Over the growing concern in regards to this type of payment, I've been asked to post a message about them and SCF's stance on them.

As many members already know, there is an option on Paypal that allows you to send a gift to another member. This option waives all fees that would normally be incurred on a Paypal payment. While the intent of this is meant to be used for one person helping out another, it has turned into a way for sellers to avoid fees. The big item that gets overlooked is that by sending a gift payment, the buyer loses any recourse through Paypal to get the funds returned if the purchased items are not received. This is important as it comes down to Buyer Beware.

SCF will not abolish the practice of asking for a gift payment when a sale is conducted as this is a private agreement between two parties. However, it is something that must be agreed upon by both parties before confirming a deal.

SCF will handle any and all disputes that should arise from a seller not sending their end of the deal. Sellers will be suspended from the site (possibly banned) should this take place until the issue is resolved. This is retroactive to any deal made in this fashion.

If you do not feel comfortable in any way about using the gift payment option, best thing to do is decline the deal. If a seller makes it a requirement after the deal has been posted, you will be permitted to decline/back out of the deal without any consequences if you do not agree to pay in this fashion.