No credit card :( and I want to order off the net....

[kima]

I too got very excited about ordering from half.com only to learn they didn't ship outside the US. Was that enough to make me wish we were one big state -NO WAY!! (No offense to anyone I am just a proud Canadian!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by kima (edited 06-24-2001).]

[crazycook]

Oh Dear--Sorry Kima and all other fellow Canadians. I certainly did not want to suggest that I am not proud to be Canadian as well. It was just an expression of frustration, since we(Canadians) often find this problem of being excluded from such great bargains stateside. I'm sure it works the other way around(Americans wanting to purchase from Canadian companies), too. It's too bad that our dollars weren't closer in value and that some merchants didn't limit their trade to one side of the border or the other.

[kima]

No need to apologize Crazycook! I know what you mean- just like to show my pride now and then!! I am sure you are a loyal Canadian!!

[funnybone]

If you can get a credit card, with a low limit (if you are worried about getting into debt), it would be worth it for you. You are safer shopping with a credit card because of the protection the cards offer. If you do not receive the item ordered, or there is a problem, you have "charge back" rights. If you send a money order or check (cheque) and you do not receive the product, you could be out your money. I would never order anything from the internet or catalog, etc without a credit card - for my own protection.

[ama47369]

Can you get a debit card through your bank? Mine has a Visa logo on it, but is used just like a check. Just something to think about....

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Amanda

[funnybone]

Originally posted by ama47369:
Can you get a debit card through your bank? Mine has a Visa logo on it, but is used just like a check. Just something to think about....

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Amanda

I wouldn't use one of those for internet purchases. Then they have access to your bank account - not a good idea in my opinion.

[Ralph]

Originally posted by ama47369:
Can you get a debit card through your bank? Mine has a Visa logo on it, but is used just like a check. Just something to think about....

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Amanda

I was going to suggest a debit card, too! In spite of funnybone's concerns, the card number is that of a Visa or MC, not your bank account. And with most of the reputable web-sites that have secure ordering pages, there shouldn't be a problem using it, though some just don't accept debit cards; read their fine print.

As for EBay, most purchases CANNOT be paid for with a credit card, at least directly with the seller. Many of the sellers, and the only ones I've dealt with, use PayPal (www.paypal.com) or another "money exchanging" company. Your money goes to PayPal & they in turn transfer it to the seller. THERE SHOULD BE NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE TO YOU for using this! Having only used PayPal, I can tell you I have NEVER had a problem with lost checks/money/etc. PayPal works one of two ways: 1) The money is debited directly from your bank account (their preferred method). You submit your account number to PayPal, not a broker or seller, thru a secured site - trust me, IT'S ALL SAFE. (Though as soon as I write this, someone will contradict me! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif) Or 2)You authorize PayPal to charge your credit card - again SAFE!

Another common payment method on EBay IS money order or certified check, though here's where I'll agree with funnybone: A certified check from your own account DOES give the seller your account number.

For the best success at EBay, read the feedback on the sellers and deal ONLY with those who have numerous positive feedback; if there's more than 2 or 3 negatives, skip it! And, read thru the seller's preferred form of payment. Check out PayPal's site for more info on them.

[Marciakay]

Be very careful. I purchased a blender from Adatom, a very large web company, and it arrived damaged, but still operational. They told me they were going out of business and would go ahead and credit my account. They never did! Finally my credit card company did a chargeback. I wouldn't send a check or money order to anyone on the web. Sorry!

[crazycook]

Hard to believe, I'm sure, but I don't have a MC or VISA and there are so many great bargains out on the net. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif Is there anyone out there that has ordered merchandise (specifically from half.com or ebay, for example) without a credit card? Is a money order accepted, and how did this affect the length of time for shipping? Even with the exchange(I'm Canadian) and shipping, the cost of some of the cookbooks featured at half.com are well worth the adventure. Any suggestions or advice are welcome. Thanks. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Anna

[Alisa]

Hello from a fellow Canadian! I usually use a credit card on the 'net, but everytime I've bought from ebay I've sent an American money order. I think they cost $3.50 CDN.

[Alisa]

Sorry, I forgot something - I tried to order from half.com and was disappointed to realize they don't ship outside the US. You have to register to purchase, so you don't find this out until you have your heart set on something. Grrr.

[crazycook]

Hi Alisa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Thanks for your reply. It's good to know that someone else has purchased off the net with an AM money order. I'm bummed hearing about half.com. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif Thanks for the heads-up. Add my grrrrr's too. Sometimes, I wish Canada was just one very large US state! *sigh*