But that turned out to be the start of a payments process problem, simple to solve but outside of its control, that threatened to scupper its sales lifeline. Founded by author and finance expert Terence O’Halloran 48 years ago, the company has built a popular following for its down-to-earth works about money and life planning – and had high hopes for this winter’s peak buying season.

If you’ve been affected by this issue or feel you’ve been a victim of injustice, please contact consumer champion Maisha Frost on maisha.frost@express.co.uk

PayPal has been handling its transactions through its www.lifepublications.co.uk for over a decade. “With never a problem before this, but now it’s chaotic,” Terence told Crusader after finding the processing giant had suspended its service to the business without warning.

Three months of frustrating administration stalemate spurred him to get in touch, he explained.

“A customer first alerted me when he could not pay. Fearing it was our failing, I got the IT company that helps me to investigate. Having spent hundreds of pounds it became obvious this was not our fault.”

In a routine compliance update move, Terence had been asked by PayPal to supply company details. When he had tried as instructed he was blocked by a blank screen, he claims.

“I sent screenshots and had several long and involved conversations with the call centre who promised a resolution to no avail, then I spoke to its other call centres but I got no sense that a remedy was imminent.”

Losing sales was infuriating, but the hardest part for Terence he says was the fact that all the company details about Life that were required were openly available under its listing on Companies House. 

“I could find another payments processor,” he added, “but PayPal is convenient, quick, trusted by customers and like other small business owners I never have enough time. Also I have not done anything wrong. I just need someone to understand and help.”

And that has happened after Crusader took up the issue with PayPal. It did not go into detail of what was the cause, but it confirmed it had done the fix needed.

Terence’s latest opus, Trolleybus Revolution – UK – about the public transport and the environmental changes underway, is making up for lost time and winging its way to buyers again. He is mightily relieved and as he says “Life is full of life again, thank you Crusader”.