posted on October 28, 2000 09:56:36 PMpsalms139: There is a software store where I no longer buy anything. I walked in one day and attempted to pay for a game with a check (which they had taken in the past) and was told they no longer took checks, because of too many bad checks. I turned around and walked out, leaving the software on the counter. I have been back twice and asked if they have started taking check sagain. They don't, I don't buy there.
If a store (or ebay seller) doesn't want to take my check because I have given them a bad check, that is fine with me. But, if they don't want to take my check because other people have passed bad checks, then they are making a judgement on me based on other peoples actions. NO SALE. I have to judge a seller by there feedback. At least the seller could do is judge me the same way.
I never ask a seller to change their TOS after the auction closes, but treating you buyers like slow children is RUDE.
forhope: you asked for an opinion, that is what I gave, and honest opinion. Just because you don't like the opinion or don't agree is no reason to bent out of shape. I do NOT sell, I am a buyer only, I explained exactly how I would have taken you email. It may not have been how you intended it, but from the information given I think your response was the RUDE response.
Here second email was not the most appropriate way to responde, but after your response, I might have gotten ticked off also.
Greg
P.S. Please note, that I have never seen the actual TOS for forhope's auctions, but I stand by my opinion with what has been presented here.
posted on October 28, 2000 10:20:03 PM
I live in a fairly small town, there are about 5 gas stations competing for business on this one main drag. One in particular has a drive thru and if there are three cars in line people come out to your car and ask what you need. Another has the most friendly people you'd ever want to ring you up.
There is this one tho, I got a full tank and walked in to pay...pulled out my check book, wrote a check and the cashier proceeded to pull out a ink pad and asked me to thumbprint my check. I was upset to say the least, but I had the gas so had to do it. I asked if I may have something to wipe the ink and she told me that there was soap in the restroom. I was pissed. I have never been back. The place went dead and changed owners painted the outside. So, I used the phone outside a couple weeks ago and a HUGE sign on the door says they will not accept ANY checks.
They will be closing soon. Why? Because in a town of 20 gas stations they are the only ones who tell their customers even before they open the door that they don't trust them.
[ edited by kitsch1 on Oct 28, 2000 10:22 PM ]
posted on October 28, 2000 10:43:02 PM
forhope: The problem here is not your No-checks-under-any-circumstances TOS. The problem is that you believe this is fair to everyone and therefore not a personal indictment of any one persons honesty. And you assume it is easy for everyone to use one of your other payment options. Neither of these assumptions might be true.
The bidder took your response to her request that you make an exception, personally. That is human nature. When you say you have had numerous bad experiences you imply nothing can convince you that you won't have another one with her check, or any check. As you were only communicating with her at that point, who do you think she thought you were calling untrustworthy?
You are right in that she should have contacted you before the auction ended. You are right that she shouldn't have bid. But people do take it personally that you do not trust them enough to accept their check. Rather than being combative and strident and angry about it, you could be nice, appologetic, and still be firm. You are entitled to be suspicious of everyone's check. But try to accept the fact that it is affecting others in a way you may not intend and/or can't understand and move on.
posted on October 28, 2000 11:11:39 PM
I have the same problem buyers wanting to pay by check, In my auctions it states that I only accept money orders, exchangepath and Paypal. I try to be friendly with them and let them know that I do not have a local bank and cannot get checks cashed,( I use xcom) I give them the option of useing achex if they want to pay by echeck, or if it is a low dollar amount letting them pay with postage stamps ( I sell on halfcom and they always come in handy for shipping books off with out haveing to go to the post office.
posted on October 29, 2000 01:04:36 AM
forhope: Relax, you’re getting too worked up. They just asked if you would take a check and noted their rating from other sellers. Just politely respond and, no thank you it must be a money order.
It may seem like its more because you are both sending an email each time, but its really just one or two questions.
What if you were at a cashier in a department store and asked them "do you take a check" and they said "Hell no! Don’t you see the little sign on the counter under your face!"
This is the last time I will bid on your items.
That’s exactly how I would probably reply to the cashier. Sorry, I didn’t see the sign, here is my Master Card for you and I won’t be back to bother you with my annoying questions any more.
