STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Hey, I just got your PM.

I so relate -- these kinds of issues with Ebay really worry me sometimes when I don't know what to do! I upgraded to a premiere account in the same kind of situation you described. I don't actually remember how much it cost, but I'll check on PayPal and see what it says. Overall I've been happy about upgrading, and it does give some more flexibility with how you can get paid. Did the buyer write you back yet?

OK, here's what I found. It's kind of long -- sorry!

Which PayPal account type is right for me?

PayPal offers three different account types, Personal, Premier, or Business. Each account type has access to a different set of features and capabilities. Keep reading for a discussion of these features, which will help you decide which account is right for you.

Personal Accounts are for use by individuals only and cannot receive credit card payments. Personal Accounts include all of our Core Features (see below).

Premier Accounts are for members who have a high transaction volume, need to accept credit card payments, or would like access to our special features. Premier Accounts include all of our Core Features, as well as our Premium Features (see below). Premier Accounts may operate under an individual name.

Business Accounts are for business use only. Business Accounts include our entire Core Features, as well as our Premium Features (see below). Business Accounts can operate under a company or group name.

Core Features:
Send Money
Request Money
Auctions Tools
Website Payments
Money Market
Virtual Debit Card
Account Insurance
Downloadable Log
Email-based customer service

Premium Features:
All of the Core Features
Do business as yourself, under a corporate name, or group name
Accept unlimited credit card payments
Payment Receiving Preferences
Subscriptions
ATM/Debit Card
7 day-a-week toll free customer service
Mass Payments
Multi-User Access *For Business Accounts
Advanced Downloadable logs

Premier and Business accounts have a small percentage of each payment taken out -- Personal Accounts don't have any fees taken when you receive a payment. According to their fees chart,
receiving funds with a Premier account costs 1.9% to 2.9% + $0.30 USD. Honestly, looking at this makes me wonder if I should downgrade to a personal account again, because I've only been paid by credit card once or twice. Maybe this buyer could pay you another way so you don't have to upgrade?

eta: These fees for me have generally been about $1.50 to $2.00 per item.


-- Edited by scarlett at 11:34, 2006-08-29

You're welcome, shopchicago! I just downgraded my PayPal account back to Personal. I guess from now on I'll have to specify no credit cards. Good luck with this and let me know what happens when you hear back from the buyer.

The same thing happened to me!!!  I thought I was going crazy. 

I just upgraded to the premier acct - it sucks, but the alternative is for the buyer to withdraw funds from their bank account (3-4 days) then transfer to you.

Hope everything worked out!

Well, I guess I'll have to go back to the premier account then after all! The PayPal rep I spoke to said you're allowed to downgrade accounts one time, so if/when I re-up it will be permanent.