[Heyitsrick]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I love Amazon and I buy almost everything from them. But, when I buy something online, a low price is not my primary concern. I really don't know much about eBay, but I would give it a try only if the seller will accept a direct credit card payment. I don't like Paypal, have never used it, and I never will use it. To me, it is a way for merchants to take away my Federal credit card legal protection rights. I think that a reputable merchant should deal directly with the customer, and not need to hide behind Paypal. I may buy something from eBay some day, but only if Paypal is not involved in the transaction.

"...hide behind PayPal"? You've got a lot to learn about online payment systems. PayPal hides my credit card information from sellers. All they know is PayPal is providing the payment. They never, ever get my credit card number. Plus, I've enabled two-factor authentication on my PayPal account. So, anytime I want to make a purchase using PayPal, I get a text to my smartphone with a security code, and then I have to enter that security code back online before PayPal will process my payment.


Plus, PayPal has "buyer's protection" in place for most of the things bought using PayPal. You do have to know the things that aren't covered (e.g. if you somehow bought real estate, or if you just "weren't happy" with your purchase). If a seller sends you something that wasn't what they advertised, PayPal will refund both the payment you made and any shipping costs. Of course, you have to make a claim with them within a certain amount of time.

Here's a PayPal info sheet on buyer's protections:

PayPal Purchase Protection for Buyers – PayPal US

Personally, I've found PayPal has a bias in protecting BUYERS vs Sellers. My company used PayPal as a payment "gateway" (processing transactions), and PayPal was more inclined to believe unhappy buyers - even when we could prove we acted in good faith. But again, that points more toward PayPal being a good choice for you as a buyer.

I will almost always choose PayPal when it's offered to me as a purchaser, even when credit card payments are an option.

[rmd2]

Originally Posted by deestatham@aol.com

I’m an avid Amazon Prime user too. I also use EBay. In my humble opinion, Amazon Prime is superior. I’ve never had a problem with Amazon. They are on top of their game. I like EBay too but I need to double check the satisfaction rates of the sellers before I buy. I’ve had a few issues. I’ve never had issues with Amazon. As for deals, I think I like Amazons service over Ebays deals. Much of the stuff on EBay is product the seller has bought in bulk and is reselling so I’m never sure how old it is. Plus it takes longer to get. Amazon prime has spoiled me. Sometimes I have the item the next day which amazes me. Also love no shipping. The annual fee more then covers postage for me. So in my humble opinion, Amazon Prime wins. And I didn’t even get around to mentioning Prime TV, that’s another great one.

For some of the reasons listed above I still like buying direct from a store like Walmart. It's fast, fresh merchandise and makes it so much easier on returns.

[baramu]

Originally Posted by mneumann02

I have been an avid Amazon Prime user, especially these last 5 months with trying to limit my going to stores. I have never used eBay and wondered what peoples' opinions were of Amazon Prime vs. eBay- such things as bargains, confidence in the product, ease of use, hidden charges such as shipping, etc.

eBay is outstanding and backs buyers who want to make a return. However, Amazon tops any company out there. Never hidden returns and no questions asked. You don’t even need to package your return. Just hand it to a Kohl’s employee and you’re done. I also believe you can return an item via United Parcel Service.

[retiredguy123]

I have read all of the eBay buyer protection rules, but they don't compare to the way Amazon handles issues. And, even though sometimes you can enter a credit card to make a purchase on eBay, the transaction is still being handled by a third party. I want to deal directly with the seller, not some third party who rakes off a fee. For most items you buy on Amazon, you are dealing directly with Amazon, and you always have full access to the credit card protection rights provided by Federal law. The eBay process seems very fishy to me. If I can't do business directly with the seller, then I will do business somewhere else. But, I understand why people use eBay for purchases.

[jmcote]

Originally Posted by Tuly914

I've used and sold on Ebay for over 15 years. I actually purchase my Avon a $38 jar for half the price. I buy things on Ebay that I know I won't be returning. I don't buy cloths on Ebay or any sites because I'm very hard to guessing what will fit correctly. I even purchased an authentic Coach bag for half the price because it had a defect, which after inspection, I actually had to ask the seller where is the defect because I couldn't find it. Even Coach website confirmed it was authentic. I prefer to use PayPal because they protect the buyers credit card information and stand behind the buyers as they also stand by the seller. I personally would not use a seller who doesn't take Paypal. I also use Amazon for things I can't find on Ebay. My advice for either site, always confirm with the sellers the expiration dates on items that would have expiration dates. Only buy in the USA unless there is something you truly want and don't care about out of the Country shipping charges. And last, get and use a credit card that only gives you $500 to spend when purchasing on line.

Likewise I use PayPal for protection it provides, i.e, safe credit card transactions, non-deliveries or otherwise not satisfied. I have not bought much on eBay but on the few occasions I have had no issues. I have often used PayPal on other merchant sites. Never had to file a complaint.

[JerryLBell]

Think of Amazon as an online version of traditional brick & mortar stores in that most of the vendors on it are full-blown retailers with full lines of products to sell. In comparison, eBay is more like an online version of a flea market and that most of the vendors on it are individuals with one or two items or a handful of items to sell. You can get some great deals at flea markets but you can also get junk, get scammed and pay more than some things are actually worth.

