Tag: #paypal

PayPal study reveals top lifestyle changes Irish people are making during cost-of-living crisis

PayPal’s new Thrills & Bills study reveals that nearly six in ten (59%) of Irish people are extremely worried about the cost-of-living crisis, rising to 65 per cent for those between 25 to 44 years of age.

PayPal polled 1,000 adults across Ireland to explore changes in spending habits that people are making in order to navigate the crisis, from adjusting their lifestyles to savvy money management.

Lifestyle changes that help save money

The research revealed that two thirds (66%) of Irish people are planning to cut back on going out and eating out, making this the top lifestyle change in response to the cost-of-living crisis. Female respondents were found to be more open to this (72%) than male respondents (49%).

Irish people are also trying to make more conscious choices when it comes to their shopping habits, with 63 per cent planning to buy fewer items and less often, and 62 per cent opting to switch to cheaper brands.

Furthermore, the study found that some 31 per cent say they will buy second-hand items and nearly four in ten (37%) plan to change utility providers for the best deals on energy (including electricity and gas).

Switching to alternatives is also proving to be a popular trend in order to navigate inflation as a third (33%) plan to turn to online shopping for what they need to limit temptations instore, 32 per cent will host friends for drinks rather than going out, and 27 per cent intend to take up outdoor exercise rather than having a gym membership.

Importantly, savings were top of the list for what Irish people refuse to compromise on. Nearly half (44%) of consumers will continue to focus on building up their savings. Other priorities people are not prepared to eliminate are maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as a gym membership and healthy food options (24%), and buying coffee, drinks and snacks from cafés or coffee shops (23%).

Money well spent

Over three quarters of people (79%) agree that while changes to spending habits are necessary due to the cost-of-living crisis, it’s still important to occasionally spend money on a treat. Females agreed with this more than males – 83 per cent compared to 68 per cent.

While 72 per cent of Irish consumers have had to slow down or pause lots of plans which were making up for lost time during the pandemic, there are some niceties they will continue to spend on this year as a treat, such as:

  • Occasional meal at a restaurant (43%)
  • Food takeaways (42%)
  • Night outs with friends or family every now and again (37%)
  • Cinema trips (30%)
  • Beauty and grooming treatments (30%)

The survey reveals that nearly half (47%) of people are open to splitting costs with friends, family or housemates to enjoy more group experiences over the coming months. Those aged 16 to 24 are most likely to do this (58%), while those over 55 are least likely (17%).

Flexing money-management muscles

The report revealed that Irish people are doing more than simply cutting back and making thrifty swaps, with nearly six in ten (58%) planning to regularly track their spending and creating budgets to stick to (53%). In addition, almost two-thirds (65%) of people plan to look for discounts, coupons and promotions where relevant, and 39 per cent plan to track their spending habits via banks, credit card accounts and digital wallets like PayPal.

The survey found that nearly half (49%) of respondents are more likely to split the cost of a meal at a restaurant in response to the cost-of-living crisis. Some 44 per cent said they are more likely to split costs on taxis and transport fares, and 43 per cent are more inclined to do so on food takeaways. Nearly a third are even more likely to split the cost of a group drinks or dinner cooked at someone’s home (29%).

Speaking about the findings, Maeve Dorman, Senior Vice President, Customer Success at PayPal, shared: “The cost-of-living crisis is impacting everyone. Without a doubt, it’s a challenging time and people are adapting quickly and making changes. While some are taking more ownership of their spending, others are sharing expenses to enjoy shared experiences.

“Splitting bills appears to be the perfect antidote for a lot of people because it allows them to manage their budget and still do the things they love. Through PayPal, we make it easy with our send and request money feature. At times like these, it’s about people being able to have control of their money day-to-day and being better prepared for the future.”

Paypal and Walmart scam to be aware of

Ok so Paypal have tried my patience and have vented so on twitter only to be told to send it to their phishing department then when done so they respond with this waffle below. Now to most who are aware of scams there is telltale signs within but to others it is clever to an extent but here is what they said back to me twice, yes I have had two in two days and a generic response to which I am still waiting an answer for despite handing over the emails and them knowing I have no account in that name.

