[CR]Paypal/ Charges / travellers cheques

(Example: Framebuilders:Mario Confente)

From: <REClassicBikes@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2003 05:42:55 EST
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Paypal/ Charges / travellers cheques

This is way off topic really but I would like to get involved as there has alot of chatter on the subject recently.

I sell on ebay, internationally, and I accept paypal payments. Paypal charge me about 3.9% (some times slightly less if I am having a high volume period, unlikely). I pass this charge on to the customer and advertise this in my auction payment details. I have never had a customer complain. Ever. I have been asked if I should be doing this, but no one ever complained. I offer several alternatives, including personal cheques, mo's, cash. All of which I prefer to paypal. Paypal hit me twice, as when I eventually withdraw the dollars from paypal, I have to use paypals exchange rates, which are very poor (or good for paypal!).

I find it sadly amusing that ebay say these charges should no be passed on. It is to me just a blatant attempt by ebay to maximise its profits.

In the 3 three years I have been selling internationally I can think of no incoming payments that have gone astray in the post, some have been slow but never lost. Out going parcels that have gone missing are probably less than 5. (although I am some times slow despatching!!).

The only complaints I ever seem to get re ebay sales are from UK customers, who object to paying VAT (sales tax) on ebay purchases. I am required by law to charges sales tax on all sales within Europe, and there is little I can do about that. It matters not that the goods are used or second hand, I have to add taxes on the value added under the sale. I auction items on ebay at a net price and advertise that sales tax will have to be added for those countries for which it is due (basically Europe). This seems to me to be the only way I can sell on a level playing field, where all customers have equal chance of bidding. Why do I mention this? well it may be worth noting for many non European customers, if you are buying on ebay from Europe, ask if the bid price of the auction includes VAT, if it does, then you may be able to get that amount deducted from the final price? Obviously not all sellers charge VAT, only those who achieve a certain level of turn over are required to collect VAT, but you can reckon that any one who is selling for a living should be registered for vat. If they are and do not refund you this from the net price, they are putting you at a disadvantage in their auctions.

Regards
Martin Coopland, Scotland, http://www.BatesBicycles.com