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[thelizardking]

This thread is about using Paypal holding funds for 21 days to our advantage and other ways to move away from Paypal and get customers away from Paypal. It would be nice if everyone would move away from Paypal but we all know sellers have to accept it as payment and buyers are brainwashed into thinking its the only way to pay.

The idea I had is using this 21 day hold as a way to get customers to pay another way. If this goes into effect March 2008, and im assuming on the 1st, this is something I would send to customers starting in a week or so.

"Paypal now holds money for 21 days to clear. If Paypal is used as payment item will not ship until funds are released (up to 21 days). To pay more easily and securely use Google Checkout with your credit or debit card to receive Same Day Priority Shipping with Tracking Number or send a money order to...."

Nobody wants to wait 3 weeks for their item. What you really want is your customer to email you questions directly, unless they have used your merchant account type before, they will most likely have some questions and concerns. You could use this as a platform to illuminate the buyer on why Paypal sucks but I wouldn't. You don't really wanna draw too much attention to Paypal because a customer might get fearful especially if they ignorantly trust Paypal. I seriously think anti-depressant usage will go up when people find out how ⊗⊗⊗⊗ their sacred Paypal is. Make it be about the 21 days you could say something like "You are welcome to pay via Paypal but your package will not be shipped for 21 days due to their new policy."

Additionally praise your merchant account a little, be proud that you offer a better, faster, and easier way to accept payments. Give them any info about your merchant account that will make it easier for them. A "how to" and maybe include, in a subtle way, a feature your merchant account has that Paypal doesn't. Maybe even offer an incentive to use your merchant account. Shipping discounts, additional items, etc..

What happens if they do pay via Paypal?
Immediately refund them and email them again. If they missed it the first time they won't miss a refund. Make sure that they understand that the item will take up to a month if they resend the payment.

If they still insist on Paypal?
You will most likely have to ship out the item as normal. Even if you told them it will take a month doesn't mean they won't file a claim. Paypal doesn't care what your policies are, only theirs, and you don't want the attention of a claim. I think its after 7 days they can file.

I like the idea being talked about of buying gift cards on ebay using your Paypal funds. You can use a gift card to buy gas, food, cigarettes, beer, pay bills, clothes, anywhere visa or master card is accepted...if your going to the strip club or buying black market Viagra you might want to check out a route to get a card you can pull cash from like Greendot. Read the thread New way to liquidate a paypal account by savahaganda on this forum. I haven't tried this yet but it sounds like a good idea. Luckily tho I wait tables and make tips so buying gift cards is a great way for me.

The idea is to get customers to use Paypal as little as possible. Some are definitely going to. If you only have a few you are withdrawing less from Paypal and cause less suspicion. But im not waiting 21 days each time I withdraw then on top of that take a chance on getting limited on the 20th day. Then waiting 6 months for it to be released. We all know there are customers who make you think “man what an idiot” but in my experience buyers just want the product. In my opinion a merchant account with Google Checkout would be the one to go with. Sellers love it and who doesn't know about Google? I think customers will feel better with the name Google on it. Use it to your advantage.

Please include any way that you use to get buyers to pay with something else. I have gained years of experience in customer service and sales in different jobs so persuading a customer comfortably is a skill I have worked on and am good at. Each customer is different so you have to change it up a little. But I realize some sellers need some advise on how to deal with customers, questions, and concerns so post some tips if you have some. Also post any good excuses you use on customers. Remember if they want to use Paypal they just don't realize whats good for them and secretly us.

Want to find out which merchant account is right for you?
Search the board, there is more than enough info out there or look up aspkins Alternatives To Paypal guide in the members area.