E-Bay: Personal or Premier Account?

[crazymomof4]

I'm trying to learn as much as I can about selling on e-bay before I start. When I read conflicting statements I get confused and want to chicken out.

For example, from a "Do's and Don'ts" thread I copied this:

"DON’T check the “credit cards” option for PayPal payments if you only want to use the free Personal Account with PayPal. Accepting credit card payments with PayPal requires upgrading to a Premier Account. Fees are then assessed to every incoming payment made through PayPal."

But now I've read that you don't sell as well if you don't accept credit cards via Paypal.

So, please! You "e-bay veterans", could you please tell me which you would advise for a very nervous newbie and WHY.

PS- I don't plan to make this a business, just some extra $$ for WDW.

 

[Az Pirates]

I wrestled with that question for quite awhile as well.

I started with just a personal acct. when I was listing small, inexpensive items - but did have to deny several cc payments... even though it clearly stated I didn't take them in my listing.
When I sold some event tickets that went for over $500, I bit the bullet and upgraded. I figured if I were the buyer I would want the option of paying by cc for that large of an amount.

Good luck deciding.

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

I didn't take them at first either, but it became a hassle since everyone emailed me wanting to use them so now I take ccs with my paypal account and about 90% of my buyers use them too. In all my auctions I have received two money orders LOL, and maybe three non-credit card payments. I never take checks! Good Luck with your choice!

 

[Madi100]

I was one that said I didn't sell as much. I started as just a personal account. I very quickly upgraded to a business. I don't sell much, either, but it sure is so much easier to just accept paypal. I get paid quicker too. AND, I look at my own spending habits. I believe I have only purchased about two auctions of all of my ebay experience where I didn't use paypal.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I think most ebayers start off with just the personal account from ebay because they want to retain as much of the sale as possible. Eventually you might come to realize that you are denying payments because the buyer is attempting to pay with a cc. PayPal gives you the option to deny the cc or upgrade your account to Premier. But once you switch to Premier you incur fees (2%) on EVERY transaction when someone pays you, not only cc payments. I think you can only downgrade back to a Personal account one time upon request.

 

[Chicago526]

I would think if you're only going to list the occasional item, you can get away with not taking credit cards. But if you'll be selling all the time, it's just not worth the hassel of not taking them. That's just my opinion!