[wxxhead]

The Same scam was tried on me on a transaction on Craig’s list.

[J1ceasar]

Fyi. Many sellers on eBay and Amazon , source at Costco or Sam's due to employee discounts . you'll find shipments with their labels . as to PayPal it was started by eBay's owner and have a contract that runsxa few more years for exclusivity.

[rothbear]

I have used both and for the most part prefer Amazon. Much better reviews and faster shipping, especially if you have Prime truck delivery to your location. Very easy returns. I have sold and bought on eBay. Selling is a royal pain because of all the fees as well as people who can try to rip you off. I had to resort using black light markings in hidden places so that people didn't buy my stuff and then try to return one that was broken or damaged in it's place. Buying is better (eBay protects the buyers and pretty much penalizes the sellers), but you have to be really careful that something isn't being shipped directly from China. I ran into that where location said California, but when I got the tracking number it was coming from China and taking 3-4 weeks. We always packed very carefully and securely but not everyone does that and then you have to go through a lot to get your money back. I just prefer the no hassle with Amazon.

If anyone is not aware, Amazon has a "Smile" program where a small bit of your purchase goes toward the charity of your choice. You can go in and check if your favorite charity is there. Once you choose your charity you purchase through smile.amazon.com instead of just regular Amazon. I bookmark the smile site and use it exclusively. The % is very small, but it costs me nothing and is easy and I figure the charity can use anything they can get.

As far as Paypal...........if there is a problem you have to go through PP to get it straightened out, even if you use a CC. Plus I'm not sure if other CC benefits apply. I have never had a problem with any of my CCs when it came to a problem and I have instant access to them as well as the other benefits, like extended warranties. The only time I use PP is if I don't have any other choice and really want the item.

[Barefoot]

My account at PayPal was hacked; I haven't used PayPal since.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by rothbear

Amazon has a "Smile" program where a small bit of your purchase goes toward the charity of your choice. You can go in and check if your favorite charity is there. Once you choose your charity you purchase through smile.amazon.com instead of just regular Amazon.

You can choose your favorite charity.
I chose Max's Pet Connection.

[Dorebea]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I love Amazon and I buy almost everything from them. But, when I buy something online, a low price is not my primary concern. I really don't know much about eBay, but I would give it a try only if the seller will accept a direct credit card payment. I don't like Paypal, have never used it, and I never will use it. To me, it is a way for merchants to take away my Federal credit card legal protection rights. I think that a reputable merchant should deal directly with the customer, and not need to hide behind Paypal. I may buy something from eBay some day, but only if Paypal is not involved in the transaction.

One big advantage I like with a PayPal is that I am not giving my credit card number out to each merchant individually and trusting their security practices. There is also a level of protection using a big name middle-man for the transaction.

[collector0915]

I buy regularly on both E-bay and Amazon. Most of my E-bay purchases are for collectible and rare items which are usually not
available on Amazon. I always finalize my purchases via PayPal and have not had any problem. Amazon is great for newer items
which are sometimes available on E-Bay as well. Know your prices and check both sites. An item which is up for bid On E-Bay may win you a bargain by comparison to Amazon. Watch the ending date and check near the deadline to see how your bid stacks up. Many items won do include free shipping; check before you bid and consider before you finalize the bid.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

You can choose your favorite charity.
I chose Max's Pet Connection.

And I choose "Combat Veterans To Careers" costs nothing and helps them. Everyone should pick a charity and use AMAZON SMILE if they use Amazon.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I love Amazon and I buy almost everything from them. But, when I buy something online, a low price is not my primary concern. I really don't know much about eBay, but I would give it a try only if the seller will accept a direct credit card payment. I don't like Paypal, have never used it, and I never will use it. To me, it is a way for merchants to take away my Federal credit card legal protection rights. I think that a reputable merchant should deal directly with the customer, and not need to hide behind Paypal. I may buy something from eBay some day, but only if Paypal is not involved in the transaction.

PayPal is between way of paying where the selling don’t get you’re personal information, you can chose you’re credit card you don’t have to use PayPal. PayPal pays them and they retrieve funds from you’re personnel account that you chose to pay from. It can be bank account, credit card, or number other ways to pay if offered.

On eBay you never have to pay the seller directly and if you’re not satisfied you can return the item for refund. If you don’t get item eBay will refund you’re money. Which usually takes 7 days after the promised delivery date. IMO it you use eBay and pay by credit care you have double the refund insurance. Which means you have two ways of getting you’re money back if not satisfied by one or the other.

Plus on top of that you get to rate the seller. I used both amazon and eBay and never had problem with funds returned or satisfaction from either. I look at as shopping at two different stores for the same item. You go to who has the best deal.

Any eBay seller that selling large quantities don’t want bad rating. If you buy from individual that sold low number of items and haven’t been rated you maybe taking chance and you can see that in upper right corner sellers rating. but eBay policy you get you’re money back. And they collect from the seller.