People cant take money out of your account with sort code and account number, as stated its given out on all your cheques.
I'd always prefer somebody to pay by bank transfer, no fees, little chance of it disappearing (Paypal will always favour the payer, if they say they haven't received it they will take the money back even if you have proof of delivery)
Its pretty safe. Safer than cheque or PayPal anyway.
Several times at work I've had to hand out our IBAN and Sort Code to international customers for bank transfers, Barclays tod me it was perfectly safe to do so.
However I do understand your reasons for not wanting to do so and if a potential customer doesn't like it that's their problem.
I sold a bike frame to a RB member based in Geneva last year and they paid by bank transfer because they didn't have a Paypal account. However as they'd never actually made a single forum post, I made sure I had all their contact details first, and as their email address was a business address I could check their website for additional location and contact information. Once I had all this and was happy, I passed over my details and they are now commuting on my frame.
Agree that it's the seller's right to choose whatever payment method.
But what exactly is the problem with giving info that is the same as on a cheque? Using paypal is fantastic for overseas stuff but quite a waste if you are buying something off someone you trust from a forum like this.
Im unsure of this but i dislike handing over bank details anyway.
Reason-Immigrants rake through your bins for banking details,no way on gods earth am i going to hand them over to a near complete stranger. :?
OK I know bank transfer is normal in Europe.but it for the most part is free,in the UK they charge you through the nose.
I do Paypal because its cheap and safe.The payments go through instantly.
I don't really like accepting cheques because of the time they take to clear,but after that they can still be found to be fake/forged etc.
P.Orders aren't a problem but the fee the PO charges for buying them makes paypal fees seem insignificant :?
bank transfers offer no security to the buyer either. it also best to post recorded, but then if the buyer paid by transfer they will have your account details and name and address :?