Dear TechBuzz Ireland,

Thanks for your submission. We’ll review it and let you know if the
email you reported is genuine or fake.

We’re continuously working to counteract fraud, including phishing
emails, websites, and text messages. We work with law enforcement around
the world to stop online criminals.

If you disclosed any financial or personal data, or entered your details
on a suspicious website:

• Change your PayPal password immediately.
• Contact your bank and let them know what happened.
• Review your recent PayPal payments. Report any unauthorized payments
in the Resolution Center.

Thanks,
PayPal Security

Ok so the first email looked for $1000 then the second reduced to $600 and of course the option to login and pay. See the samples below..that have two different invoice numbers which is also a giveaway here along with the Billing department of Paypal then there is the phone number to call, if you were not wide to such you would probably call it right? Even the domain name looks good as you can see up top.

Click to enlarge images

 

Now if you click on the link it will tell me the resource has been deleted on one email which does look identical to the PayPal site what is there though is an actual invoice with Walmart eCards purchased and a made up email claiming you bought Walmart eCards which alone is an odd one. So perhaps they are working on something..

The font and the spacing is also odd to the norm here but the rest looks legit and PayPal need to get on their bike and just tell people this is in fact a scam and nothing for us to wait for an answer for.

PayPal Strengthens Links with Cryptocurrencies

PayPal has become an increasingly popular payment at online casinos in recent years. The same can also be said when it comes to the use of cryptocurrencies. It’s good news therefore that PayPal is now strengthening their links with cryptocurrencies.

It was recently announced that PayPal can now be used to receive, transfer and send cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash. That’s something that has been desired for a while now.

Online casinos have become more willing to accept PayPal as one of their payment methods. You can make deposits using this method and also make withdrawals. As you will read, there are some big advantages when PayPal is used as your payment method. This explains why there are an increasing number of UK online casinos where you can use PayPal.

Why is this the case? The amount of personal information that you need to use when choosing PayPal is just the email address used for your account. If there is a security breach, then that information isn’t going to be of much use to the fraudster. 

PayPal also often requires authentication checks to be carried out before an account can be accessed. If the fraudster doesn’t have the users phone, then that’s again going to restrict access.

Another advantage is the speed of the financial transactions. A deposit goes straight into your online casino account. Withdrawals are swift too, much better than the several days when using a debit or credit card.

Cryptocurrencies have similar characteristics when it comes to financial transactions at online casinos. It is therefore logical for PayPal and cryptocurrencies to be working more closely.

October 2020 saw the beginning of PayPal allowing the use of some types of cryptocurrencies. That showed the growing acceptance of, for example, Bitcoin. There are still of course some concerns over the volatility of these cryptocurrencies when it comes to their value. Recent months haven’t been easy for cryptocurrencies but this news from PayPal is better news for them.

Now fast forward to 7 June 2022 and a major announcement from PayPal. Before that date it was not possible to move the digital assets away from the platform. Since the introduction of cryptocurrencies on PayPal, their users have been keen to see them being able to make cryptocurrency transfers.

This proved to be one of the most popular requests from customers and now PayPal have taken notice of them. US customers will now be able to make the transfers they’ve wanted to be able to do so. You can bet that they will be delighted that the company has listened to them. PayPal were happy too when the news resulted in their share price going up.

US customers will now be able to send cryptocurrencies to their family and friends. The even better news is that the transactions will take place in just a few seconds. The fact that there are not going to be any fees charged is also great news.

Any people who use these payment methods for gambling will be delighted. Cash flow is so important when it comes to gambling. Not just to ensure you have funds in your account but withdrawals return to you as soon as possible. There’s nothing more frustrating than having a big win and then it takes ages for you to be able to have access to it.

PayPal is a company that likes to be the first to do something. That’s one of the reasons they have defied the odds and become one of the most popular businesses in the world.

They have done it again by becoming the first company to hold a conditional Bitlicense and then see it converted into a full one. That took place recently with the full Bitlicense being granted by the New York Department of Financial Services.

They are likely to improve even further how cryptocurrencies can be used at PayPal. Their desire is to create a financial system that is “more inclusive and effective.”

