Some internet sellers will only accept payment in the form of check, money order, or credit card. If payment is by credit card one needs to telephone the credit card number to the seller. These sellers refuse to sign up to be part of the paypal crowd. I always hesitate to purchase an item when a money order or check are the only methods to pay. Paypal protects me in a number of ways. I do not need to send my credit card number or show my bank account number to a total stranger that could be a shady character. If an item is paid for and the item is not received, paypal assists the buyer recover from the seller. In addition, my hobby money is kept neatly in my Paypal account drawing a money market rate of return. Paypal also offers a Paypal Debit Card that can be used as a credit card. All purchases receive a 1.5% rebate credited to one's paypal account. I calculated that the hobby money earns for me enough each year to buy one extra collectible for myself.
Where am I going with this, you say. About two weeks ago I purchased an item on the internet paid via a money order. As of yet, I have not received the item. I have made two attempts to contact the seller without hearing anything back. Here, I could add another poor experience with a seller who only accepts a money order or check. For me, this has now become a "red flag" issue when making an internet purchase.
UPDATE. UPDATE.
The seller contacted me and advised that the item was shipped on Friday, two weeks after it was purchased.
4/5/08 It is now Saturday, one week after the item was shipped and still no delivery. Hmmmm!
4/13/08 Still no package. A dispute form with Ebay was initiated.
4/15/08 Shipment arrived. Dispute ended.
I will no longer purchase anything on Ebay using a check or money order. I'll stick with PayPal deals, only.
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