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Author
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Topic: E-bay -- what's happening?
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 544
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 01-30-2002 09:16 PM
   
This is just a groan - no need to respond 
I started playing around on E-bay about two weeks ago, and everything I have bid on (at prices I already thought were too high) ended up being sold for STUPID prices. Last night, with 8 hours left in the auction, I went to bed confident I would win a used turn signal switch for $28. I was all excited wondering how I would figure out PayPal. This morning I find the thing sold for more than $42 -- $8 less than I can get a NOS part in Manila. And that '68 trap door I recklessly bid $200 for went for about $450!!!
Are there real bargains to be had here, or are there too many rich hobbyists snapping up everything they can get their hands on???
The good news (really, I think this is good news), is that I don't have to give up my favourite weekend hobby of driving around looking over fences for old junk cars!
End of gripe
Simon
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Fastymz
Gearhead Posts: 2514
From: Reno Nv
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 01-30-2002 09:23 PM
I'll 2nd that I too think everything on ebay should sale for half of what it dose.SCOOP ------------------
65 coupe,351w,RPM intake,Carter625,shorty headers,2.5 exhaust, Flowmasters,C4,open 8" 2:80,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,Crager SS,Black Suede.
MEM#1240 https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Fastymz.html
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Dave Gibson
Moderator Posts: 5185
From: Pensacola, Florida, USA M&M#166 MCA#47921
Registered: Aug 99
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posted 01-30-2002 09:41 PM
Old rule of thumb when dealing with auctions.
Know what you are willing to pay for an item. If that item goes beyond your maxium amount, let it go. E-Bay has gotten off the wall. People just don't know how to shop around. There are plenty of other resources available to find parts at resonable prices. Just do your research.
Don't worry Simon. I just lost an auction for a vintage #7 Zippo lighter with a '65 Mustang on it. The lighter went for $37.00 dollars.  It would have been nice to add to my collection of lighters. Oh well.Dave & Terri ------------------
Poison Ivy (Dave's)
'65 Fastback Modified 289 4V, C-4, dual exhaust, styled steel wheels, rally pac, A/C
Blue Belle (Terri's)
'66 Coupe, Silver Blue Metallic, 351W 2-V, 4 speed, A/C, future sleeper.
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Larry Jennings
Gearhead Posts: 220
From: Redwood City, Ca. USA
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 01-30-2002 10:20 PM
As a seller I love e bay. I can find the person willing to give me the best money for my stuff, many people don't have time, knowledge or places to get parts so they'll pay the good price.
When I need a part to finish a car for our shop I'll pay 2 or 3 times it's value if the car is being held up for the part, of course I'm not spending "my" money either.
I'd let my own car sit 'til I find a deal on a part rather than pay retial for "my" stuff.
So I share your views, but I'm also the one you hate  .
I don't know anything about Manila but my first guess would be you don't pass 8 or 10 Mustangs on the street there every day so you face quite a different search criteria than I do.
Go ahead and rant, it's a difficult situation .
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kcode
Gearhead Posts: 1908
From: alvaton,ky,usa Suburb of Bowling Green, M&M #79, MCA #29208
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 01-30-2002 10:34 PM
Larry,
Are you one of the guys who list every Mustang part as a Shelby? I love it when you see a listing as "65 Shelby tail light lens" and it pulls three times the price of a NOS lens. Mike
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Larry Jennings
Gearhead Posts: 220
From: Redwood City, Ca. USA
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 01-30-2002 10:39 PM
No I aint one of them. But I hear ya, a guy had a set of 390 log style exhaust manifolds on there one time that wouldn't even go onto a Mustang at all and they were "Shelbys"!
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3066
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 01-31-2002 01:07 AM
I was on Ebay, yesterday=trying to figure out if I'm going to go on. I've got a lot of stuff I'd like to get rid of. Dave: What'a a gold Dunhill in worn original box worth? Lighter like new.It's about 71 or so. and a Zippo with Int'l Harvester logo, old, but like new and a 50Plus yr old Ronson. Anyone care to bid on Vol.1, No. 1,2,3,4 1st 4 issues.Penthouse in mint cond. Going to explore some more.
