For a long time at eBay, the payment options were up to the seller.  They could choose to accept checks, money orders, credit cards, drafts from checking accounts, or PayPal.  All payment options are not equal, however.  EBay has now decided that the best way to make payment for shopping or bidding at eBay is to go paperless.

Paper payments may have made things easier for buyers but not always for sellers.  Checks take so long to clear the bank.  And, sending them through snail mail is fraught with problems.  Checks get lost all the time.  Having one in your possession from a buyer doesn’t mean that it is good.  If the check bounces, you still have a problem.

Starting in October 2008, eBay decided to let go of checks and money orders.  These will no longer be an option for payment on the site.  When a seller lists an item for auction or other selling format, the bidder/customer can pay using PayPal, credit card, or Creative Cash Flow Solutions.  CCFS offers a way to pay using your checking account electronically. 

The only exception is when an item needs to be picked up by the buyer.  In this case the seller and buyer can agree to payment under whatever terms they see fit.  It is only when payment is transacted on the site that the paperless system will apply.

What was behind this decision to go paperless?  There are a couple of reasons.  Firstly, it is easier to perpetrate a fraud on eBay using a paper payment system.  Bad checks can be passed on to sellers who will have to untangle the resulting mess. 

Secondly, more negative complaints result when checks are used.  Buyers report not receiving items more often.  It takes so long for their check to arrive and that can cause problems.

Some payment methods like checks and money orders are arranged off site.  That complicates things.  Using electronic forms of payment allows eBay to integrate those payment forms into their site - this way buyers and sellers can take advantage of a more streamlined process when it comes to paying for items and shipping them in a timely manner.  

Sellers had a grace period until January 2009 to remove references to paper payment methods from any current listings.  This was all done in an effort to make eBay safer than ever for everyone. 

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