Using credit cards on EBAY

[Peter]

I was looking at an ebay listing today and in the auction listing, below payment methods, there is a link

http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/payment.html

"learn about credit options" Then you can choose "credit or debit card"

Under this is explained the option for credit cards. Does anyone know, from experience, how this works? Last time I tired to pay on ebay with a credit card, I got a message from paypal stating I had exceed my credit card payment limit. Now, I see no mention of paypal or limits in this link. This must be new?

It appears, I can pay with a credit card. Then perhaps that transfers to the sellers paypal. That, I dont care about. It would be nice to sell once in a while, but atleast I can buy again - MAYBE?

[Tom Adkins]

You can only pay with a credit card if the seller has their own credit card processing(merchant account). I would say that 95% of the sellers on ebay do not have a merchant account for credit card processing. Ebay has now offered ProPay for power sellers to use. It is a type of merchant account that is integrated with ebay, but the fees are a little more than Paypal and I doubt a lot of people are going to use it. I personally have a ProPay account but I have never listed it as a payment option because of the fees.

[Peter]

Tom, thats a bummer and once again misleading on ebay's part.

I spot checked another 1/2 dozen steam engine search ads and every one has the link to the payment options. And says credit card via an ebay interface (no seller involvement).

Amazon handles the credit cards. I dont need paypal or special permission to write a check or pickup in person. I buy used books all the time on Amazon. No problems, ever. Similar feedback system and Amazon does the policing. if Eaby is going to be a safe and structured like Amazon (which I dont like BTW) then they should setup easy payment methods, like Amazon. Why would I ever buy a book on EBAY, with the ease of use and safety over at Amazon.

There is a difference, implied here. Most or many ebay sellers were just cleaning house or selling somehting to get soemthing else. Like a better camera. It was a hobby not a business. Amazon sellers are clearly in business and it looks like ebay is moving to force all the sellers to keep books/accounting/taxes and be a business site only. Social security numbers and all.

Meanwhile, Craig List is now the officical hobby site and little guy cleaning house place to sell. Tends to be local sales , no feedback, very limited.

[greysteam24hp]

Lots of scammer found in Craiglist

[Peter]

yes, i know we had this discussion before. Craig list is BEST for LOCAL sales. IMHO. No feedback ratings, etc... I like the old ebay for long distance buys. I like Craig list as a local option. Not good for the arm chair, ship it be me in a yellow ribbon buyer. It actually is an advantage for the get off you big duff and go get it buyer. If the international/cross country bozos stay out of it, it keeps the stuff local too. So; if you fear the scams, please dont bother our local sellers, with over offers and advise to ask more or be surprised if its all scam, cause it was too good to be true! Think!

Craig list is local. again IMHO, should be obvious.....