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MASTIFF
Journeyman Posts: 23
From: maumee, Ohio 43537
Registered: May 2001
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posted 01-31-2002 03:17 AM
Items are worth as much as someone is willing to pay. What I do most of the time is bid really low prices on item. Most of the time you will not win.....but when you do you win items for bargin prices.
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bluetech
Gearhead Posts: 153
From: Far and Away
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 01-31-2002 03:46 AM
SNIPING is the answer, Simon. There are still many bargain items to be found at eBay. What I do is put the item(s) I'm interested in my eBay Watch Page. I bid only once(my maximum bid) on an item 20 secs before auction close. If I have a faster connection, I'll probably bid at the 10-second mark. Of course, this means staying awake during the unholy hours. Just this morning, I won a pair of original 67 taillight assemblies with bezels. Also included is a trans pan and a pair of inside door handles. All for $28 including shipping! Regards, Ed
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69maverick
Gearhead Posts: 650
From: Thomaston,CT.
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 01-31-2002 07:55 AM
Blue tech You have the right idea! I don't bid on anything till the last 3 minutes or less! Unless I know I can't be home or near a PC!I also set my limit and thats it. If I don't get it I will have to just keep looking! I saw a nos Maverick quarter panel go for 450 bucks? Are they nuts!!------------------
Jim B. 70 Maverick Grabber clone 302,c4 auto
Weld drag lites,Holley 600,performer intake,comp cam,MSD ignition,2.5 " pipes Still needs paint!!
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skips69
Journeyman Posts: 64
From: Catlin, IL USA
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 01-31-2002 08:44 AM
It is just a huge market. An item that I can sell here in my area for $10 (and expect to be haggled over unmercifully) can fetch $100 to someone in another state - several states away. There are some crooked sellers out there, as well as buyers. You have got to look at the photos, ask questions, ask for another photo showing another angle, etc. It is your money, spend it wisely. I am always amazed at how few people will ask a question before spending $100 -$200 in parts. I got took in January by one guy who won 19 of my auctions during a span of 1 1/2 weeks time, owed me $700 plus shipping - he never responded to any e-mails. Come to find out, he had won over 80 other Mustang Parts auctions in that same time period from other sellers, never confirmed them either. He was soon kicked off from so much negative feedback, but that was several weeks these parts were tied up waiting for this guy to respond. I eventually got the final value fees back, but not the listing fees. These were parts that were heavily bid on, so it hurt other buyers as well. So, there is 2 sides to that coin. When I was painting my car several years ago, the only item holding me up from completeing it was a LH fender. I shelled out some big bucks for that fender so I could complete the paint job. It did not fit worth a darn and I have always regretted it, but I think that is what drives prices up somteimes - you find the last part you need, or something you have been looking for quite a long time and you have to have it. Then there are 2 or 3 other guys who feel the same way - there's your high prices. There are some bargaings on there - especially if an item will end on a week day. I just wouldn't spend more than you're comfortable with spending. That same item is probably on there in several different listings if you look for it. Prices as a whole are much cheaper in the summer months, more people are spending time outside and not on the computer. The project car is being worked on during the winter months and it is cold outside, so more people are shopping then to complete their car. That's my .02.
