Why Both PayPal Pay in 4 and Afterpay?
Both Afterpay and PayPal Pay in 4 spread payments over six weeks, in four equal payments of the order total — without any interest. Phelps Refinishing has offered Afterpay here since April, 2023, so why add the similar option, PayPal Pay in 4?
Three reasons:
You may have already established a good payment track record at PayPal, and not want to add yet another payment account.
You may want to have accounts at both Afterpay and PayPal, since some retailers only take one of these — or to spread your total payments over two accounts, since both have credit caps.
At first glance, the two extended payment options look the same. There are differences, though, which you might want to consider in choosing between the two.
Comparing PayPal Pay in 4 with Afterpay
It’s true that both PayPal Pay in 4 and Afterpay break the order total into four interest-free payments of 25 percent, including the shipping charge.
When you place the order here using either option, you pay 25 percent of the order before it’s shipped. Then the following three payments are due every two weeks.
Both Afterpay and PayPal Pay in 4 offer an Android and iPhone app, and as soon as you open an account with either plan, you can use it at physical stores as well as online, at stores that accept it. And of course you can sign up for both plans if you so choose.
Both Pay in 4 options can enable you to order Fuji Spray systems, spray guns, parts and accessories, 3M PPS 2.0 products — basically everything on the Phelps Refinishing website except for gift cards and products that cost more than $1500. (For those, you’d need PayPal Credit, for interest-free payments spread over 6 months.)
The reason I offer these options is because, having been a professional cabinet maker myself for decades, I understand short term cash flow problems. For you, often extended payment programs that charge you no interest can be a better choice than credit cards. This works for me too, because I get paid the full order amount as usual.
Caveat: Be careful of over extension.
Because I care about each customer, I want to give you only good advice. So I offer extended payments to be of service with cash flow problems, not to tempt you to buy equipment you can’t afford. You can always consult me about the best products that will help you do the spraying projects you want to do, within your budget.
Of course, despite the best plans, dire events and circumstances can come up. Both Afterpay and PayPal offer hardship exceptions.
Pros and Cons of AfterPay Pay in 4
AfterPay Pros:
Covers transactions up to $1500 but total amount charged at Afterpay at any one time can be $2,000 or more
No minimum order
10 day grace period for late payments
AfterPay Cons:
Late fees
Interest if late
No discount offered on first use
No purchase protection
Founded in 2014 in Australia, available in U.S. only since 2018.
PayPal Pay in 4 Pros:
No late fees
No interest if late
At first use, may offer a discount on the total order
Purchase protection
PayPal has been in business since 1998 (though has gone through many changes.)
PayPal Pay in 4 cons
Minimum total order amount $30
Maximum order amount $1500
(Orders over $1500 are eligible for PayPal Credit — no interest for 6 months — but this requires a full credit check when placing the order.
Printable Comparison Chart — AfterPay, PayPal Pay in 4, PayPal Credit
This chart provides more details, and includes PayPal Credit (interest-free over six months) as well as Afterpay and PayPal Pay in 4.
Below the chart, you’ll also find links to the terms at the company’s websites.
You can view and also download the chart.
You might also be interested in my article on the Ordering Process here, which breaks the order process down, step by step — taking the mystery out of what you’ll be asked next..
I’m here to be of service to you — feel free to contact me
My aim is perfect customer service, so if you have any questions or problems, please do email me, or text or call. I’m the one who answers the phone, M - F, 9-5 CT.
Happy spraying!
Roger Phelps, Owner