The more acceptance there is of cryptocurrencies, the better news for this payment method. More businesses, including online casinos, are likely to consider using cryptocurrencies as a way for customers to make financial transactions.

PayPal is also introducing an additional identity verification process. Again, this will increase the protection of personal details and that will please many, including users of online casinos.

It’s good to see the recent developments regarding PayPal and cryptocurrencies. Both have had their own battles to gain recognition of their services. Online casinos for example, needed to be convinced that their use is safe and secure. 

It’s perhaps been more of a struggle for cryptocurrencies with not everyone knowing a great deal about them. If the volatility problems can be sorted out, then the future looks rosy for them.

PayPal study finds online spending within Ireland increases by 41%

Meitheal mentality: Irish spend more locally in 2021

The study of over 1,000 Irish consumers revealed the community spirit and Irish love for local, with the average annual spend increasing by 41 per cent on websites based in Ireland, rising to €503 in 2021 from €357 in 20202. The average spend on websites within Ireland was also more than the average spend on international sites, where the average spend was €329.

Female respondents spent considerably more with Irish websites, estimating an annual spend of €534 (compared to €351 spent by male respondents).

Wicklow consumers spent the most with websites in Ireland with an average of €972. Carlow came in second place (€915), with Meath (€819). Monaghan (€773) and Offaly (€634) finishing off the top five counties in this regard.

Áine Waldron (27), full-time gym instructor and part-time physiotherapy student from Mayo, said: “I work full time Monday to Friday and have college classes at the weekend, so online shopping is often my saving grace when I simply don’t have time to go anywhere. Lots of the local shops have rolled out delivery services and online shopping options since the pandemic began, and it’s made everything so much easier. I’m more inclined to shop local now and can see how important it is to give that support. Coming home to deliveries of books, groceries or clothes from local retailers always feels a bit more special – and it’s super convenient.”

When it comes to spending on websites outside of Ireland, over three quarters (79%) of consumers spent online internationally last year, with people from Carlow spending the most with an average of €678. This was followed by Wicklow (€561), Offaly (€508), Longford (€450) and Kildare (€425).

The most popular non-Irish destinations to buy from were found to be the UK (74%), Europe outside of the UK (48%) and China (28%). Meanwhile, some 16% of respondents bought from websites in the US.

Online spending becomes Main-stream

The study showcased the increasing appetite for online shopping, with 62 per cent of Irish people revealing they plan to shop online more this year. In fact, almost half (49%) agreed they would do all their shopping online if they could, equating to 1.7 million adults3. Those aged 25-34 are most keen on this idea (54%), in comparison to the near quarter (24%) of over 55s who said they would do all their shopping online if they could.

Interestingly, over half (56%) of Irish adults say the pandemic has permanently changed the way they pay for products and services, with almost three quarters (73%) preferring cashless transactions. Digital seems to be the preferred route as, 72 per cent of respondents indicated they prefer digital payment methods (such as paying with their smartphone), while 71 per cent like contactless checkouts (such as self-service tills).

Speaking about the findings, Maeve Dorman, Senior Vice President at PayPal, commented: “It’s great to see how Irish people are prioritising their online spending on Irish businesses. Regardless of where we buy from though, it’s clear that online shopping has become a critical convenience for Irish people, not only during the pandemic but as part of our regular, busy lives. 

“There is a real opportunity for online retailers to make a difference,” Maeve Dorman continues, “but businesses need to have an e-commerce platform in place that can meet their customers’ needs, wherever they are – online, on the go, or in-store. With a range of solutions designed to capitalise on the increasing reliance on digital spending and help serve the needs of Irish businesses, whether just getting started with e-commerce or already a thriving business, PayPal is here to help.”

GoFundMe Now Allows Users to Fundraise For Charities in Ireland

GoFundMe is partnering with PayPal Giving Fund to allow users to send money directly to charities in Ireland for the first time.

Kind-hearted campaign organisers can now send  money directly and securely to charities – without having to lift a finger. Instead money will be safely delivered to organisations, using best-in-class technology, by GoFundMe’s partnership with PayPal Giving Fund Ireland.

GoFundMe first launched in Ireland in 2017 and since then millions of Euros have been raised for worthy causes. Ireland has been the most generous country in the world on the GoFundMe platform for three consecutive years.

