Paypal has become a nightmare for sellers / businesses. Not including the high cost (7% or more in fees and expenses for overseas transactions / USA to overseas)
Based on their revamped policies and gestapo operations methods, sellers have little recourse when a buyer files a claim. The system has been exploited by people who know that paypal will side with a buyer. Impatient buyers who pay for a regular / low cost shipping method which takes several weeks for customs clearance, etc, now file 'item paid for / not received' claims against the seller. They are aware that paypal only accepts proof of shipment with Fed Ex or Express mail - both services would cost around $75 for my book, for example. The cost of the item must be noted, and that causes the buyer to have to payVAT taxes, custom fees, etc. on top of the shipping cost.
No other method with any purchased "confirmation" is recognized, not even registered mail. Therefore, paypal will automatically refund the buyer's payment, with the buyer getting the item eventually. The seller loses out the item, and the cash. I really do not think too many people would return the payment to the seller when the item later arrives.
Every person or business that I know who use paypal has their own horror story - fraud chargebacks, funds being put on hold for days or months - not good when you have a lot of business $$$ in your account, money that is yours but you cannot access it until paypal lifts the hold, which seems to be whenever they feel like doing it.
Paypal does not operate under banking regulations, so they are free to operate as they wish, part of the agreement you make when you sign up with them. And they also know buyers prefer their services (you do not need a credit card and service is free). Thus, a monopoly which will not change anytime soon.
If I am forced to use them, I will, but I am holding out for other options. They are the reason I stopped selling 45s on ebay. (as well as ebay's "play our way" policies).
As for pre-orders, I cannot use paypal whether I want to or not - items have to be in stock and ready to ship for paypal to be a valid payment option. I cannot do preorders - they will hold your money indefinitely, and then, there are the people out there who will file "I didn't get my book yet" claims after a week, knowing full well I do not have the books yet.
That is why I note on the PDF for the book that if you reside overseas, can obtain a bank check or money order, and don't mind paying the priority mail shipping costs, feel free to order now.
Otherwise, hang on for a few weeks until I get the books and can arrange other electronic payment options.