» PayPal

I guess it is just not going to be a calming weekend for me eh? Nope, I am all worked up around the little ploy to make a HUGE increase in fees on Paypal. The official Paypal blog announces a new fee increase starting in August…

1. 1. Refund Prices – Starting August 10, PayPal will retain the transaction fee (typically $.30) when a seller issues a refund (U.S. and Canada merchants).
   2. Chargeback Prices – Starting August 24, we’ll be increasing chargeback costs from $10 to the typical industry rate of $20 (U.S. merchants only, eBay merchants enrolled in the PayPal Preferred program are exempt).

Basically, this is another move to endear Paypal to its community of users. What better way to show your users how much you adore them. I guess Paypal is showing all its users some love…NOT. No, now Paypal will keep fees for a transaction that was NOT completed successfully. That is just a “jackhole move” guys!

Paypal is the only bright spot in the eBay portfolio, but it  just got it’s luster dimmed. Here’s whats really cool, its how they did it. They just released a blog post, NO big announcement, no emails to the user base, nothing about moving a $10 fee and DOUBLE it up to $20. Plus, now every return a seller processes has an additional fee that will NOT be returned even when the item is returned! Even though the seller has too return the buyers payment in full, Paypal will still put the screws to you.

Wow! This is a genius idea when Paypal is about to face down entries in the payments marketplace by heavyweight hitters like American Express and Master Card, both with new online payment programs. At the same time, eBay (the owners of Paypal) force its merchants to use Paypal on eBay. Right now, eBay is trying to woo large retailers to its site, how are these large merchants going to respond to a transaction fee for a NO SALE? For a large box merchant this small feel can be 10′s of $1000′s of dollars of lost revenue. The cost of doing business on eBay just went UP!!!

I for one, will be glad to see Paypal’s programs faced with a real challenger for vendors business. The future of mobile commerce depends on electronic payments and Paypal’s lead here could possibly erode QUICKLY if it does not get it right. And the community of users are starting to respond………

Paypal continues to show rapid growth and has been front and center on eBay earnings calls as the darling of its portfolio. Who is the LARGEST merchant of Paypal? Well that one is pretty easy, its the momma bear….eBay.

Yep, eBay makes more money and transactions for Paypal than any other single merchant on the platform. Everybody knows that one, right? Easy answer, that is almost a gimme question. But then I will ask you who is #2? What would you think is the #2 merchant for PayPal? Maybe you guessed it right off the bat, but I didn’t. I got it wrong and then heard the real answer and did a V-8 head slap. The second largest Paypal merchant is none other than Zynga, I know, crazy huh?!?

Zynga is a casual game developer located in San Francisco, California, United States. The company develops browser-based games that work both stand-alone and as application widgets on social networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace.

Zynga is probably best know for the Facebook games of Farmville, Fishville and Mafia Wars.

I know man, that is crazy when you really think about it. Did you know that according to Wikipedia  through 2009 Zynga makes its money from lead generation advertising and selling virtual health and gifts to game players. In 2009  Michael Arrington of Tech Crunch republished a video of a speech by Zynga CEO Mark Pincus.  In the speech, Pincus said:

So I funded [Zynga] myself but I did every horrible thing in the [face]book to, just to get revenues right away. I mean we gave our users poker chips if they downloaded this Zwinky toolbar which was like, I don’t know, I downloaded it once and couldn’t get rid of it. *laughs* We did anything possible just to just get revenues so that we could grow and be a real business.

—Mark Pincus, Speech from Startup@Berkeley

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Several days after the Techcrunch story, Zynga’s most recent Facebook game FishVille, was temporarily taken offline by Facebook on claim of advertising violations. According to Zynga, Fishville had 875,000 users within two days of launch.

Pincus later said that he had been too eager to increase company revenues through advertising, and that operating in reactive mode by taking down ads only after receiving complaints had not worked. The company removed all ads for a time, relying only on direct purchase of game currency, then began reintroducing third party ads only after they had been screened.