Just remember these are real people and they are "your" customers. You work hard to get these sales I’m sure, so treat every successful auction as just that, successful. If you’ve been burned in the past I understand, but treat each new customer as just that "new".
Plus, you never know who you’re dealing with, I’ve have a millionaire customer at my B&M store and he regularly walks in with jeans on.
Its twice as hard to get a "new" customer as it is to retain a current customer. If someone starts asking a bunch of questions, wants special treatment or becomes annoying, just be short, polite and move on, just like you would if it were face to face in a store.
If you want to get mad, get real mad and write a new promotional email for your current customers
(include all your terms and "no exceptions" in bold of course)
With all due respect sales on eBay is absolutly nothing like sales in a small town.
"...in a town of 20 gas stations they
are the only ones who tell
their customers even before they
open the door that they don't trust
them".
I understand that and agree with you about being upset or "pissed" when fingerprinted when paying with a personal check, especially in a smaller community where business owners are much more likely to get to know the people they do business with on a regular basis.
How can this compare to a place such as eBay that has hundreds of thousands (??) of people bidding on and winning auctions that selllers will never ever meet or get to know let alone trust. I believe trust is something that is earned, not freely given to strangers.
Where I live when one wants to cash a check, having to put a thumbprint on checks is commonplace. I suggest getting used to this practice because it is used more and more often these days. BTW I live in a very small farming town in Idaho, not in NYC or LA.
I agree with the posters when they stated that the lady had no business placing a bid on the auction if she did not agree with the terms. If there was a big sign on the door of the gas station that read, " WE DO NOT ACCEPT CHECKS" would you fill up your vehicle and try to convince them to let you pay with a check? OR Wouldn't you simply drive elsewhere to fill up with gas?
The winner of FORHOPE's auction should have kept on driving until she found an auction with terms she could accept.
posted on October 29, 2000 08:07:55 AMours4you: I might ask before the sale, if I have no other easy way to pay. If they politly said no, I would look elsewhere. If they said, "No, can't you read, we get too many bad checks so we won't take yours", then I would leave. I would also tell all of my friends and neighbors never to use that station because they are RUDE.
I don't agree. The buyer's first email, asking about the possibility of
check acceptance was very courteous. But then, after receiving
the personal attack email from the seller she was understandably on
the defensive.
And where is there a store that does not take checks?
posted on October 29, 2000 08:55:30 AMForhope: This bidder CLEARLY is in the wrong. If she didn't like your terms, she shouldn't have placed her bid. End of story.
HJW: There are SEVERAL stores that don't take checks. Many of the $1 stores don't accept checks, "Family Dollar" doesn't take CREDIT CARDS - every store is different and is entitled to their own policies.
posted on October 29, 2000 10:06:45 AM
I agree with ONSALE....the bidder CLEARLY is in the wrong. If she did not like the terms...then she should have not placed a bid!
HJW: You do not have to agree with me. I will stand firm on what I believe.
Forhopes post was not attacking this buyer. Some just didn't like the fact that this seller was standing firm on her policy.
I have been to numerous stores where there are NO CHECK policy's in place........NUMEROUS!
I have also been to restaurants, movie theaters, beauty salons, bowling lanes, gas stations and more, that do NOT take Checks and they do an outstanding business!
It is their business how they want to run it. These businesses that I mention above, are doing well because they have a great product or service.
The reason why they won't take a personal check is their business....but some of them I remember USE to take checks and now won't due to receiving several bounced checks.
Sad, but there are a few bad apples that ruin the barrel.
posted on October 29, 2000 10:39:44 AM
Here's the difference: knowing that some places don't accept checks, or debit cards (plain ATM's), or whatever, if I don't have cash on hand and I'm in a store I'm not sure of or a place that is new to me or very "small", I ask what they take BEFORE FILLING UP MY CART and letting them ring up my purchases. It would be rude of me to ask at the checkout with a cart full of stuff, causing the store time and effort to put my stuff back, and to have to clear the overring on the register when I walked out because they didn't take my payment method. If there was a sign clearly stating no checks or whatever, I would NOT ask them to make an exception for me. How egotistical.