With the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic to Ireland nearly two years ago thousands of campaigns were set-up to support Covid related causes, with more than 500,000 donations. Overall, more than 5 euros was donated for every person in Ireland as part of the response to the covid crisis.

John Coventry, Senior International Director, GoFundMe said “The past year has been tough for charities that have missed out on their traditional fundraising activity due to lockdowns and we hope launching charity fundraising will support them in developing their online fundraising activity.”

“Ireland is consistently the most generous country in the world on GoFundMe and we know we will see that continue with the power of GoFundMe unlocked for charity fundraising.

“This is just the beginning. We have more features planned to help charities connect with their users.”

Vanessa Babouram, Vice-President PayPal Giving Fund Ireland & UK  said:  “At PayPal Giving Fund, we’re delighted to extend our partnership with GoFundMe to Ireland in line with our mission to inspire a new wave of philanthropy and make giving a part of everyday life.”  

To get started off fundraisers need to follow these easy steps to start a charity campaign.

  1. Sign up and click ‘for a charity’
  2. Click start a campaign and choose ‘for a charity’
  3. Pick a Goal
  4. Tell your campaign story
    • What will the funds be used for?
    • How are you connected to the cause?
    • How will the donations raised aid you or help others?
    • Why does the recipient need this donation?
  5. Share your campaign with your friends and family and start raising money!

PayPal study shows Irish people will spend 33% more on Christmas gifts this year

With Christmas fast approaching, PayPal’s Gifting and Giving 2021 study – involving over 1,000 Irish consumers – shows that Irish people are planning to spend 33 per cent more2 on Christmas gifts this year.

Compared to Christmas 2020, where the average spend on Christmas gifts was €541, those polled in Ireland plan to spend an average of €721 on gifts this Christmas. As for the most generous counties, these were revealed as Offaly (€1,004), Kildare (€928), Sligo (€890), Tipperary (€888) and Clare (€843).

 No Late Late Shoppers

It seems the majority of respondents aren’t hanging around either when it comes to ticking items off their list, with 32 per cent having a head start and finished with their Christmas shopping by the end of November. Furthermore, a quarter (25%) expect to have theirs completed by this first week in December.

However, a fifth (20%) of Christmas shoppers did admit that they usually leave their shopping until the last minute. Men are more prone to this than women with 30 per cent of male respondents leaving shopping to the last minute, compared to just 17 per cent of female respondents.

When it comes to how people are shopping, over half (53%) of Irish consumers Christmas shopping this year are doing more of their Christmas shopping online in order to avoid crowds. Meanwhile some 37 per cent plan to head into stores during quiet times for the same reason and almost a fifth (17%) intend to buy fewer physical gifts as a result of COVID-19.

Christmas with a COVID twist

The pandemic is causing some consumers a concern with 31 per cent worried about presents not arriving in time due to supply chain issues. Another main worry is that lockdown restrictions could prevent people from celebrating with family and friends in person (52%).

On a more positive note, 38 per cent of Irish people agree that it feels like Christmas will be back to normal this year and 56% of Christmas hosts are not anxious about hosting people over the holidays. Although, more than half (57%) of Christmas hosts said they will only invite double vaccinated guests for celebrations at home.

The Gift of Giving

The PayPal study also revealed that more than a third of Irish people (38%) say the pandemic has caused them to be more generous with their time and money in relation to charitable causes, with 92 per cent saying they donated to charity by giving money, donating items, offering raffle prizes or giving to a food bank.

According to the research, Irish people donate an average of €87 a year to causes dear to their hearts. Based on donations during the average year, the most generous givers are from Carlow (€178), Wicklow (€106), Sligo (€103), Meath (€102) and Wexford (€100).

Speaking about the findings, Maeve Dorman, Senior Vice President at PayPal, commented: “It’s that magical time of the year when people want to give back to their loved ones and their communities. After all, being generous to others makes us feel good and – something that is ever more important these days – helps us stay connected. Irish people in particular are known for their generosity and thoughtfulness, so it’s not surprising that they are going above and beyond this year when it comes to buying gifts for family and friends, and making donations to causes they care about.”