What is crazy to me is that this type of revenue seems to be somewhat "fleeting" at best. I know Facebook users like to play Farmville today but how long can Paypal expect that money to continue to flow in. Right now it is somewhat un-opposed as an alternate payment processor for Facebook games. But you got to think about all of the Paypal growth stories coming from John Donahoe on the earnings calls that you have heard. Personally, I was under the impression that Paypal was seeing large growth in ecommerce and online retail acceptance, come to find out, it is seeing most of its growth from Farmville, LMAO. I just found that revelation somewhat fascinating, don’t you?!?

Get an extra layer of protection with the PayPal Security Key – it’s easy to use and portable, so you can access your account with confidence from just about anywhere. Some of you may already have a security key hanging from your key chain or maybe even one that fits inside your wallet or purse.

I have one on my key chain but my key chain is sometimes not in my possession at all times. My cell phone on the other hand is almost always in the hostler at my side.

The PayPal Security Key creates random temporary security codes that help safeguard your PayPal account when you log in. With the Mobile phone security key you can sign up to get security codes sent by text message to your mobile phone.

How much does it cost?

The mobile security key has no costs, except your mobile provider’s standard text messaging charges. Check with your mobile provider for details.

Each security key is $5, and there’s no monthly service fee or additional cost. Replacement keys are the same price.

Why should I use the PayPal Security Key?

There are 3 main reasons to use a security key:

1. It’s one of the most secure ways to log in to your PayPal account. The security key randomly generates security codes that are practically impossible to duplicate.

2. It’s easy to use. A fresh security code is just one button (or about 30 seconds) away.

3. It’s portable. Take extra security anywhere you go.

What do I need to use the mobile phone security key?

You’ll need a mobile phone and service that supports SMS text messaging. Contact your mobile provider to make sure your phone and services are set up for SMS, and to find out your provider’s standard text messaging charges.

My account has never been hacked, why do I need this?

Even though this security feature from PayPal is over a year old, if you do a search on “Paypal account hacked” you will get over 1,480,000 entries that contain information on how you can hack into the average PayPal account that does not have a security key. Most of these entries are videos that show you step by step how they did it.

Some say a security key is overkill for most PayPal account owners and its too much trouble to deal with when you want to get into your account right away.  I say better to have the extra added security then to one day find out your account has been hacked and a large portion of your money is gone.  From what I am told it can take PayPal several days and sometimes months to investigate such a incident and PayPal will not replace the stolen funds until their investigation is complete.

Even if you are to cheap to pay $5.00 for the electronic token, the mobile version is Free by text for most cell phone carriers here in the united states.

For additional answers to your questions about the PayPal Security please see the PayPal Security Key FAQ

All the best

JB

Scot Wingo blows the roof off! This interview is so full of sizzle and STEAK. Man, I have not heard this much great information and insight anywhere, honestly. This is such a good "exclusive" interview.

Hey, Scot even brought some brand new stats on Amazon CGM, eBay Antique Sellers, Google vs. Bing…Damn I could go on, but why? Just look at the notes and PRESS PLAY!

Listen to the Interview NOW!
(press play button and be patient, it takes a minute to buffer)

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Scot Wingo – CEO ChannelAdvisor.com and eBayStrategies.com