There is a thrift store I sometimes go to that has a sign up that large bags and packages must be left at the counter before you enter the store. At first I was insulted by this, then I thought about it: they are in a "bad" sort of town, they have to protect themselves. It's a shame that it's that way, but it's a fact of life for them. So I make sure when I go in there that I only carry my keys and my wallet, because I don't really trust anyone with my bag, but I don't stop shopping there because of their policy. I don't *take their policy personally*. Sure, *I* know I would never steal something but why should I expect them to know me from Adam?
I take checks for my auctions, but I "discourage" them by stating a fairly lengthy holding period because I really don't like taking the risk. I beleive it is a much bigger risk for an individual eBay seller to take a check than it is for, say, the Exxon station on the corner. I don't have the resources to 'chase after' someone if they bounce a check and don't make good on it, like a larger company or local store does. I don't have the money to 'eat' the cost of a bounced check.
I recently bid on and won an auction where the seller stated she accepts checks, money orders, and PayPal. I wrote her after the auction to ask if she might consider Exchange Path, because I am uncomfortable with using PayPal if I don't have to. I also reiterated the fact that I was just curious and if she didn't want to try Exchange Path then I would SURELY understand and I'd send a m.o. right away. I let her know I did NOT expect her to take EP because I'd asked, and I was only asking becasue I thought she might not have heard of it. There was not a "NO EXCHANGE PATH" statement in her auctions, and if there had been I NEVER would have asked.
Turns out she was glad to hear of a new service and was perfectly fine with my proposal, but had she said "no", I wouldn't have taken it personally and I would have paid promptly via one of her listed acceptable methods. Anything else would be rude.
My grandmother is one of those people who thinks EVERYONE takes checks and she's forever trying to force people to take hers. I think it's horrible and it embarrasses the heck out of me when she does it and I'm with her.
The only stores I've "sworn off" and will no longer return to are those where I've been treated rudely, those where there was no one to ask for help when I needed it, and the one used CD chain store that wouldn't let my 5 year old use the bathroom when I was pregnant with my second child, though they did not have a "no public restrooms" sign up anywhere, and he was obviously about to wet himself. I told them that if their customers weren't good enough to use their bathroom, then their money must not be good enough either. Hmph.
Sheri
[email protected]
[ edited by BlackCoffeeBlues on Oct 29, 2000 10:42 AM ]
posted on October 29, 2000 11:12:57 AM
WHOW!!!!!!
"INSISTING", "BEGGING AFTER THE FACT", "CHANGE SELLERS TERMS", "NOT COMPLYING".
No wonder you gave her a snotty reply if you read ALL THAT into her e-mail.
You have a bad attitude and it ruins it for us that like to conduct our business in the way that we treat each and every CUSTOMER like GOLD until they prove otherwise.
By the way I TAKE ANY FORM OF PAYMENT, I'm on eBay to sell not belittle the buyers and scare them off with RIDGID terms.
Out of over 1000 transactions NOT EVEN ONE check has bounced(knock wood).
.
edited for packer by packer!!
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Feeling my AGE today! ...
posted on October 29, 2000 11:27:56 AMI agree with the posters when they stated that the lady had no business placing a bid on the auction if she did not agree with the terms. If there was a big sign on the door of the gas station that read, " WE DO NOT ACCEPT CHECKS" would you fill up your vehicle and try to convince them to let you pay with a check? OR Wouldn't you simply drive elsewhere to fill up with gas?
No, I would fill up, walk in and say "I saw your sign about not accepting checks. But I would appreciate it very much if you would make an exception."
I have done this several times. Sometimes they say ok. I whip out my checkbook and write the check. Ring up one more happy REPEAT customer.
