How do Clients pay you via Pay Pal if you don't have the Pay Pal link on your site? I've noticed a lot of your websites don't have it available.
Additionally, in the US there is a 1.9%-2.9% + $.30 credit card/debit transaction fee. Is that a cost we just eat? All merchants do I suppose.

Thanks for your help in advance.

You can send an invoice directly to a client by clicking the 'request money' tab from inside your account (this is what I use regularly to request invoice payments) Then I rec'v a notice when it's been paid.

For regularly occuring payments of the same amount - either monthly or whatever - you can go to 'Merchant Services' inside your account and set up a link to email the client. When the client clicks the link you've already set up the amount and how often it will be billed so it will process automatically for you according to the terms you've set up. The system will remind the client the payment is coming due and send you a notice when it's been paid (or not, if it fails). I use this once in a while for things like hosting or maintenance accounts that I bill the same amount for each month - the nice thing about is once it's set up I don't have to manually invoice again.

Paypal also has an invoice tool but I've never used it - it looked pretty rudimentary, unless I missed something or it's been upgraded since I last checked it out.

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Originally Posted by Dawn~AtUrServic

Additionally, in the US there is a 1.9%-2.9% + $.30 credit card/debit transaction fee. Is that a cost we just eat? All merchants do I suppose.

It's a business expense that needs to be factored into your profit and loss, which should inform your fees. It's not really "eating" it, it's just part of your overhead like your Internet access and office supplies.

Thank you for your responses. I appreciate your help. I spent a fair amount of time on PayPal last night exploring. It appears to be very user friendly.

Hi Dawn,

It's always good to do your research before settling on one way or another. Don't forget to contact your local business bank to check their merchant account rates. Sometimes you'll be surprised that your bank may come in a bit cheaper. Don't hurt to get the info, who knows?

~Ruth

PS: Beware that if there is a client dispute with PayPal that PayPal will put a freeze on your account until this is settled. No money in or out. I use PayPal but know two other VAs who have had their accounts frozen while a client disputed their services. Just another thing to keep in mind. I personally have never had any problems and keep my fingers crossed have never had any unhappy clients.

Hi Ruth,
Thank you for the insight. I've read a horror story or two on here about PayPal.
I'm going to give them a try and keep my fingers crossed too!

Dawn