You're not asking them, you're telling them the conditions where they will have to pay more or less money for the watch. I always say "wire or paypal +3% to cover costs". This lets the buyer know that they are making the choice to paypal. And besides, I always specify that I will not ship the watch until the funds clear paypal and then get transferred to my account. No way in hell I'm letting paypal lock up my money and sending my watch off. The buyer is paying more money for ZERO reason when using paypal in a watch transaction.

Depending on the watch, it's probably not a "low dollar item where the paypal fee is no more than a couple of bucks..."

As to your second point, there is a big difference. I don't charge people more when they use a credit card at my place of business either. But this isn't a business, it's a hobbyist selling something online.

 

I don't know about the watch thing, but I'm more concerned that your fiance "chewed you out good" for losing $300...

 

Our wedding is in a few months and we're paying for it. I know $300 isn't a lot of money, but every bit helps.

Thanks for all the great advice guys, a lot to think about moving forward.

 

No worries, man.

Wominz get crazy over weddings; I know from experience.

 

Fixed it for ya

 

Regardless... a deal is a deal
You did the right thing

 

You know my story about the watch deal I lost $2200 on a few months back. I won't EVER sell to an overseas buyer again without the following: A-the $$ in my bank account or PayPal confirmed, B-them covering the PayPal fees, C-Express (FedEx, DHL, whatever) shipping paid for by the buyer, with full insurance and signature confirmation, and D-a hell of a "warm fuzzy" and some good references.

Beyond that, once I have a deposit, or a "for sure" confirmation email that they want the watch, it is theirs so long as I have the $$ within 48 hours or as soon as PayPal clears. Amir bought my Rolex, sight unseen, a few months back, had the $$ in my account within 20 minutes, and had to wait 47 days to get it from me at our SoCal GTG. That is how deal should go down, minus the long wait on his end.

 

I meant low dollar for Paypal transactions in general.

Re: the difference - yes, I understand that a private seller is not a business (neither is a private seller on eBay) but they have to charge the same whether it is Paypal or not...also charging fees does violate the Paypal user agreement (just like it would the merchant agreement at your business), but I guess it is impossible for Paypal to know unless reported.

 

Call me old fashioned but I would never allow my girl to make a comment about money nor would she ever. I feel her place is to take care of our family and my place is to make sure money is there. I don't question her on how laundry is done or how the kids are fed, she doesn't question me on spending or business decisions. Sorry for the little rant and I know it is an old fashioned way of looking at family life but there's a reason it worked for thousands of years. I always cringe when a guy wants to buy something and says, "I have to discuss it with my wife".