Is Paypal really needed?

[Dutch]

Paypal has made sense up until now but sometimes they really get on my nerve. One time they limited my account that I could only withdraw $500 per month (of my money). Downloading their information takes forever and if you aren't working for more than 5 minutes on their site you get booted.

My question is, if I went to a regular shopping cart with a credit card, would that be an inconvenience to anyone. I know many of you like to buy and sell gear with your paypal accounts but I'm guessing most Paypal accounts are empty and it comes out of a credit card anyhow. Currently paypal accepts credit card for me.

So does anyone think I should keep Paypal?

[Dead Man]

In truth, I'd prefer you didn't have to pay a fee for me to spend money with you via PayPal. I would prefer not to pay a fee when folks buy my little ditties using PayPal.

It would not affect me either way. I can certainly see where it would benefit you, and not to lay it on too thick, but, you are so well respected on the forum and by your customers, they (we) would be willing to absorb any minor incovenience to help you (and the other well respected cottage industry folks we know here).

Go forth and PayPal no more....

[dkurfiss]

Makes no difference to me Dutch. Do it which ever way is the most cost effective for your business.

[sargevining]

What your regular customer think really isn't going to be much help. The real question to ask is this:

Will NEW customers want PayPal or credit card?

[doc17th]

I don't like using pay pal, I never even had an account until I came to this forum.

[Suede]

I personally like keeping my financial information separate form the vendors systems, as well as not having to provide personal information at every site I visit. I think it's a more secure way of transacting financial business. Downside is there's less recourse than credit cards like Amex.

my vote is to keep paypal but it's not a deal breaker for me when it comes to Dutch bling.

[Smarteee]

Have you considered accepting Bitcoin? Much lower transaction/admin fees and a benefit for overseas customers/suppliers because no one loses out on exchange rates.

[Cranky Bear]

In keeping it as an option allows the customer to choose which method they prefer, ultimately keeping the customers happy keeps you in business (as it were). Honestly Dutch I would purchase from you in the method you preferred...but I am only one in a very big pond which in todays world don't mean crap.

[Pacific Atoll]

I would purchase my goodies from you either way. You are correct in saying that the paypal accounts are either linked to a credit card or direct to the banking institution. My thought is to go with what make most financial and godd sound business sense for you.
Rich

[VictoriaGuy]

What your regular customer think really isn't going to be much help. The real question to ask is this:

Will NEW customers want PayPal or credit card?

Bingo!

I don't like dealing with unknown (to me) sellers and small-volume vendors that require my credit card info.
I've been burned twice with stolen credit card/identity theft and I don't hand out info unnecessarily any more.

I would be very reluctant to fill in a web order with Dutch (or most of the other vendors here at HF) if my credit card info was required. I much prefer PayPal as a buyer.

A lot of eBay and other online sellers don't like the Buyer Protection afforded by PayPal, and I keep that in mind when I see a seller that doesn't offer a PayPal option.