2:12 – Amazon vs. eBay Growth
3:05 – What is EGM?
4:10 – Amazon partitions are growing at up to 54%
5:50 – 5 Points – Value, Ease, Merchandising, Trust, Selection
7:12 – 600 Million Shoes … wow
8:03 – Amazon has moved marketing $$$ to free shipping
8:54 – Can eBay subsidize its free shipping model?
10:22 – Is ChannelAdvisor keeping up with eBay changes?
14:24 – How does WalMart.com & Sears.com factor into the eCommerce mix
15:29 – Marketplace Wars
16:34 – Is the Kindle a factor for Amazon’s traffic success?
17:26 – Google Commerce Search Changes
18:15 – Google Search 62% – Bing Seach 35%
19:20 – eCommerce Search is up to 40% of all search
20:12 – eBay Best Match Search
21:14 – eBay Top Rated Seller Program
24:21 – Should eBay Go Retail? (http://ow.ly/ECvi)
26:01 – Some EXCLUSIVE eBay Numbers Data From Wingo!
28:00 – Are Antiques and Collectables suffering on eBay?
29:40 – Will eBay changes squeeze out the SMB’s on eBay?
30:30 – eBay vs. Paypal
33:00 – 45% of Paypal is actually eBay (the Paypal Monopoly)
34:15 – Paypal is holding up to 15% of sellers GMV
36:17 – Social Media – is it a viable channel for selling?
37:01 – eCommerce on Facebook
39:27 – Mobile commerce (red lazer, shopsavvy, deocrab)
42:00 – ChannelAdvisor Catalyst May 3-5 (www.ChannelAdvisor.com/Catalyst)

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comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) , a leader in measuring the digital world, today released findings from a study of the impact of holiday promotions on PayPal’s use at major online retailers during the 2008 holiday season. As merchants and payment services prepare for a competitive 2009 holiday season, understanding the lifts from prior promotions is critical in assembling marketing programs that positively impact consumer preferences and drive share.

The results of the comScore study show that PayPal promotions launched in Q4 2008 caused a significant increase in the payment method’s share of dollars spent at major retailer sites, including Overstock.com, Walmart.com and others, as consumers capitalized on attractive online deals. These and other relevant findings are covered in detail in the comScore report, Alternative Payment Types Online: The Rise and Maturity of PayPal and Others Across the e-Commerce Landscape, which is currently available for purchase.

Holiday Promotions Drive Increase in PayPal Dollar Share

During Q4 2008, PayPal announced attractive promotions at several online retailer sites resulting in significant increases in its dollar share among partner retailer sites. Overstock.com customers were presented with 15 percent cash back on a $100 purchase when using PayPal, which helped push its dollar share up 3.6 percentage points to 18.6 percent. Walmart.com, which launched its partnership with PayPal in early October 2008, offered $20 off a purchase of $50 or greater when customers used a PayPal account to checkout, resulting in a 9.0 percent dollar share during Q4. Dell.com gave PayPal preferential treatment, positioning the payment option right under Dell’s payment plan and above all other credit card options, helping to boost PayPal’s share to 7.0 percent in Q4 2008, an increase of 5.1 percentage points from the previous quarter.

  PayPal Share of Dollars at Online Retailer Site
  Q4 2008 vs. Q3 2008
  Total U.S. Home/Work/University Locations
  Source: comScore, Inc.
  ----------------------
                           Dollar Share
                           ------------
                                              Point
                       Q3 2008   Q4 2008     Change
                       -------   -------     ------
  Overstock.com           15.0%     18.6%       3.6
  ------------            ----      ----        ---
  Walmart.com              N/A*      9.0%       N/A
  -----------              ---       ---        ---
  Dell.com                 1.9%      7.0%       5.1
  --------                 ---       ---        ---
  AE.com                   3.0%      8.0%       5.0
  ------                   ---       ---        ---

  *PayPal payment option was not implemented until October 2008 at
   Walmart.com

"PayPal’s aggressive promotion strategy during the 2008 holiday season helped the popular online payment method carve out a significantly higher share of wallet at several major retailer sites," said Matt Archer, comScore senior manager, financial services. "Despite the limited duration of the promotions, PayPal has managed to retain a notable share of wallet at most of these retailer sites in subsequent time periods.

As merchants and payment services make decisions related to 2009 holiday promotions, the positive impact of prior programs in growing share of dollars and transactions represents critical information."

