Tip jar - Paypal? other options?

[USFJasonMel]

Why not use Paypal for tips? I refuse to use credit cards, and so do others I know.

[Budfred]

I was looking at the info for the tip jar because I have found this to be a very helpful site and I would like to contribute. However, I don't like to give credit card info whenever I can avoid it and I hate mailing checks even more. I use eBay and maintain a balance on PayPal, so that is how I would prefer to pay generally. However, that doesn't seem to be one of the options and I would vote in favor of making it one. I believe that it would help a bit with the revenue problem and it would certainly make it more likely that I will send $$.

Does anyone out there see a reason that this wouldn't be a good way to contribute. Obviously it wouldn't if the person who owns the thing doesn't want to do it, but are there any technical or security reasons not to??

Thanks,
Budfred

[YODA74]

No not really any reasons other than PayPal is not a real Bank it is not even sanctioned by the federal gov. for payment if you defaulted or something else happens,it is just a transition (middle man) if have you.That gets payed for just transfering money which if they decided they could hold monies or just go belly up and then your pretty much sool? But I am sure Charles will address this when he gets the chance.Personally I use credit cards for all transactions on the web I have credit cards(which most will supply you with now)that are secured cards which mean if someone steals the number or has been used for illegal payments you are not responsable for the payment period. American express offers one in particullar.

Whats the problem with a certified check?? Or personal check you send your payments for bills thru checks don't you. I am sure you don't drive to your Power or phone company everytime they need a payment Do You? Heck my morgage company is 4 states away I'll be damed if I'll drive there just to make sure they get cash. :D just a thought.

OPPS Sorry tip jar info is here

http://www.pcguide.com/tipjar.htm

[Budfred]

I only write one or two checks a month. Almost everything else that I have is on autopay plans or paid over the internet, so writing checks is a pain in the behind. I also hate hassling with mailing things. I am sure you and many others prefer checks, but my point is that the more ways you provide for people to give you money and the easier you make it to do so, the more likely you are going to make money.

The things you mention about PayPal are true, but they apply to the person keeping money on PayPal, not to the person getting paid. I am taking the risk by using it, but PC Guide would likely simply benefit from that risk. Did I miss something in how it makes a problem for the person being paid?

Thanks for the link, but I already checked it out which led to my original post.

Budfred