<font color = shadowed cyan>I've been thinking about ordering something over the internet recently, the only problem is that the only method of payment is Paypal. my question is; is this reliable? is it a good way to buy something or should I hunt around for it somewhere else?. </font>

Yep, it's reliable, thousands (probably even Millions) of people use it. What item are you thinking on buying specifically? The only downside to Paypal is that you have to pay charges (IIRC 2%, but haven't used it in a few months as I prefer Bank Transfer / Credit Card). So basically, if the item is relaltively cheap (say, under £1000) then I'd use Paypal, otherwise I'd get yourself a credit card.

<font color=skyblue>I have used Paypal over the years and have never had any trouble with money transactions.</font>

I use it to make payments online, and to receive them, and I have never had any problems with it.

I've had a devil of a time with them.

They have all sorts of annoying cut-offs as to amounts you can use it for without uber levels of authorisation like taking numbers from your bank statement.

They don't make it clear that these elaborate steps are necessary so after I'd ordered a computer on ebay I learned that I had to wait for the statement to come through (would have been 1 1/2 months later).

I rang my CC company and got two different numbers from the paypal entry in my statement, apparently neither worked and after three tries my credit card was blocked on Paypal.

The only way to unblock it was to send in the paper statements and IIRC utility bills (as if!!)

Eventually I closed my paypal account due to the hassle and as I was doing so I was able to view the full name and address of two other customers with similar names - it didn't inspire confidence. I took a screenshot and sent it in to them but never received a reply. (the worst part IMO)

My verdict: shoddy, but I guess the vast majority of people do alright.

Been using it for years for my online purchases and donations, and never had any problems with the service. The service fee(4%) is there, but it is a small price to pay for the convenience( and it has been a great convenience indeed).

http://www.paypalsucks.com/ if you want to know the more dodgy parts in their terms and conditions.