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Advice for consultants using PayPal
 

Hey, I have a Digital Marketing Agency, most of my clients prefer PayPal as method of transaction and we don't have Stripe yet here.

What's the proper way of using PayPal in this way since I've heard PayPal frowns upon non-tangible/non-trackable goods? Should I create invoice for every consultation and tell them to confirm it as shipped/delivered? Is there anything else I need to know about PayPal so I can use it for non-tangible goods transaction?

Thank you.

Re: Advice for consultants using PayPal
 

ONLINE viewable tracking from a commercial carrier is need for PAYPAL INR seller protection,as Paypal uses robots to go to the commercial carrier site to check the status of your shipment.
Robot does not read email or watch video or pictures.
It will rule in favor of your buyer if tracking shows no delivery.
You may appeal and a rep will review the case,but written acknowledgment is no proof.
there are exceptions,say you built someone a website and of course there is no physical tracking,but if the site is up and running or you can prove with paperwork that you have delivered,Paypal IT worker will look into it and you wil have a chance of winning.
Or you can send a thank you note and a copy of the work with tracking,domestic cost would be first class 2 oz mail.
There is no seller protection of item not as described INAD

Re: Advice for consultants using PayPal
 

FOR DOMESTIC customers,tell them to use ACH or business check

Re: Advice for consultants using PayPal
 

Maybe look into 3rd party services to take PayPal on your behalf such as https://paddle.com/

Otherwise it's fine to accept PayPal with your own account but you'll start having problems if you have too many open cases.

Re: Advice for consultants using PayPal
 

There is an Ebay seller based in PA,she sells digital items so there is no tracking and most of her buyers do not have a shipping address in their paypal account,then she got a state audit and the auditor insists all her orders are instate orders and she fails to collect state tax so now she has to pay.
I dont know how it ended,Paypal keeps 7 years of our activities,if you are selling physical goods,it saves the buyer name and address.

Re: Advice for consultants using PayPal
 

You will be fine as long as you have a business that is running for some time to show to paypal on the first limitation. I believe they will allow you to accept payments and more you do it the easier it will get. Be ready to sped lots of time on the phone with them.

Re: Advice for consultants using PayPal
 

For alternatives, I've been recommended Paddle and 2CheckOut? Which one of them is better, any hidden drawbacks? or do you have any other suggestion or alternatives?

Thank you.

P.S As far as I know Paddle doesn't allow Human Services such as Consulting/Design services, but, correct me if I'm wrong.

Re: Advice for consultants using PayPal
 

it is a chance you have to take,you decide if it is worth it