Recommended Payment

PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com recommends that buyers and sellers use Escrow.com for transactions.  Here’s why.

Simply put, escrow.com acts as an intermediary within the transaction process. And offers protection for both sides.

The Escrow.com (an accredited escrow company) process works like this:

1.  Buyer and Seller Agree to Terms: Both parties agree to terms of the transaction, which includes a description of the merchandise, sale price, number of days for the Buyer’s inspection, and any shipping information.
2. Buyer Pays Escrow.com: The Buyer submits an available payment option. Escrow.com verifies the payment.
3. Seller Ships Merchandise: Upon payment verification, the Seller is authorized to ship merchandise and submit tracking information. Escrow.com verifies that the Buyer receives the shipment.
4. Buyer Accepts the Merchandise: The Buyer has a set number of days for an inspection and the option to accept or reject the merchandise.
5. Escrow.com Pays the Seller: Escrow.com pays the Seller by the method selected by the Seller. The transaction is complete.

How Buyers are protected:

• Escrow.com tracks the shipped merchandise and verifies it was delivered (assuring the wedding dress will ship before the seller receives the money).
• The Seller isn’t paid until the Buyer accepts the merchandise, or the inspection period expires (assuring that the item is as described).

How Sellers are protected:

• Escrow.com confirms when the Buyer receives merchandise.
• The Seller is authorized to ship only after Escrow.com verifies good funds (assuring the seller will get her money).

Know that for wedding dress purchases, Escrow.com requires that the buyer pay via a wire transfer (essentially a transfer from your bank account to them) or check. They do not accept not paypal or credit cards.

Why We Recommend Escrow.com over Paypal

Paypal offers its best protection for ebay purchases.  Ebay purchases are protected under the Paypal Buyer Protection Policy. But non- ebay purchases are protected only under the Paypal Buyer Complaint Policy.

Under the Paypal Buyer Complaint Policy, Paypal generally will make a ruling for item not received. But generally will not make a ruling for an item not as described.

And

Even if paypal does rule in your favor, if the seller has already transferred the funds from her account, paypal will not be able to return your money.

So essentially, Paypal does provide a fast, safe, and secure transfer of funds, but it does NOT offer any meaningful buyer protection.