“At PayPal, we want to make it easy to support charities this Christmas and beyond, which is where ‘Give At Checkout’ comes in. It enables people to add a micro donation when they shop online with PayPal.”

‘Give at Checkout’ allows people to make micro donations of €1 when they do their Christmas shopping online with PayPal by selecting their favourite charity on this website or via the mobile app.

The Rise In Popularity of PayPal Casinos

PayPal is known throughout the world for making payment processes easier, quicker and more secure. 

Everything from music and entertainment to your local food shopping can be paid for using the online system. 

Casinos also find that PayPal is a valuable resource to ensure top service for customers. Online casinos like NZ online casino are popular due to being safer and more reliable. 

To find out how to experience PayPal casinos go to toponlinecasinos.co.uk. 

Why are PayPal Casinos so Popular? 

Online casinos have seen a motoric rise in popularity in recent years. The consistent growth of PayPal as a payment system making online purchases and deposits more convenient has been a significant part of this.

The online casino industry and PayPal are both significant winners in the online revolution of the last two decades. PayPal has seen rapid growth and is now recognised as the market leader in online payments. 

A valuable reason why PayPal casinos are so popular is the reassurance of a famous brand name. PayPal has built up loyalty in its users over the years. The sight of a famous brand name for financial transactions in the gaming sector builds trust and conviction. 

When users consider playing on an online casino platform, it is only natural that they will consider all the options. Many providers have found that PayPal is an effective solution for purchasing games and adding money to their account. 

The reasons for PayPal’s success are simple. 

Firstly, it is quick – all transactions, both deposits and withdrawals are made instantly. Players playing casino games can be assured that they can gain access to any winnings instantly. This is a major reason why players keen on playing casino games such as poker will be keen on accessing PayPal enabled services. 

Secondly, the system is straightforward and easy to use. The system is well known for its efficiency and has a long history of handling online payments. People looking to withdraw or deposit funds can do so quickly and easily. 

Most important of all, the security detailing of PayPal is extremely effective. Players on online casino sites are assured that their information is tightly looked after. The strongest levels of security including password protection are a major part of PayPal’s duty of service. 

PayPal is also favoured by the majority of online casino players because it does not charge excessive fees to its users. 

Online casino players who look for casinos using PayPal as a payment system will also experience the benefit of having an account.

The flexible system allows transactions for a whole range of services. By signing up for one, an account holder also has the option of using all of PayPal’s other ways to pay for goods and services. 

For all of these reasons, PayPal is widely regarded as the most trusted online payment system of all. 

The Popularity of Online Casinos

People keen to play casino games have turned to online platforms for many reasons over the last decade. 

A strong reason for playing in an online environment over a ‘bricks and mortar’ casino is convenience. 

Online gamers can play whenever and wherever they want. This user-friendly option means they no longer have to wait for when the physical casino opens to play favourite games.

The online world is 24/7, and casino game developers have more than made the most of this.

Another huge shift in the online world that has affected every industry is the rise in the popularity of smartphones and mobile devices. Gamers can now use PayPal enabled online casinos on their devices wherever they are.

This aspect is another key development in the industry. It has made developers keenly aware of ensuring correct coding for the devices so that games are brought out in full resolution and proper size.

Security is always a major concern with any financial transactions or casino play. Online providers, particular ones that use PayPal, are often considered safer than physical casinos. This can be attributed to the fact that winnings are quickly transferred to an account, rather than withdrawals and deposits taking place in a physical environment. 

An online gaming system also makes it easier for players to manage their funds and how much they are playing. Players can be reassured with the easy-to-use payment system of PayPal backing up a secure and considered approach to casino play. 

The Future of Online Casinos and PayPal

Many believe that PayPal will continue in its role as the most valued and reliable system of payment processing in same day withdrawal online casinos Online casino players will always seek reliable ways to handle their money securely. 

As online casino play becomes ever more popular, the solid relationship between PayPal and the online gaming market looks set.

The reasons are clear – gamers need a reliable, secure and easy to use payment system when using online casinos. PayPal offers all of this in a trusted and valued format.

PayPal study reveals 88% of Irish online shoppers bought from international websites over the last year. #PayPal

New research[1] from PayPal reveals that 88% of Irish consumers who shop online bought something from a website outside of Ireland over the last year.