Ok, the adrenaline is really starting to flow. I am getting pumped up for what is the trip of a life time for me. I have wanted to go to Australia all my life! I remember when I was a kid, me and my high school buddy swore we were going to graduate and then move to Australia. Wow, that was a couple of years back….OK, maybe a few years back. LOL

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But I am just a little over 1 week away from actually making that trek to the other side of the world and dammit, I plan on bringing "IT" big time! The guys in Australia are putting on a outstanding event. eBay Australia is one of the main sponsors and they have helped to make this event a "projected" SELL-OUT.

On my last call with the organizers in Australia I was SHOCKED to hear that they had less than 40 seats left and that was over a week a ago. So if you live anywhere near Sydney and sell on eBay you better HURRY UP and get in, or there will be no room for you dude. This is going to be a packed house and the agenda includes a Casino Night Cocktail Party like we had in Atlanta, I have to do much better this time.

But as I am looking over the agenda, I am seeing so KILLER content from eBay, PayPal, the Australia Post. Keynote presenters are Deborah Sharkey who is the Managing Director of eBay Australia & New Zealand, Jonathan Garriss, the Director of Ecommerce Merchants and Exec. Director of PeSA and on Day Two? You guessed it…its your boy to wake them up with a 10:00 am keynote on Social Marketing for eBay Sellers.

If you are coming, hit me UP! Let me know you are and lets meet up. I can not wait to meet the international eBay community of sellers and entrepreneurs. I am looking forward to learning from all of you and I hope to bring something special to the table as well. Oh, BTW if you get seated by me at a poker table, can you let me win the poker hands?!?

The Citi put out a company flash on eBay Inc. While not OVERLY informative it is worth a quick read through. Since last week I post the Mad Money video, I figure a little balanced view would help our readers. Noteworthy to me was …

Our High Risk rating on EBAY reflects the highly competitive landscape the company faces and other factors. These risks are somewhat offset by the company’s strong balance sheet, the liquidity of its shares, and its very consistent execution track record.

Factors that could cause upside to our estimates and price target include:

1) Better than expected execution

2) Greater than expected share buyback activity

3) A reacceleration in eBay’s core marketplace segment

4) A significant reacceleration in eBay’s Skype business.

Factors that could cause downside to our estimates and price target include:

1) Greater than expected market share losses

2) Mis-execution in the core PayPal segment

3) Worse than expected macroeconomic conditions.

I was at an event yesterday and they asked me to stand up and give 1 tip or takeaway to be successful at business. I HATE when they do that to me! Why? Because I could give at least 20 GREAT tips, LMAO

But the limited me to only one and this is what I told them. Immediately after getting back I made this video, cause I do not think I have ever said this before on the website.

Dude, I love being in a space with a pocket camera! I am a whip it out and shoot kinda guy. It was so FUNNY with these guys at eBay. Believe it or not, they do not watch the ColderICE videos! OMG, and I spend so much time reporting on their eBay movement…wink. OK, so they had no idea who I was and that made it ultra fun.

Actually, only some of them did not know me, the others like Todd and Usher I have seen before at both Catalyst ’08 and the eComm Summit last year.  This is rather fun simply because it is good to know that they were willing to play along. Throw in a little Mike Jones from ChannelAdvisor’s team and it is guaranteed a good time.

Now, my boy Usher "said" he would do a real phone interview with me,  hmmm. We will see if that ever happens, but it was mad cool chatting with him. He actually reads our posts on ColderICE too. I had Tweeted something about the eBay presentation and then saw Usher again in the hallway and he gave me some grief over my score, LMAO he is a pretty cool dude.

Just to be complete, I did not want to skip over the Paypal presentation. The days events spanned nearly 5 hours of stuff and about 4 and a half of them I really don’t give a crap about.

My ONLY investment in eBay is via selling on the platform. I am not investing in their stock and do not  plan too. Having said that, I do not invest in ANY stock. So that is not a dig on eBay. I invest in 2 things, inventory and Michael Jordan collectables. Both of which have outperformed eBay, Amazon, and Walmart stocks combined, so I am cool with that, LMAO

Paypal and its move are somewhat interesting to our business so it does get some attention and I will go through that now…