What does prepayment mean?

The range of consumer goods has never been as great as it is today. But never before has a seller's risk of default on payment been as high as it is today. Sellers therefore usually insist on prepayment. However, other payment methods are also offered as alternatives, but you can only use them if you create the conditions for this.

Prepayment includes a leap of faith for the seller

• If you are to pay in advance, this means that the seller will only deliver the goods to you if you pay the invoice for the goods in advance. To do this, you must either transfer the invoice amount to the seller's current account or give him a direct debit authorization for your own current account.
• Another option is to use a credit card to pay the bill. The seller then debits the invoice amount from your credit card account or giro account via your credit card. Payment is made within seconds.
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Advance payment means risk

• If you pay in advance, you of course run the risk that you pay but the seller does not deliver the goods. You can try to minimize this risk by researching the seller as much as possible and trying to assess his trustworthiness.
• When ordering on the Internet, you should pay attention to an informative imprint. If the seller only gives a mobile phone number or email address, he is violating his statutory information obligations and may try to conceal his identity. In these cases, prepayment means a great risk for you. You should exercise particular caution if the seller is based abroad. In the event of a complaint, it will be difficult for you to reach him and it will be even more difficult to hold him responsible.


Paying by invoice - advantages and disadvantages compared to other payment methods

Who does not know the problem: You have to choose a payment method for an internet order ...

• Be careful if you are presented with a supposedly cheap offer. Nobody has anything to give away. This is especially true for offers on the Internet.
• If you have a direct debit authorization, you still have the right to have it canceled by your bank within six weeks. You will then receive the amount withdrawn back into your account and reduce your risk.

Consider alternative payment methods

• The safest way instead of prepayment is the delivery of the goods against surname. You then pay for the goods when they are delivered by the postman, but you have to accept higher fees.
• You are also better off with a clearing account with a payment service provider. Payment is made within seconds. In the event of a complaint, you can expect support.
• Ideally, of course, you order on account. If you are a first-time customer with a seller, the seller will usually insist on prepayment. Otherwise, your creditworthiness will be checked by the seller, if you accept a Schufa clause, obtaining information about your previous payment history from Schufa or information. If negative information about you is stored there, the seller will insist on prepayment.