PayPal FAQ

Q: Do I have to use PayPal to pay for my reservation?

A: No, paying by PayPal is optional. You can still pay by cash or check at the meeting, if you prefer. Please note that we cannot accept credit cards for payment at the meeting.

Q: Why does the chapter encourage us to use PayPal?

A: Using PayPal saves you from:

Wasting time in the check-in line
Having to stop and get cash from the ATM
Having to wait for change
Having to write a check when checking in
Having to ask the date, the amount, and who to make the check out to
Having to record the check in your check register
Having to wait for a receipt and raffle ticket
Having a handwritten receipt without your name on it

Also, using PayPal saves the treasurer and the check-in volunteer a considerable amount of work, which helps them to serve you faster:

Instant record of who paid, and the amount they paid
More accurate headcount
No having to record the amount you paid at check-in
No need to check if you're a member, non-member, or student
No need to check if your reservation includes dinner or just the presentation
No making change
No writing out receipts
No tallying checks and cash
No endorsing the checks
No writing deposit slips for checks and cash
No physical trip to the bank
No waiting for checks to clear
No chance of checks returned for insufficient funds
Detailed receipts for tax purposes

Q: How will the chapter know if I paid by PayPal?

A: The treasurer receives an email from PayPal with your name and the amount you paid within minutes of your transaction.

Q: Do I still get a receipt for my payment if I use PayPal?

A: Yes. You will receive an email receipt immediately. You should bring your receipt to the meeting in case of a discrepancy.

NOTE: if you use PayPal less than 48 hours before the meeting, you should always bring your receipt .

Q: Do I still get a fashionable adhesive nametag if I use PayPal?

A: Yes, provided you make your reservation on time.

Q: Do I have to pay more if I use PayPal?

A: No, the rates are the same. The chapter absorbs the processing fees.

Q: If I use PayPal, will it make the check-in go faster?

A: Very much so. Just ask other members who have used this method. Identify yourself to the check-in personnel, and you'll receive a pre-printed receipt with your raffle ticket already attached. You do not need to present your credit card.

Q: What credit cards does PayPal accept?

A: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, but not Corporate American Express.

Q: I don't have a credit card, or prefer not to use my credit cards online. Can I use PayPal with my checking account?

A: Yes. However, this might take a day or two to confirm the first time you use it. PayPal does this by making two small deposits to your checking account, both totalling less than one dollar. For example: $0.17 and $0.41. Once that happens, simply tell PayPal the two deposit amounts to confirm your account. The deposits are yours to keep, and you do not have to reconfirm unless you change your bank account.

Q: How secure is my PayPal transaction?

A: For that information, see this URL: http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/gen/security-outside.

Q: What if I pre-paid using PayPal, but need to cancel my reservation? Do I forfeit the meeting fee?

A: No. If you need to cancel, notify the treasurer (treasurer [at] stc-sd.org) before the meeting. You will receive a refund minus a $5 service fee, which covers the amount PayPal charges us. Please allow 2-3 working days before PayPal processes the refund to your account.

NOTE: If you sign up and don't cancel, you will be charged the full cost of the meeting.

Q: Can I pay for a guest or fellow STC member to attend the meeting using PayPal?

A: Yes. However, you'll need to make a separate reservation and payment for each guest or member you want to bring along. The printed receipt will show your guest's name, but you can exchange this for a handwritten receipt at the meeting if needed.

Q: What if I still have questions about PayPal?

A: Send an email to treasurer [at] stc-sd.org.