I freakin’ cannot believe it.

Paypal actually RE-INSTATED my account today.

Can you believe it? I can’t. I’m in shock. All the cash is there. And my account is ready to use again.

In any case, I’m still looking for alternatives. This was just entirely too stressful for me.

Every e-book that’s not being sold through affiliates will go under a new payment processor. And the ones that are sold through Paypal may be turned into print manuals, so I can get proof of shipping.
I am protecting my arse this time.

Thanks to all of you who felt my pain and offered suggestions. I appreciate it.

Here I am on Day 4 of this grand theft adventure, and I have a question. Why was I so foolish to believe that 3 Paypal reps would give me reliable information?

Next time I start talking gibberish like “It’s going to be okay,” just give me a virtual slap. Thank you in advance.

I called Paypal this afternoon to inquire about the status of my case. I remained calm. No raising of the voice… I smiled and gave them my best perky girl impression. This rep told me that I was (ahem) MISINFORMED by the other 3 reps on Monday. It won’t take 24-48 hours as I was originally quoted. It will take 3-5 days.

Apparently they’re still reeling from the Christmas rush. So their caseload has been pushed back.

She told me that it would’ve been better for me to upload the documents via my account. Yes – I explained – I tried to upload the documents on Monday like a good little Girl Scout. But I kept getting a 500 Internal Server Error after the second document.

I was reluctant to only upload 2 documents, and possibly not be allowed to upload any more. I was scared that I’d be pushed to the back of the line again, required to submit everything on the original list. That’s why I faxed everything. (Still smiling, barely… possibly speaking through a clenched teeth smile.)

No, that wouldn’t happen, she assured me.

I picked up my daughter from school, and when I returned I uploaded the 4 documents – 2 at a time. Let me refresh your memory, that’s:

* My checking account statement showing the address on my Paypal account;
* My credit card statement showing the address on my Paypal account;
* A copy of my ID;
* A list of download URL’s for my e-books.

As I uploaded everything, I felt my skin crawl. Like I just gave every scammer in the universe carte blanche access to my identity and my business. I’m beginning to hate this process. Yes, I know it’s necessary, but that’s a lot of personal info at the hands of some company that won’t even give you a clear response on what you did wrong.

Oh yes… that’s the other thing. Each time I call I ask the rep what happened to make my account become restricted.

They only give me a response when I tell them what I sell. One woman today didn’t know what an e-book was, and that it was delivered online.

THESE are the frontline people looking out for us. Oy vey!

So after I uploaded everything I called them again to inquire about the length of time it would take for my paperwork to get reviewed. This rep told me 3-5 days. She also told me that it was unnecessary for me to upload everything to the account. The fax would’ve been okay considering the amount of time that passed. Nice.

The bottom line is this: I still don’t know why my account was restricted. Everything told to me has apparently been speculation. My paperwork still hasn’t been reviewed by Paypal.

I am still carefully considering other payment options. 2Checkout looks great, and they’re working on integrating an affiliate program. (You can still use a third party option in the meantime.) Google Checkout maybe. Clickbank maybe.

I’m examining EVERY usage policy with a fine tooth comb. I can’t afford to make this mistake again.

Today I got an e-mail from Willie Crawford regarding his e-book “How To Make $1000 – $2000 In 24 Hours Or Less!” (Not a personal e-mail… it went out to all the people on his mailing list.)

Apparently Paypal said his e-book violates their Acceptable Use Policy. So he has to stop selling it through Paypal. If you check out his blog, you’ll see the e-mail in the January 9th post.

Is it right… is it wrong?

Paypal has an Acceptable Use Policy that has to be followed. If you don’t follow it, you run the risk of having your account restricted. Period. So although it’s not cool, it is valid.

Which brings me back to what I said two days ago when my nightmare began – you MUST have a contingency payment plan in place.

I used to accept payment through two different processors. But the second one I was using went out of business. And then I just got really comfortable with Paypal, so I never pursued any alternatives. Now I’m paying a bigger price in aggravation and egg-all-over-my-face.

I’m definitely looking into 2Checkout, which is what Liz Tomey recommends. She had her Paypal account restricted twice. The first time with over $25,000 in her account – OUCH!

Do checkout her Just Say No To Paypal blog, and you’ll see other horror stories from Internet marketers you’ve probably purchased from in the past.

As for my case… well I haven’t heard anything else. Sheesh.

Well, I can say one thing – this situation has certainly lit a massive flaming inferno under my ass to make some positive changes for 2008.