I just completed a transaction with a board member and tried to 'gift' the money. When it came time to send the payment, there was a box that popped up and asked if I wanted to pay the 'x' amount of money that was the transaction fee. I went back and resent the payment through the 'purchase' option. I use paypal a lot but it just goes to show that nothing is sacred. I didn't know or find out till this transaction this evening.

I have had that happen as well... Not sure if it makes a difference if you have a bank account linked? I thought it said something about being verified...

But if you really were sending money as a true gift (and feel free to try out the option with me :mrgreen: ), would you want the recipient to pay the transaction fee?

If it's a purchase, then the seller should absolutely pay it - it's a cost of doing business.

But depending on the purpose of the transfer of cash, PayPal is just giving you the option to choose, as not all transactions are equal.

I don't think there's anything nefarious about it. ;-)

Shall I PM my PayPal address now so you can begin the gifting??? :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
You may pass on the transaction fee to me.
Just to see how that works.

As a 'seller' I prefer paypal just for the safety and convenience it offers. I haven't asked anyone to 'gift' the money for a transaction. I prefer to print my labels through the transactions for the time savings and ease of printing a legible label. The fees charged by paypal are the price of doing business and I am fine with that. I just was surprised at how it seemed as paypal was involved in all transactions. I am not complaining per se, just had this happen and was caught off guard and wondered if anyone else had this happen.

I thought if you "gifted" the money you would lose certain protections, but I may have misunderstood.
Wouldn't be the first time...

I think you are correct.

MTS, you crack me up!! hahaha
Are you taking up a collection??? :D:D

Sadiemae, you and me both. I never seem to get the rules straight! :D

it will do this if you use a credit card for payment. I have not had it happen when it is a direct pay from my bank account tho..

Technically you weren't gifting the money anyway - you were making a purchase.

But if one "says" one is giving a gift - then it is unreasonable to expect PayPal to protect one if the "giftee" does not produce something in exchange.