Hey there magic people,

I have just recently started having problems with PayPal. They won't accept my clients credit cards or, they will accept a deposit on my web page but when I (1) either request $$ or (2) they go to send me $$ (via Paypal.com), they have problems.

I just recently lost a gig because of PayPal not working. Has anyone else (besides Frank and I) had this problem? If so, did you find a fix?

JIM

Were you having these problems after they verified there was no problem?

Was the account temporarily locked due to a dispute or charge back?

No lock at all. I've been using PayPay to get a deposit from my clients for over a year. I just recently started "requesting" $$ or having my clients to to the payPal site to send me $$ with no success.


JIM

Jim,
I have nothing good to say about PayPal and wish you luck in dealing with them.

I had mine locked for a couple of days during a charge back dispute which I wasn't even aware of! That angered me when I found five people had tried to purchase (send money via paypal) and were able to do so but I couldn't move the money to my account! Nice how they allow money to go in but not be handled by the account holder! Matter cleared and everyone was happy.

What does paypal say about your problem as this may not be on your end, or paypal, but the user?

Thanks Jerrine.

Randy, I haven't contacted them yet as I just got back from vacation and between perfroming and getting caught up with my paper work, I have been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest. I thouught I'd put it out on here first then take it up with them later.

JIM

same here

I've been using Pay Pal since 1998 and never have had a problem. Don't know what to tell you.
Doug

As a buyer PayPal is great - as a seller all I can say is beware their terms of service - they are unlike any other company that you will ever deal with, and it is balanced in their favor completely. They can freeze your paypal account and drain your bank account and you can't do anything about it at all for at least 6 months, and then you will be lucky if you get your money back. I suggest opening a separate bank account just for paypal - do not allow them access to your main account. Also- never let any money sit in paypal for very long - always withdraw it or transfer it to your bank account asap, and then transfer it from the bank account you set up for paypal in to your main account that they do not have access to. People will say that they are better now that eBay has taken them over, but I disagree completely - they are the same company they always have been, with even worse terms of service now.

Marvello, I haven't heard of PayPal having those kinds of problems since they were bought up by eBay. Back in the old days, yes.

My personal experience with them is strictly as a buyer, but I do have a business account with them.

Paypal's operational structure is primarily geared towards merchandise related transactions. Although they do allow services related businesses to use their system, it is these types of businesses that experience the bulk of the problems with PayPal these days. If you are in fact a Verified business user with a Confirmed bank account, the problem you're experiencing is most likely related to their automated fraud detection system that has flagged your account for some stupid reason. You should check your e-mail account that Paypal has on file as there should be an automated message directing you to take some kind of action to prove that you are a legitimate business. Regardless of any e-mailed instructions, I recommend that you take the ridiculously long 20-40 minutes from your life to call them and wade through their "customer service" process to get the issue resolved.

Don't try to fix thic via email - PHONE THEM. 402-935-2050. I have always had courteous and efficient help on the few occasions I've had to call (short wait times, too, even though it's not toll-free.)

I am sorry to report that this still goes on despite the change in ownership. I had a legit business, and used PayPal quite a bit, and without notice, and for no real reason they froze $1500 of mine, and told me to get it back I would have to jump through about 8 hoops, and then after I submitted all of the private and personal info they wanted (which was outrageous in my opinion), then I would be subject to a credit check (at my expense) and if they didn't like my credit report that they would keep my money. Does that sound fair to you?

It is very simply what happens when an entity gets to do banking stuff and not be regulated like other real banks.

Ross,
Thanks for the advice and phone number. I think I'll be calling them in the very near future.

JIM

Yes, Thanx

Ross is 100% correct...ALWAYS call. They are courtious and efficient and there has always been a short wait time. Using the eMail contact is a waste of time (literally) and effort.
Been using PayPal for many years...they charge too much but then what is too much when it's convienience I'm paying for.

How about adding this number Ross:

1-888-221-1161

Holy cow! my instincts were right!

I have always avoided getting a paypal account, preferring money orders.

Problem is, like on ebay, some idiots INSIST that money orders are apparently not a viable form of payment, because they will accept NOTHING but paypal. Well, DUH!!!

I think they are stupidly cutting their own throats.

I used PayPay mostly to get a retainer fee from my clients. Paypal just cost me a show last week because my client could only pay by CC and PayPay wouldn't work for her.

JIM

And the plot thickens!