ISORG Mini-Assignment

OVERVIEW

PayPal is a safe, convenient way to pay and get paid online.It enables any individual or business with an email account to do online payment without sharing financial information.Presently, PayPal is acquired by eBay Inc in 2002. PayPal is the world's largest online service

It has 149 million registered users and is accepted by millions of merchants worldwide - on and off eBay. The service allows anyone to pay in any way they prefer, including through credit cards, bank accounts, buyer credit or account balances. PayPal enables global e commerce by making payments possible across different locations, currencies, and languages.PayPal has received more than 20 awards for excellence from the Internet industry and the business community.


PURPOSE

• reduce transaction costs

• be an online secure payment transaction for any individuals or business

• act as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods such as cheque and cash

FEATURES

• Low cost : No start-up or monthly fees, no cancellation fees and no minimum payments.Users are able to conveniently complete the payment transaction and reduce transaction costs

• Quick setup : Signing up a PayPal account within a few minutes.It's quick and easy

• Security: protect the credit/debit card holders from providing their confidential information like credit card numbers, security code etc over to unauthorized merchants.

• Network of buyers:majority of online buyers use paypal

• Faster transaction period

• Allow individuals to withdraw the money to their bank account or keep the funds in their PayPal account for online purchases

DESIGN

PayPal website portrays a professional image which is important as they are dealing with transactions, PayPal needs to gain the confidence of it's users.

User Friendly & Accessibility

The website is easy to navigate around. Information are neatly and clearly displayed. For user convenience, information are divided into three categories, namely, "Home", "Individuals" and "Business".

As PayPal caters to many countries in the world, the website allows users to select the language of their own preference from a drop down list. This allows anyone from anywhere to access the website however, as the drop down list is a bit too long, perhaps they can allow auto fill if the user wants to type the country's name instead. Links to different website of PayPal can be found at the bottom of the website too.

Interactive & Informative



PayPal uses flash and diagrams on the website to enhance interactivity and increase browsing experience. As shown above, the website uses demo video in flash and diagrams with detailed descriptions to teach users how PayPal works.

Under the "Individual" category, information about how to sell and buy are provided in details. Informative are not just displayed in words, but also in table forms for easy view. Users are able to compare the different accounts provided by PayPal. (As shown above)

Under the "Business" category, not only basic information about working with PayPal are provided, but also teaches users how to resolve and handle difficult transactions (eg. disputes). PayPal also offers free e-Business Marketing Guide that teaches users how to promote their e-Business.



STRENGTH

PayPal is a Safer, Simpler and Smarter way to buy and sell online.

Safer because there is-

• High Level of encryption automatically encrypt all sensitive information sent between computer and servers.


• Provide online safety essentials


• Be in control to help avoid identity theft and fraudulent emails. Such as Identity Theif guide Phishing Guide.


• Protection for buyer purchases


• It has a 100% protection for unauthorised payments sent from PayPal account, Buyer Protection when buyer shop outside eBay or on eBay.


• PayPal does not reveal buyer financial information to sellers


• As for the benefit for seller - It has Fraud prevention measures with a industry-leading loss rate less than 0.5%.
  
  

Simpler because-

• PayPal is accepted worldwide, and can be used to make payments locally or internationally.
  

• It is Easy


• It's send money to anyone in just a few clicks.

Smarter because-

• Payments are made immediately, quicker than sending checks or money orders.
  

• It's free to send money, and PayPal is affordable for businesses of all sizes.

WEAKNESS

There are lots of complaint where you can find it online easily, such as :
http://www.screw-paypal.com/consumer_complaint/compaint_help.html
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article732299.ece

Poor Support

PayPal is often gets accused of having very poor email support and that they keep on sending automated replies.

Account Limited

Getting PayPal Account limited is another biggest problems which paypal users faces. Its been reported that PayPal limits the account very easily which can break your business in no time.

Account Blocked for No fault of yours

Getting PayPal Account blocked is just like limited. PayPal can block the account if they find the account to be accessed from different country.

Not Supporting for all countries

Though PayPal supports most of the biggest countries, they still do not support a handful of countries which often causes anger (lot of eastern European and middle east countries are not included in PayPal supported list of countries).

Fraud on Paypal

PayPal being an online service, is often prone to online frauds. Though paypal only being an online money transferring service, it can be said its not their fault but people often accuses paypal of taking no action.