Using PayPal

[anon_private]

If I buy an item from someone using PayPay (not on ebay), am I protected,or is it considered a personal transaction?

How would I go about making the payment?

[minty1]

Hi anon_private

If you buy any items using paypal you are protected as long as you follow the buyers protection policies

Always pay using the "goods" option not personal/services

If you do not receive your item or item is not as described you have 45 days from the purchase date to open a dispute in paypal

Its important that you read about buyers protection and the user agreement before you purchase anything especially if you are new to using paypal

To pay you use the "send money" tab using the sellers paypal email address, you dont have to give out any other sensitive info

Or ask them to send you an invoice which should state a description of your purchase along with the price(personally I think this is the better option)

[anon_private]

Thank you.

I assume that using PayPal, providing the seller has an account, is better than simply sending them a cheque.

If I send them money using PayPal is there a way that I can indicate what I am buying, and what the seller is selling, in case I need some proof - proof using the system.

Regarding the user agreement, if I am buying an item from someone who holds a PayPal account is there anything in particular that I should note - I have never used PayPal before.

If the seller does not have a PayPal account I could send a cheque (item details written on the back, and obtain proof of posting). This is probably the best I can do to buy the product.

Best wishes

[minty1]

As in my other message they need to send you an invoice stating description of goods and the price Pay with paypal for "goods" If you dont receive the goods you can open a dispute If you want to send a cheque that is up to you but I think you would be safer/more protected paying by paypal

[anon_private]

Thank you.

Is it normal practice to ask for an invoice before payment. I assume that it is for the system to work. Often when one purchases an item the invoice comes with the item. Clearly, that would be too late in this case.

[minty1]

It depends if its a private sale or a merchant

A merchant would send you an invoice you wouldnt have to ask, in this case you cant pay until you receive an invoice

A private seller could send you an invoice or just ask you to pay to their paypal email address

[anon_private]

It is a private sale.

I could ask them to e-mail an invoive using their PalPal address, then if things look alright pay via PayPal and wait for the product to arrrive. Does this seem reasonable - I have never used PayPal?

On a related point, you said that a merchant would send an invoice, premusably with the product. But wouldn't they expect payment before dispatch? I am sure they would.

[minty1]

When  they send you an invoice that is what you make your payment on, its not an invoice where you have received goods and already made a payment like you would receive from a merchant

When you pay the invoice you will receive a confirmation email from paypal to say you have sent a payment

Ask them to send you an invoice with the description details and price 

Once you pay and it states completed in your paypal transaction the seller has received the payment

They should then ship your item to you

If you dont receive it within a reasonable time you can open a item not received dispute with paypal

Remember to pay for "goods" not services or personal even if they ask you to

If you pay for non goods you will not have buyers protection

Read up on the site then Im sure you will much clearer on how to purchase things

[anon_private]

I am still confused regarding invoices.

Are you saying that I should ask for an electronic invoice prior to any contact using PayPal. This also gives me the opportunity to obtain his PayPal email address and to ask any questions. - such as 'is the item still for sale', and check serial numbers, etc.

If things are alright, then proceed with PayPal and an invoice is part of the process.

Thanks 

[anon_private]

Regarding currencies.

If a seller asks for payments in say Euros (my currency is pounds sterling), or another currency, is the buyer charged for the conversion?

If the seller lists a price in another (non UK) currency, but also gives an equivalent price in pound sterling, does this make a difference?