Payment Guidelines
This is a guide to help you choose payment methods for buying and selling
on Tazbar. It is important that you check before you bid on or place an offer
on an item that you have the ability to pay by one of the payment options
displayed. Whilst Tazbar is purely a venue for trading and the transaction is
between yourself and another member the notes below may help you through your
payment process more smoothly.
- Electronic money payments.
These may include Paypal, Google Check out or other similar online
facilities. Online accounts are funded by a credit card payment and then
the payment is sent to the other partiy's online account.
This type of payment is traceable and quick. It offers one of the best
means of paying for an item due to its speed. As you are paying directly
to Paypal, Google Checkout etc.. the other member in your transaction
doesn't see your credit card details. This system works very well
providing both members have an account with the same payment company.
However setting up a new account doesn't take long.
- Credit card payment directly to the seller
A quick way to pay directy to the seller providing the seller has a
merchant account that accepts credit card payments. Generally the seller
will advertise this fact in the description of the item. Don't assume
that a seller automatically will take credit card payments. If in doubt
contact the seller prior to placing your bid. You credit card company may
offer some protection. It is wise to contact your credit card supplier to
establish this.
- Cash
Cash is often the preferred means of payment when collecting an item
in person. However be aware that it is not traceable. Never send cash in
the post. There is no proof of payment it will be difficult to evidence
loss and is in breach of the Royal Mail rules. Sellers cannot demand
payment in cash. Please be very careful if you choose this payment
option.
- Instant cash transfers
Tazbar does not recommend the use of instant cash transfers such as
Western union etc as it is difficult for you to trace the recipient
especially with overseas transactions. Do not assume you are safe because
you have paid for your transfer by credit card as this is not always the
case and you would need to speak to your credit card provider to
establish your rights prior to paying.
- Personal cheques. Bank drafts, Money Orders, Postal
orders
This is a slower process as the seller will want to wait for funds to
clear. However it is traceable to a mailing address and provides a
recorded proof of payment in the event of an unpaid dispute. Remember if
you are accepting an overseas personal cheque payment in a foreign
currency, your bank will levy charges to negotiate the cheque and
exchange currency
- Escrow
Escrow is often used for high value transactions. Both parties must
agree to the use of an escrow service before you bid. Escrow fees are
paid by the buyer unless otherwise agreed. The escrow system allows the
buyer to deposit funds in a holding “escrow” account . Once the
funds are deposited, the seller releases the goods. Once the goods are
received and the buyer is happy the escrow company will send payment to
the seller.
- Bank transfer
With a bank transfer a payment is sent directly from one bank account
to another. This may incur costs generally from the sender's bank however
in some cases it can be free. Use with care as payment may be difficult
to recover in the event of a fraud. For further information please speak
to your bank.
- General care
Review feedback on your proposed trading partners. If they are an
established Tazbar user they will have a feedback rating this will give
you an insight into their Tazbar trading history. Use caution with high
value transactions and overseas trading.