Taking payment for an item when buyer doesn't have paypal

[ChestnutConvert]

I am selling a few bits and a buyer that doesn't have PayPal wants to buy something, what is the safest way to take payment or should I not take it at all?

 

[LittleBlackMule]

Bank transfer. Totally safe for you as a seller, not so safe for a buyer though as there is nothing to stop you keeping the money and doing a runner

 

[LadyRascasse]

I take it they are not local so cash is not an option. You can do check but wait for it to clear before sending item, postal order or bank transfer. Personally I go for bank transfer quickest and easiest but doesn't protect the buyer so it's really up to them how they want to pay. I have never had any problems doing bank transfer either way but it just takes one unscrupulous person to ruin it. I would offer the the options you are happy to take, see what they want to do and go from there. If they aren't happy with the options I wouldn't proceed. good luck

 

[Chunkie]

I've accepted cheques before now, and posted the item the day I've banked the cheque. However, this does not mean that the cheque won't bounce, so you might want to wait until it's cleared into your account before sending.

Cash on collection is ok - but I had someone fail to turn up for a trailer once, and I had to relist it so that was a pain! I've had people post cash to me, but again, only small amounts, and not really to be recommended.

It's a long time since I set up my Paypal account, but surely it doesn't take long? Or maybe your buyer could ask someone they know to do it for them.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

I am selling a few bits and a buyer that doesn't have PayPal wants to buy something, what is the safest way to take payment or should I not take it at all?

money order from the post office or cheque to clear first before you sent it out

 

[webble]

Cash on collection is probably the safest route although there is nothing to stop the buyer opening a paypal account

 

[AmyMay]

If this is via ebay, then they have to have a paypal account.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Buyers don't *have* to have a paypal account to purchase on eBay. Sellers have to offer paypal as a payment method.

Though if the buyer wants to pay by some other method and the seller only lists payment by paypal, then the buyer should check before bidding that another method is acceptable.

I detest paypal. There are some benefits to the buyer in paying by paypal, but having a paypal account can still cause problems if hacked into. I rarely buy online and don't want a dormant account sitting around for ages between purchases so I don't use paypal.

The world worked just fine before paypal or eBay was invented when I and others paid by other methods. It's rare to get scammed if you are sensible who you buy from and the amount you risk. The only time I was scammed was when believing eBays hype that its safe and I didn't take sufficient care who I bought from.

 

[Houndman]

Remember if the buyer bounces a cheque they are going to get charged £60 by their bank each time so not worth trying to rip you off for small amounts.

Postal Orders are totally secure.

 

[martlin]

You don't have to have PayPal to pay by PayPal, you only have to have an account to receive payments, you can pay through PayPal using a debit/credit card.

 

[niagaraduval]

I agree, cheque, cash on collection or bank transfer.

Setting up a paypal account takes about 2 minutes, I don't understand why some people don't have one nowadays. I pay for everything through paypal. It's quicker than entering card details, transferring money etc.

 

[kc100]

You dont have to have a Paypal account to use paypal - you can send an invoice (from your paypal account) to their email address, and then they can pay the invoice without even opening an account.

Either that or bank transfer - but that does mean giving out your bank details.

 

[LadyLuck1977]

You can still pay by paypal without having an account unless buying through ebay.