The Simple Solution (bidpay.com)

Member Name: chrisc559

Product:	bidpay.com
Date:	28/12/00 (718 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy,cheap,good customer service

Disadvantages: Money orders not available in £

Bidpay.com is one, if not the best 'pay-for-your-auction' site. It can really only be compared to the Amazon.com Payment system, simply because of the flexibility for us the 'international' bidders.

Bidpay costs $5 (approx £3) per transaction, and is brilliant if you are paying for a valuable item and do not want to bother with cash (easily lost/stolen or just never arrives (!) at the seller), going to get a money order from the post office which costs about £10 or using the bank, again very expensive. Bidpay seems to be more aimed at the medium range buyer, between £15-£75.

Bidpay works by charging your credit card the amount you agree with the seller, then sends them a money order for that amount. Bidpay also sends confirmation emails to the seller and the buyer. This means that you get your item faster as Bidpay guarantees payment.

Apparently, there is soon to be a service where international sellers, i.e., generally based outside of the US, can receive money orders in UK sterling. This is a service that is desperately needed by people who cannot afford their own credit card service, but would find it extremely useful to be able to accept credit card payment from home and abroad.

The site is easily navigated and the help/FAQ section is excellent. Overall, a brilliant idea, well carried out, that takes all the worry out of paying for your international auctions.

Summary: