I think many of you have this feeling that you are stuck with using paypal, at least that is how I used to think. Not knowing there were options when selling on eBay I got stuck in every trap paypal rigged for me. I have since broken free and signed up with a company called merchantinc.com (there are also numerous reviewed alternatives on this site) I now have a merchant account linked to my ebay account and my money goes directly into my checking account. Very low cost and so easy. Now if there was only a competitive alternative to eBay I would be all set.
Reading all these stories and knowing all to well what it is like to have your money held by paypal and no one to help you I am urging you to look in to another option. Paypal is never going to be the solution. Just the reason for long sleepless nights.

What's to say that signing up with merchantinc.com isnt just going to give me the same headaches i would have with paypal? Paypal promise all wonderful things to, sellers and buyers protection and fast, easy and secure. Now I have read all the horror stories about paypal and I am not about to become one myself. I just want to know whatever option I decide on isn't going to be just another paypal.

THere are so many differences between paypal and a merchant account and all of them favoring a merchant account. you don't sign your soul away by signing up with merchantinc.com. You can cancel at any time and they will not hold your funds or limit your account for reasons unknown to you or them like paypal does. With a merchant account the federal banking regulations needs to be followed, not with paypal. Alot of times people think that paypal is the cheapest option but think again. I only pay $7.95/month and 1.99% per transaction. I dont know if this is something that would suit you but I can say that I am very happy with it.

I just checked out merchantinc.com and it is not available to us in the UK or anyone located out of the US. Does anyone have recommendations for alternatives for paypal alternatives available to us in the UK??

Correct, merchantinc is available for US based sellers only. I am actually looking hard at them now. This site has some good information and I believe for UK options they suggest Allpay.net but I also found The SecureHosting UPG service on line. You might browse both to get an idea what may work best for you since Paypal is seeming to be less and less appealing for an honest person trying to make an honest dime. Good luck hope you find something that works for you.

You got it MagPie...the merchant account is the way to go! I signed up with merchant.inc just a month ago, so I'm a newbie but it is working out good for me. It was easy to apply (all on-line); I called several times with ?s because I was totally nervous about opening a merchant account and someone answered every time and answered all my questions and eased my nerves. Once they approved me I got information to set it up along with telephone numbers to call for help if need be etc...short version is that the merchant account is...easy, quick, regulated, knowledgable/helpful staff, affordable monthly fees...I recommend everyone check them out. They get my seal of approval.

I have checked out the website for merchantinc.com and it does look great. I'm trying to get MY MONEY back from Paypal and I don't know that I can set up my own merchant account while I'm dealing with my Paypal mess. I feel angry and helpless and just don't know what to do anymore. Plus my credit isn't the best and if they check credit they might not let me open an account anyway. Been tempted to just give it a try but afraid to make the step I guess. how is anybody with bad credit get out of the hole if you don't get a chance and then big shots like Paypal hold what little you got.

All these people with the same problem....getting their money... and I am another one that has been screwed using paypal. Sold a purse, buyer said it was fake and...tadaa....buyer gets money back and keeps purse. Paypal magic.

I may not be stuck with paypal but right now my money is. They decided to hold my funds for 30 days while they review my account.

Spoke to Allpay today. They've discontinued the pay&go service due to lack of interest. Talk about bad timing...