings account or something like that with PayPal from what I had learned anyhow. But hey, you live and learn don't you?

 

[hamstersphere]

I've started up PayPal at my office (small business - five people) and, even considering fees of 3% or so, have never had any problem. The verification process of getting money transferred into your account can take a little while, though, so best to get started now if you think you'll want to use PayPal at some point.