Does anybody trade on the Internet via cheque? Does C.O.D. still exist in any parts of the world? I seriously wonder what to do should any print requests come in. I must have a chat with the local bank and see what it suggests. On another matter, it suggested direct bank transfers, from account to account, which it claims can be free. Whether that gives away too much information, I don't know. At least both buyer and seller can always quote and show bank documentation should problems arise from such a method.
I guess ever kind of innovation brings with it its own suspect apples...
You mean cheques are
still in use somewhere? When I moved to the US in the 90s, I laughed when I opened a bank account and they gave me a chequebook. I remember my dad having a chequebook in the 80s, never remember him or anyone else actually using them.
The main problem is that Paypal doesn't really have competition. There's Google Checkout which only does US and UK AFAIK, and some other outfits with geographical restrictions, even higher costs, or other limitations which make them unsuitable for most freelancers and SOHO business owners. Pretty much the only options are Paypal or a CC merchant account - latter can get even more expensive than Paypal depending on business volume.
Direct bank transfers might be free within UK, but they most certainly are not even within the EU. You or the customer will be paying quite hefty fees for transfers outside the EU. COD is probably not a good option due to un-collected shipments, high costs, and doubt it's even possible across borders.
I've been saying that whoever comes up with a viable global microtransaction business model will be filthy rich. I've been saying this for 10+ years, so I'm not holding my breath.