Sometimes they politely say no. No biggie. I open my wallet and pay cash. Ring up one more happy REPEAT customer. Why? Because I knew what their policy was before I walked in. I just asked for an exception. If they politely say no, I'm sorry, that is fine. If they RUDELY say NO WAY! I won't go back. I think this is what happened with your bidder. There was no need to be rude and condescending. Just a simple "I can't accept your check. I'm very sorry" would have sufficed.
posted on October 29, 2000 11:43:46 AM
Well, I think that everybody should relax. There will be bidders who
don't read your tos. It will happen again and again. Especially if
you don't take a form of payment that is universally accepted such as
a check.
If you don't take checks, you should anticipate these questions and
reply with a courteous answer. That should not be so difficult.
posted on October 29, 2000 11:45:32 AMtomwiii: LOL! Love it!
Thank you everyone for your input. I did email her back and explained to her that I was not suggesting that HER check would bounce - and that it's just my policy for everyone - no matter what the feedback. It's just my policy.
She has just responded:
You were right I did not read the terms.It just is I am so busy during the week and it is very inconvient to get a money order.I am so sorry for being rude to you and I will send the money order next Saturday.
So, I now know I did the right thing and handled it correctly. I feel much better now, knowing I can put this issue to rest!
posted on October 29, 2000 11:59:54 AM
GISI: Yes, you would ask BEFORE the sale, not after.
TOMWIII: funny, funny, funny! Can't tell you how many times I would love to be bold enough to use that repy in regards to the over-asked inquiry,
"Why don't ya take Paypal, hu, hu, hu?? Please just click on my name, please, please please, I will give ya my first born, pllluuuzeeee!"
Love the morons who can't read the big bold letters that read, " I DO NOT ACCEPT PAYPAL, SO PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL ME AFTER BIDDING OR WINNING MY AUCTION AND ASK ME TO TAKE PAYPAL. THANK YOU"
I have responded to previous inquiries (about accepting checks) just about the same way. 99% have responded saying "no problem, I'll send a Money Order". And the transactions are smooth from then on.
I *NEVER* treated her as if she was a "moron". My auction stated CLEARLY no checks. She bid, she won. She THEN asked if she could pay by check. I explained to her NO and why I can't accept a check. She gets rude & defensive. I explain to her again why I can't take a check and explain to her that it's nothing personal, that my policy is the same for everyone. She then apologizes for being rude and says she'll send a MO.
No harm done. Transaction will proceed peacefully.
Yes, I read all the posts here. Many were on my side. Why judge us as "hopeless" just because we don't agree with you? You posted your opinion, and move on. I am not obligated to ACCEPT your opinion. I disagree with you - but I will not fall to your level and start name calling. We are all adults here - so let's act like it.
Oh, and one more thing. Just because we post something on this board about a problem we are having - does NOT mean we need a "Break"! I've noticed certain poster's responses to everything is "take a break".
posted on October 29, 2000 02:36:20 PM
FORHOPE said:
My auction clearly states that I do not accept checks whatsoever. I have had way too many problems with personal checks - even from bidders with very high feedback ratings!
If you had a problem paying with one of my methods of payment stated in my auction, I feel you should have contacted me prior to bidding and asked if I would have taken a check so you could have decided wether or not to bid on the item.
I offer SEVERAL different payment methods, please use one of the methods stated in my auction or in my email to you. I cannot accept a check.
BUYER SAID:
Since you do not trust me I will send a money order on Sat.11/04/00.This is the last time I will bid on your items.My personal integrity should never be questioned by anyone,especially you.
Excuse me, but some of you actually think forhope was rude???? You think the buyer was NOT??? Is it 'upside down' day and nobody told me?
__________________
I have a memory like a steel trap .. unfortunately it's rusted shut!
I just want to clarify my position. I have judged nobody as "hopeless".
I feel that a possible solution of the problem is hopeless. You obviously
feel very strongly that you are right. But has the problem that you
addressed with this thread been resolved. If so, how?
And I have called nobody a name. What do you mean by "name calling?"
I have focused my answers entirely on the problem and not on you
or any other individual.
posted on October 29, 2000 04:50:01 PM
why on earth would someone get offended when someone else who has no freakin' idea who they are or what they might be up to questions their integrity? A seller would be a fool NOT to! Don't buyers THINK??? They could be more honest than Abe Lincoln but the seller has no idea of that. He/She could also be a complete scam artist. Scam artists are the first to scream about integrity and "being insulted because you questioned me", I've noticed.
