PayPal is a great way to create your own cashless and even international transaction, and it's a very stout, solid system. I have been using it since the early days in 2001, and have rarely—if ever—had issues with their system. I still find it difficult to believe when someone selling something online says that they don't use/accept PayPal or other online payment forms (Dwolla, Square, Cash, etc.).
There are a few things you should realize before casually sending someone money through PayPal, however.
Don't Pay Someone's eBay Fees
It is against PayPal policies for a seller to openly ask or demand the buyer to pay the PayPal fees. That is solely the responsibility of the seller. You want the fees covered as a seller? Ask more for the item. Not cool to openly force the buyer to pay more than your asking price for fees that you need to be covering. Just like a credit card service, the seller pays the fees.
Don't EVER Send Someone a "Gift"
Why? Because it works as cash, for no exchange of goods. As far as PayPal is concerned, you send someone a charitable donation, asking for nothing in return. Gift. There is no buyer protection if you do that, and PayPal will laugh at you if you want your money back. They don't consider it a transaction, for good reason, so there is no insurance on a gift.
If someone asks or demands money to be sent as a gift, and they aren't your relative (and even then), RUN, don't walk, as fast as you can from that deal. Chances are good that you won't see the item or your money ever again.
There are scammers in every corner of the internet. You need to protect yourself better to avoid becoming the next victim of internet fraud. Use common sense, and buying online with PayPal can be a simple and safe experience.
There are a few things you should realize before casually sending someone money through PayPal, however.
Don't Pay Someone's eBay Fees
It is against PayPal policies for a seller to openly ask or demand the buyer to pay the PayPal fees. That is solely the responsibility of the seller. You want the fees covered as a seller? Ask more for the item. Not cool to openly force the buyer to pay more than your asking price for fees that you need to be covering. Just like a credit card service, the seller pays the fees.
Don't EVER Send Someone a "Gift"
Why? Because it works as cash, for no exchange of goods. As far as PayPal is concerned, you send someone a charitable donation, asking for nothing in return. Gift. There is no buyer protection if you do that, and PayPal will laugh at you if you want your money back. They don't consider it a transaction, for good reason, so there is no insurance on a gift.
If someone asks or demands money to be sent as a gift, and they aren't your relative (and even then), RUN, don't walk, as fast as you can from that deal. Chances are good that you won't see the item or your money ever again.
There are scammers in every corner of the internet. You need to protect yourself better to avoid becoming the next victim of internet fraud. Use common sense, and buying online with PayPal can be a simple and safe experience.