As a seller I like PayPal for smaller items and USPS money order or cashier's check for pricier items (say $500 or more). My bank teller told me that even though funds would be available to me immediately from my deposit of a money order or cashier's check, there was the possibility that a few weeks down the road the check or money order could turn out to be a fake and then I'd be on the hook. I asked him about the cashier's check I was about to deposit. He took one look at the issuing check service and said it was a reliable one and this check was very likely good. I deposited it and had no problems. Again, buyer's feedback and communication with you as seller is critical.
As a buyer, I like to use PayPal too, it's far more convenient and I can do it immediately rather than wait in line at the bank or PO or both before work. If the fee is not covered by the seller, or amounts to more than about $15 though, I don't use PayPal. Paying a $15 fee is about my limit for convenience. Sometimes, sellers will pay or split the fee with you though, for mutual convenience. The service really does benefit both buyers and sellers even though PayPal funds do not clear into your bank account for 4-5 days. You can just wait to ship until the funds are in your bank account. But if the buyer has good feedback I go ahead and ship as soon as the payment has been made, esp if the purchase is for a relatively small amount.
I have been lucky on both ends, as buyer and seller, following these practices for over 6 yrs of trading on Audiogon, Head-Fi, and eBay. I am the MOST cautious dealing with eBay of course. The other two sites are for extreme hobbyists and I've never yet been burned by one of those lunatics (self included).
As a buyer, I like to use PayPal too, it's far more convenient and I can do it immediately rather than wait in line at the bank or PO or both before work. If the fee is not covered by the seller, or amounts to more than about $15 though, I don't use PayPal. Paying a $15 fee is about my limit for convenience. Sometimes, sellers will pay or split the fee with you though, for mutual convenience. The service really does benefit both buyers and sellers even though PayPal funds do not clear into your bank account for 4-5 days. You can just wait to ship until the funds are in your bank account. But if the buyer has good feedback I go ahead and ship as soon as the payment has been made, esp if the purchase is for a relatively small amount.
I have been lucky on both ends, as buyer and seller, following these practices for over 6 yrs of trading on Audiogon, Head-Fi, and eBay. I am the MOST cautious dealing with eBay of course. The other two sites are for extreme hobbyists and I've never yet been burned by one of those lunatics (self included).