The study, conducted by Censuswide and involving more than 1,000 consumers in Ireland, found that almost four in five (78%) of those who bought from websites outside of Ireland spent with UK retailers during this time.

Some 43% bought from websites based in Europe, while 38% spent with websites based in China and more than a fifth (21%) purchased goods via websites in the US.

On average, those who shop online spent €385[2] with retailers outside of Ireland in the last year. This amount was higher than the average amount spent by respondents via Irish websites during the same period, which was €357 on average.

The top three reasons as to why people bought from a website outside of Ireland were cited as better pricing (65%), more choice (51%), and greater availability (46%). Meanwhile, the top drivers for online shopping in Ireland were found to be faster delivery (48%) and supporting local businesses (44%).

Moreover, the survey revealed that over half (56%) of Irish consumers expect to buy more products than before from international retailers over the next year.

Joachim Goyvaerts, director of Benelux and Ireland for PayPal, said: “Our research shows that the demand for online shopping has never been greater and that many people are eager to support the local businesses they know and love.

“As a result of the pandemic and recurring lockdowns, it is no longer just important but absolutely necessary that Irish businesses provide a digital offering. Of course, they shouldn’t look at this as a short-term investment because the growing dominance of online shopping won′t ease – even when restrictions do.

“Irish retailers are known for the quality of their products, and currently there’s a huge opportunity to attract more customers and grow sales – especially as consumers, both at home and abroad, seek out more choice and convenience in a post-Brexit world. However, in order to take full advantage, it’s essential that businesses fully embrace the digital commerce revolution.”

[1] Statistics are drawn from a survey of 1,008 members of the general Irish population, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of PayPal in November 2020. All statistics are taken from this source, unless listed otherwise. All statistics refer to respondents from this survey who shop online.

[2] This total and the total relating to the average amount spent by respondents on Irish websites are annual totals – estimated by respondents for a 12-month period.

PayPal survey: One in four Irish people purchased online services for the first time during the pandemic. #PayPal

A new study from PayPal reveals that one in four Irish consumers used or bought online services for the first time during the pandemic. Furthermore, some 76% bought products online during this period.

The study, conducted by Ipsos and involving 2,000 consumers in Ireland, found that a third (33%) of people plan to buy more products or services online going forward, compared to before COVID-19. Over half (51%) said they can buy everything online without any issues.

In terms of the most popular services purchased by Irish consumers, call/video call services took the top spot, followed by video on-demand subscriptions and music subscriptions. The most popular online product purchased during lockdown was clothing/shoes/accessories.

Some 86% of Irish consumers found benefits to buying online during the COVID-19 crisis. Home delivery availability was cited as the biggest advantage with almost two thirds (64%) of respondents selecting it. More than half (59%) cited no queues as a main benefit.

Access to shops and products from home and online being the only option to get the desired products were also among the top benefits, each being cited by 39% of people. Meanwhile, 21% of respondents said payment security was a main advantage.

Moreover, the survey found that a 59% of Irish consumers purchased something from abroad since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maeve Dorman, VP Merchant Operations, PayPal EMEA

Maeve Dorman, VP Merchant Operations, PayPal EMEA, said: “Understandably, there has been a huge shift toward online purchasing in recent months, and our research shows that this will be a permanent change for a lot of people in Ireland. Digital has become the new normal for buying both goods and, increasingly, services – as well as many consumers buying online for the first time, there are those who have completely changed their behaviours when it comes to purchasing as a result of the pandemic.

“COVID-19 has clearly accelerated the evolution of commerce in Ireland, with people turning to online shopping and digital payments rather than the traditional cash and in-store experience. As a result of this growing preference for the convenience associated with online purchasing, many are also buying from international sellers.

“Irish businesses need to step up and ensure that they are able to deliver an online offering equipped with a simple checkout process and secure payment options, otherwise they will fail to capitalise on the opportunity during what is already an extremely challenging time. Having a digital platform is more important than ever in order to meet the growing domestic need for online access to products and services, and future-proof businesses by attracting building trust among existing and new customers. It also opens up a huge global opportunity for Irish businesses to grow at this time.”