Please note that the following may be seen by others as my being a complete, and utter dick. That is not my intention. I am also not associated with PayPal in any way other than using them to purchase things. However, I really feel that another side needs to be presented here. If what I say is demonstrably incorrect, then thanks to all for any, and all corrections.
I took a look at that e-book, especially the reasons why your account could be restricted. I also browsed through the user agreement and associated comments, at the URL listed in the book. It seems to me that PayPal is guilty of nothing more than enforcing a zero-tolerance, scorched earth policy towards any possibility of fraudulent, or criminal behavior it encounters.
Yes, it is draconian, yes it is restricting, and yes, it is a major PIA for those using PayPal to sell merchandise. However, it is these types of practices that I think the people at PayPal believe are necessary in order to prevent buyers from being defrauded by unscrupulous sellers! It is by no means perfect, as was shown by people who sell good items, and receive broken and abused items in return. However, for buyers who send their money off into the void that is the internet, practices like these provide a measure of comfort that even the law doesn't provide! Because PayPal is used world wide, it can be nearly impossible for a buyer to be made whole if defrauded by someone outside of their own country!
As a buyer, I have used PayPal for years without any issues. They have saved me more than once from losing hundreds of dollars due to shady sellers over the years! I once bought an MF-104z that was sold as being in excellent condition. It turned out to be worthless junk! I filed a claim with PayPal, and they not only got all of my money back, but they found that the seller was actively attempting to defraud me, and were able to boot that seller as well!
Yup! PayPal does suck for sellers! However, (and I hate to put it this way, but...) the agreement spells it all out before the seller signs on the dotted line! If a seller cannot, or will not, accept the terms of the agreement, they can decide to use another service. PayPal is in no way obligated to make it easy and convenient for the seller. In fact, PayPal seems to be more about protecting the buyer, even if doing so is at the expense of an otherwise scrupulous seller! While buyers can, and do, find ways to defraud some sellers, there are many more sellers who have, and will, defraud buyers if they know they can get away with it! Especially if it involves transactions that cross borders. Even if a seller believes themselves to be the exception, PayPal doesn't know that seller from Adam. They have to treat them the same as any other seller. PayPal's policies, regardless of whether or not a seller thinks they're fair, are the price a seller pays for doing business with them. It is very unfortunate, but until laws can be passed (and enforced!) that can protect all parties, across all borders, it is what it is.