I've been in customer service forever and I'm ALWAYS polite to my customers. Not trusting someone with your life, your firstborn or your checkbook has nothing to do with whether you're polite or not, IMHO. I make a point to be patient and explain my TOS. I've had little or no problem like the originator of the thread, thank goodness. So, polite, absolutely....But trusting their integrity? No way---not until it's proved to me. That's why I have certain safeguards----no checks unless over 50 positive feedback, or repeat buyers, for instance. Certainly not foolproof but it's been working just fine for me for the past year.
I'm sure I will get criticized by people claiming that it's negative and unpleasant to take such a harsh view of the customer---but come on now....if you really believed in your buyer's integrity, why don't you start sending the package FIRST, then waiting for the payment? After all, you believe in their integrity right?
posted on October 29, 2000 05:05:05 PM
Yes, as a matter of fact I have sent packages before payment was received.
If I have it addressed and ready to go and I get an e-mail from buyer that said payment went out today and there feedback reflects "fast pay" I take there package and mail it, just to get it out of my way. I have done that on several occasions. Haven't had a problem yet and they are alway grateful and apprecitive and they show it in the feedback they leave.
This nonsense of believing everyone is a crook until they prove their not is HOGWASH.
Thats why this country is in such disaray.
Everybody so busy watching their backs that they can't see the good infront of them!
Well I'm not going to let a few bad apples spoil my faith in the goodness of people.
.
edited for packer by packer!!
.
Feeling my AGE today! ...
I send my items out at the end of the auction before the payment
arrives. That is, when the buyer responds to my end of auction email
with their address. I do not delay delivery to wait for checks to
clear either. I've been doing this for a couple of years and haven't
had a single problem. All payments have been received and I've never
had a bad check.
And the answer to your last question is yes,
I believe in their integrity. I don't
operate as if I'm dealing with a bunch of
crooks. How can you have good customer
relations with that attitude?
posted on October 29, 2000 07:41:17 PM
I have GREAT relations with my customers. I've had very few problems, ever, along those lines. However, I do not trust my customers any more than I trust any person who is unknown to me. I take precautions---P.O. Box, clear the check first, etc. Are you saying that if we all trusted each other more our problems would go away? No, I don't believe that. Most people start out trusting and have EXPERIENCES that make them realize it's not such a good idea. Having been stalked by a stranger from the Internet, had my house burgled, been mugged, and been the victin of identity theft all in the past 6 years, no, I do not plan to trust my customers---who are simply strangers who have bought something from me. That in itself does not make them worthy of trust.
You seem to assume that not trusting someone is something to take offense at. Not so. I am always polite, but I also always rememeber that I don't know the person on the other side of the screen. Although they are most likely just ordinary folks, they also could be seriously untrustworthy, and therefore I do not treat them as I do a trusted friend. I treat them in a polite and friendly fashion stating my policies and my payment methods. Then I see what happens. If you want to send out packages before money---be my guest! I wouldn't do it. I wouldn't suggest anybody do it.
posted on October 29, 2000 08:13:31 PM
brightid868,
I'm certainly not suggesting that we should all become bossom buddies with everyone we deal with.
There are certain criterias that I look for before I run right to the PO before payment is made. It depends on how fast and friendly "their" reply is to me. And a quick check of their feedback can tell me how sincere they are.
All I'm saying is I try to see people as an honest person with honest intentions. I'm not going to conduct my business with the mindset that they are all criminals and out to get me. I treat people as I WANT TO BE TREATED.
99% of the time it comes back that way.
I'll never forget my very first transaction on e-bay. I bought a book that I wanted very badly. I bid and won. I have 0 feedback.
In my e-mail to the seller I thanked him ever so much for the opportunity to get this book.
This is no lie.... I went to the PO to buy my MO and the book had already arrived. I couldn't believe it. Well I went on to purchase many more books from him from his wifes collection.
I guess that very good first transaction set the way for me and my business conduct.
.
edited for packer by packer!!
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Feeling my AGE today! ...
