Accepted Payments

[yukshmoog]

Why is it that no sellers know that money orders and personal checks are once again allowed as acceptable payments?

I've tried to buy a particular item over and over by asking sellers if they would accept a Postal Money Order. I get anywhere from "no" to "ebay doesn't allow that anymore".

Sellers must not read the emails from ebay.

It would increase their selling reach as it was before ebay bought PayPal and stopped alternative forms of payment.

[redmodelt]

And where did you find the information that US sellers can accept checks or money orders? The only times that I am aware of is if for maybe a local pickup. Post a screen shot of that information.

Don't know of any seller that wants to wait for a check and hope it is good or get a fake money order. 

eBay does not own PayPal. 

Yes I know that eBay was involved with Pay-Pal. 

Adding: There are select category's that you can pay with "other forms of payment such as check or money order", but for average US buyers those other forms of payment are not available. 

[profiteer]

Your buyers will be able to pay safely and securely with credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal and complete their entire transaction on eBay, with the option to save and store their payment information for future use. When your buyer pays with any of these payment methods, both you and the buyer are covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee.

Depending on the category, and on the country you’re selling in, you may also choose to accept the following additional payment methods:

• Checks
• Money orders
• Cash on pickup
• Wire transfer

You can't ask buyers to use a payment method that isn't allowed on eBay or to use a payment method that isn't included in your listing.

[annadryl]

Your sellers are right. Only in very niche categories or situations allow for this payment method on US ebay. Payments accepted are what is shown near the top of every listing. None of mine accept any paper payments or transfers etc.

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/payment-policies/accepted-payments-policy?id=4269

If something has changed that they did not announce please post a link.

ETA This is what's on the vast majority of listings. If a method isn't there, the seller can't accept it.

[redmodelt]

For more of the story (there is more I just grabbed a sniplet)

"Checks and money orders aren't allowed for most eBay purchases. However, you can use these payment methods to buy vehicles, capital and business equipment, real estate, and items you pick up in person. See our Payment methods policy for more details."

In addition, good chance by time check was received and cleared you could easily be past your shipping window and get a strike on your account. 

[tobaccocardyahoo]

Most sellers do not want to accept checks or money orders because of past bad experiences, even in the categories that Ebay allows their use. Therefore they do not enable that payment method and refuse to accept payments.

Sellers are measured on their prompt shipment and waiting for a check to clear is self-destructive, only less self-destructive than shipping before a check clears.

[profiteer]

It's hard to believe you've been a member since 2003. That was probably before there was a paypal. Checks and money orders were everywhere. Besides, you don't ship until the payment clears your bank. And yes, Ebay owned PayPal for over 10 years, until they sold them a few years ago.

[redmodelt]

They are talking in the present not the past and as if they still owned Pay-Pal. 

"Why is it that no sellers know that money orders and personal checks are once again allowed as acceptable payments?

I've tried to buy a particular item over and over by asking sellers if they would accept a Postal Money Order. I get anywhere from "no" to "ebay doesn't allow that anymore".

Sellers must not read the emails from ebay.

It would increase their selling reach as it was before ebay bought PayPal and stopped alternative forms of payment."

Surprising number of people don't know that eBay is no longer involved with Pay-Pal except as a payment source for buying. 

[babyers88]

back in the day it was a popular method at one time, but it's probably going to be a lot easier now to just either buy a prepaid credit card or use some other form of electronic payment. 

times have changed....

[mooncat_watches]

Curious how the mailing delay impacts your handling time metric