I was wondering, to everyone that sells art do you think it is more helpfull to have paypal on your site? Or do you rely on people emailing you or sending cheques?
Thanks

So far people seem to prefer sending cheques.
I think it's good to have PayPal facility as well though.
What's your experience?

Leyla


http://www.leylamurr.com

Paypal is very handy to have, it makes impulse buying so quick and easy

I use paypal and think it's definitely worth having, for a lot of internet purchasers it is the only way to pay. I've never had anyone offering to send me a cheque although I did have one purchaser who said she didn't like paypal, she lived locally and came to my house bearing cash (which was lovely! )

Cheques are fine in theory but the buyer has to go through the process of contacting you, waiting for you to reply with your details, then post it to you and wait for it to clear before you even send out the work, it's a much slower process all round. I know in theory if people are investing in a piece of art they shouldn't be put off by all that but given that this is the internet and everyone is so into instant results, I would worry about a buyer just deciding not to bother if there is no online payment option.

For you, it saves any worry about dodgy cheques and is an easy deterrent for suspected scam merchants offering to send you bankers drafts. I know there are people who have had bad experiences of Paypal (both as buyer and seller) but I've personally never had any problems and would think it's definitely a plus on a selling website.

Elise

Yes I agree with Elise, Paypal is a good thing to have.
Online Banking for UK Buyers is something else to offer if you have an enquiry first as that will save the fee paypal charge,but you can use your judgement with offering if they would like to do this. You are only giving out the details that would be on a cheque sort code and A/c No:

Just be careful with overseas bank drafts like western Union.I only offer Paypal for overseas sales.

You begin to get a gut feeling about it all as you go along and can spot dodgy unusual things.

Good luck

paypal for definate, people like to use their credit cards!!

I have only ever sold work through paypal.I know i wouldn't send a cheque for anything online.Its safe,fast,easy!

Thanks for all your help guys i'll have to consider it!

hello, im thinking about selling my art work on a blog and other sites, i was just reading about paypal and thought it sounds perfect but can any one that has it tell me if i will have to pay or be charged by paypal or is it all completly free? say i want to transfer the money to my account, some one buys something or is there like a yearly charge for having it?

<<--...also how do i get a picture with my name like you guys?

Gemz, Paypal charge you a commission each time someone pays you money but otherwise it is free. The best thing is to visit paypal.co.uk then go into their help section where there are lots of FAQs which are really helpful.

On getting an image, you need to go to the directory listing in the "other details" part of the site. If you're not a TAW member, just a member of the forum it might be different though

cheers
Elise