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70SportsRoof
Journeyman Posts: 48
From: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 01-31-2002 11:03 AM
What I like about eBay is the ability to get rid of stuff I don't need and reach a market way larger than I could ever reach in any other way. Without eBay the guy in NY would not be able to know that there is somebaody in Oregon selling the part he needs. I moved to Arizona from southern California 1 1/2 years ago. Back in SoCal there was a swap meet of somekind at least 2 sundays of every month, usually Long Beach or Pomona, but here in AZ they don't have those. As a result the only way I can find some of the small used parts I need is by eBay, otherwise I have to check with people who want to charge high prices just because it's a Mustang part. I can find that same part on eBay for half as much, not always, but sometimes. You have to admit that some pople really over inflate the prices on some Mustang parts. I've seen guys selling pieces of crap at swap meets, and expecting to get top dollar, just because it's got a running pony on it. Of course you can always find deals, you just got to search. At a swap meet I bought 4 '70 Mach I hubcaps, complete, in near new condition, for only $25. That was one hell of a deal. I sell on eBay, but always start my auctions low, less than $5, and let it go from there. I encourage all bidders to ask any questions they may have. I represent the items correctly, I find out what cars the part will fit before listing them, and always post a picture with it. Bidding at the last minute is the thing to do...if people see that an item hasn't been bid on it's down to the last hour, they may figure that the thing is junk and move on. Just make sure you know ahead of time what you're willing to pay, and figure out how much you want that part. Okay, that's my take on eBay and prices. Now I've got to go check how my auctions are doing on eBay. 
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 324
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 01-31-2002 12:22 PM
I agree it can be kind of crazy but it can also be a good way to get some extra bucks to build up your car. I had a complete harness from a 69 XR7 Cougar that was loaded and I couldn?t get $30 for it at the local swaps even though everything worked. I put it on eBay and got almost $300 for it. I felt kind of guilty about it but I was happy to have the cash for something else.
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AKBOSSMAN
Gearhead Posts: 2222
From: WASILLA , AK USA M&M #743 MCA #40857
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 01-31-2002 02:57 PM
It's also entertainment for some people. Cheaper than a movie I don't get to crazy (anymore) because I not working on my car now but...........
GOD bless America and the Free(?) Enterprize System
------------------
WAYNE CURTIS
70 GRABBER GREEN BOSS 302
01 Sangria Red Focus ZX3
03 Boss 302 (5.0) (waiting on order form)
92 SHELBY 4X4 (K-9 IDITAROD LEAD DOG)
My old '71Torino GT
"If your under control then your not going fast enough" Parnelli Jones
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 20027
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-31-2002 03:35 PM
Ebay is the best thing that ever happened to car restorers. You guys must have forgotten how hard it was to find parts before the computer came along. I spent YEARS looking for a NOS pair of hood hinges for my '72. When I finally got on line, I located them the first time I looked for them.I have a bunch of things I'm looking for and I'll find them. I won't pay stupid prices for them, because I know what they are worth. The bottom line is that ebay is a huge marketplace you can browse in your home and find virtually anything you are looking for. What's wrong with that? ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC
MCA Member # 47773
Of all the things I've lost, my mind is what I miss the most.
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JAAZZY
Gearhead Posts: 646
From: Bay Area, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 01-31-2002 04:44 PM
Things do go for a lot but maybe it is because we are all used to getting next to nothing for our used items, even when they are in great condition. I remember when you'd have something nice like a carb that you bought 6 months ago for $200 but needed something larger and couldn't return it so you decided to sell it used and were lucky to get $75. On Ebay it would probably go for $150. I sold my old oil pan(8qt) on Ebay because it wouldn't fit over the girdle. I bought it for around $250 15 years ago. It was in great shape. I know that trying to sell it locally I would be looking at $50 so I listed it at $50 and it sold for $190! I did that with all of my parts that I wasn't using. I'm sure thankful for Ebay.
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 20027
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-31-2002 04:55 PM
It is a great place to get rid of stuff. I had some carbs hanging around doing nothing and I put them up with 'Buy-it-nows' and they sold in no time. As a matter of fact, I plan on doing some more spring cleaning soon. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC
MCA Member # 47773
Of all the things I've lost, my mind is what I miss the most.
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bluetech
Gearhead Posts: 153
From: Far and Away
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 01-31-2002 08:31 PM
Ebay is a great help for those who are really on a budget(like me) You just have to be patient and should stay within your budget. I won another bargain(I think) today. Six(6) pcs. STP Air Filters
Three(3) pcs. Motorcraft Oil Filters
Two(2) pcs. Purolator Oil Filters
Box of Eight(8)pcs. Champion Spark Plugs All new in box. Total price $31.50 including shipping. Is this a bargain?
