[consulting] How do you receive payments?

[Khalid B]

> I usually receive payments using Paypal which I think it's a really
> good service. It is also available here in Italy.. so I can get money
> from all the world.

I also use Paypal as the main way of payment for new customers.

> However their 3.4% quote is IMHO too much.

That is true. But you can factor that in your quote for the work, or
consider it a cost of business.

> Moreover I think that paypal does not convert money currencies right.
> Converting Dollars to Euro I always think that their conversion rate
> is not good and lower that current Dollar-Euro quotations.

That is also true. I find it very annoying.

Paypal is a monopoly, with no viable alternative. Google Checkout is
not a viable alternative yet.

I tried iKobo as well. It works by issuing you a VISA Electron card that
you can use in ATMs. It covers more countries, but also has high fees
as well as a monthly fee too.

> This is why I ask you some suggestions..
>
> Is paypal the only suitable payment way for remote working?
> Are there other similar services usable?
> What do you use?

For customers who have proven themselves to be reliable and trustworthy,
I take cheques. This avoids the Paypal fees, as well as get me a better
exchange rate.

Of course, this applies only for cheques from the USA and Canada, since
those from other countries will incurr high fees.

Bank transfers always work, but fees can be as high as $50 per transfer
from some countries.