After using BatchPCB to successfully test my first EAGLE based design, I made a few changes and have ordered a full panel from Gold Phoenix.
The instruction PDF Shane sent to fund the order states you should use an eCheck to avoid the credit card fees. However, on my Paypal account there is no option for eCheck, only Instant Transfer. Paypal says this is identical to an eCheck without the waiting-to-clear period. I went ahead and sent the funds with the extra fee, but I’m curious if next time I could send Instant Transfer to avoid the fees (this will be especially important if I make a sizable order).
Shane seems to think fees are somehow involved, but has anyone paid them using Instant Transfer?
Thanks!
Yeah, all of the information on Paypal’s site either about eChecks or Instant Transfers basically says they’re identical other than the waiting period. I guess I’ll just have to pay the 3.4% fee or find another manufacturer.
mhatter:
Yeah, all of the information on Paypal’s site either about eChecks or Instant Transfers basically says they’re identical other than the waiting period. I guess I’ll just have to pay the 3.4% fee or find another manufacturer.
As I read it, the Paypal site said you would need to have a connection to your checking account for the eChecks choice to appear.
This site seems to be explicit as to the procedure: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/t … email.html
I make a lot of Gold Phoenix panel orders, so I’ve been through this. Yes, you need your PayPal account hooked into your checking account to get the eCheck option. I always use eCheck so that I don’t have to pay the PayPal fee. However, if you need something fast (i.e. 1,2, or 3 day turn) then it’s best to use normal payment and pay the extra fee. Otherwise Gold Phoenix will hold onto your order and not ship it until the eCheck clears, and sometimes that can take 3 or 4 days.
Several times I’ve accidentally sent eCheck on a 1 day turn panel. GP has been extremely good about refunding it to me so can send them the right payment so I can get my boards done quickly. (And quickly they do - last one I sent out on Friday at noon, and the boards were in my hands - and beautiful - by 10:30 AM the following Wednesday.)
*Brian
Awesome thanks. I wasn’t able to find something that descriptive on Paypal.com.
Here is a quote from the dummies page:
From a seller’s standpoint, there’s one big advantage to getting an eCheck. Unlike other PayPal fees, which are charged as a percentage (usually 2.9 percent) of the value of the item, the total fee for an eCheck won’t exceed $5.00. If you’re selling an item that’s valued at over $162, you’ll get a break on the transaction fees. If the item is very expensive, you can save a good amount.
Ah, a little more research turned up:[https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/websc ... countries=](https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_display-xborder-fees-outside&countries=)
Yes, you need your PayPal account hooked into your checking account to get the eCheck option. I always use eCheck so that I don’t have to pay the PayPal fee.
My account is definitely set up with my bank. It’s my primary funding source for Instant Transfer (I think this is required for instant transfer actually).
I really like instant transfer for time sensitive orders, but I’d like to avoid fees by using an eCheck. I’ve contacted PayPal to see how to enable eCheck again so Gold Phoenix can avoid the fees and I’ll have to pay less for my orders!
Ok, so here’s the deal…
Upon carefully checking your account, I can see here that you have a confirmed bank account and card to the account. Now, the eCheck option will only be available if you do not have a card (back-up funding
source) attached to the account. Since you want to use eCheck as your funding source, you may remove your card temporarily and then initiate the payment. If ever you want to use instant transfer in the future, you may just add the card again.
It would be nice if each primary funding source could have its own back-up funding source. Alas, that just isn't the case. At least there is a solution to the problem. Thanks again for the input.