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 20027
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-01-2002 08:55 PM
Except for the plugs. I've turned down free Champions before. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC
MCA Member # 47773
Of all the things I've lost, my mind is what I miss the most.
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The Iceman
Gearhead Posts: 1520
From: Shelton, CT
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 02-02-2002 12:16 AM
is it all that complicated to sign up as a seller? (youve got to be 18 right...?)
because i know ive got some things and can get some things for real cheap that im sure would sell for a decent piece o change
cant hurt! $ is $ haha ------------------
CrAzY Dan~
1965 Coupe "BeeBop" 200ci Straight "6"~2.77 3-spd w/Hurst Shifter~Pertronix Elec. Ign.~Flamethrower Coil~Flex-Fan~Clifford 6-2 Header~26" Smithys~3" chrome tips~'85 T-Bird TC buckets~'66 guages
https://mustangsandmore.com//ubb/TheIceman.html
http://www.motorcities.com/contents/01GF9250033520.html
There's Nothing Wrong With A Little Six In A Classic Mustang! ;)
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fordfan
Gearhead Posts: 2446
From: Walla Walla, Wa, USA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 02-02-2002 02:02 AM
I personally wouldn't trust paypal. I've heard horror stories of their Icky ways. 
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3066
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-02-2002 06:44 AM
quote:
Originally posted by fordfan:
I personally wouldn't trust paypal. I've heard horror stories of their Icky ways.
Like what, for example?
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69maverick
Gearhead Posts: 650
From: Thomaston,CT.
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 02-02-2002 07:59 AM
Dan its easy ! All you need is an E-Mail address! And follow the Directions! Selling is a little harder. You need a checking account So they can get there cut which is pretty small. As for Paypal I have used it many times with no problems at all!!
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bluetech
Gearhead Posts: 153
From: Far and Away
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 02-02-2002 09:51 AM
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
Except for the plugs. I've turned down free Champions before.
I'll take those FREE Champions anytime Steve
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70SportsRoof
Journeyman Posts: 48
From: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 02-02-2002 02:31 PM
I use PayPal all the time too. In fact I prefer when a seller accepts PayPal because it saves me from having to deal with money orders and they usually will ship the part right away. I take PayPal on some of my auctions, only if the bidding goes over a certain amount. I have a business account w/ PayPal, which means I have fees to pay if I take a payment via credit card. PayPal makes paying and getting paid easy and simple, I like them.
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sigtauenus
Gearhead Posts: 1413
From: Beaufort, SC
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 02-03-2002 03:54 PM
Paypal I like, have had no problems with them at all.As a seller, I specifically set up my actions to end either on a weeknight between 8-10pm EST or in the afternoon/early evening on a weekend, that way you get people at home on both coasts...if more people home to watch the bidding=more bidders=higher final price. As a buyer, I do the "sniper" thing too. I've lost too many times bidding my final price early on and coming back to see if I won after it was over. Now I still give my final price but at 20 secs to go and more than not it works for me. Also, as a buyer, I'm annoyed at some seller's shipping policies. You'll see something they can put in a USmail priority mail box and ship for $3.50 and it says $10 flat rate shipping. That sucks. Since most of the catalog shipping rates are pretty reasonable, I never bid on anything unless I can get it new cheaper than the catalog price minus the ebay shipping price, unless its a used/rare item then you just have to have a feel for market value.
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fordfan
Gearhead Posts: 2446
From: Walla Walla, Wa, USA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 02-05-2002 11:00 PM
http://www.paypalsucks.com/there.
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Larry Jennings
Gearhead Posts: 220
From: Redwood City, Ca. USA
Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 02-05-2002 11:20 PM
I had a PayPal account and all was fine while money was going in, then when I wanted to use just a small portion of the account to pay for an item I was informed (nowhere in writing when you join) that unless I tied the account to my personal bank account I couldn't get any money out. I had to either give up quite a few bucks or give them a route to clean me out completely, some choice huh? My bank helped me through the process but it took a great deal of time to do. I'll never deal with them again so if an item is PayPal only (and some are) I'll just have to do without it.
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Just Strokin
Gearhead Posts: 130
From: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 02-06-2002 09:40 AM
If you have any questions about this privacy statement, PayPal?s information practices, or your dealings with PayPal, you can contact us using this form, call (402) 935-7733 Monday through Friday between the hours of 4am and 10pm PST, or write us at PayPal, P.O. Box 50185, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3066
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-06-2002 11:01 AM
quote:
Originally posted by fordfan:
http://www.paypalsucks.com/there.
What an eye opener. Face it, there's always a point/counterpoint with services, but this DOES make me wonder.
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 20027
From: Saco, Maine USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-06-2002 11:58 AM
Yikes, that's a pit of venomous hatred, isn't it! I've used PayPal quite a bit with no problem, but I was bugged when I signed up by their linking to my checking account. I don't like to give anyone that kind of power over me. The more I think about it, the more I think cutting that off might not be a bad idea. It sure is convenient, though. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC
MCA Member # 47773
Mechanic's creedo: If it jams, force it. If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway.
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 3066
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-06-2002 12:33 PM
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
Yikes, that's a pit of venomous hatred, isn't it! I've used PayPal quite a bit with no problem, but I was bugged when I signed up by their linking to my checking account. I don't like to give anyone that kind of power over me. The more I think about it, the more I think cutting that off might not be a bad idea. It sure is convenient, though.
That could be like writing your pin on a debit card and losing it. Too frightening. Some unknown companies advertise products that sound enticing, but the thought of giving your credit #, no way!
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 324
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 02-06-2002 02:39 PM
quote:
Originally posted by fordfan:
I personally wouldn't trust paypal. I've heard horror stories of their Icky ways.
I?ve notice that PayPal?s service is getting worse and worse and their fees going up and up. When I first signed up it didn?t cost me a dime in fact they gave me $10 with me putting no money down. Every once and a while they try to get a bank account number but they will never get it directly form me. I?ve got very little money left in my PayPal account because I don?t use it as much anymore. I think I?ll have to close it out!!
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AKBOSSMAN
Gearhead Posts: 2222
From: WASILLA , AK USA M&M #743 MCA #40857
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 02-06-2002 03:53 PM
$232,000 A DAY
Man just think how much if they did it right?------------------
WAYNE CURTIS
70 GRABBER GREEN BOSS 302
01 Sangria Red Focus ZX3
03 Boss 302 (5.0) (waiting on order form)
92 SHELBY 4X4 (K-9 IDITAROD LEAD DOG)
My old '71Torino GT
"If your under control then your not going fast enough" Parnelli Jones
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460-67Stang
Gearhead Posts: 101
From: Southern Ohio, USA
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 02-07-2002 08:38 PM
It was mentioned here that Paypal could clean out your bank account, which is technically true, but did you know the ANYONE can do this? Yup, all you need is the routing number info, a PC based check printer and you're off to the races...so to speak. Everyone's always worried about copies of their credit card slips and such, but a copy of your check is MUCH more dangerous. Bank accounts are not protected with passwords or other security measures as you would think. The process for transferring funds between bank aco****s was created way back in the days before you and I as "normal" citizens were ever initiating our own transfers or paying bills on-line. Back then only "authorized" FDIC insured organizatoins used the Fed to transfer funds.You think Enron is a problem? Wait till Bank account fraud hit's the radar due to Internet usage. You're much better off using a credit card since all MasterCard and Visa cards carry a MAXIMUM liability for you the cardholder of $50....and most banks don't even charge that due to public relations reasons. Finally, don't think that because your Debit Card is a MasterCard or Visa that you automatically have the $50 fraud exposure limit/account protection....you probably don't. Check (no pun intended) with your bank and ALWAYS use your debit card in "credit card" mode for non-ATM transactions. Oh yea, I DO use Paypal and I DO have it tied to my bank account....my "Paypal only" bank account that is and I it clean out continuously....or at least keep only a few $$ in there for safety. FWIW,
Brian
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