posted on July 9, 2001 09:45:45 PM new
I sold something last week for under $20. The buyer had great feedback (over 200), and I would have just sent when receiving payment. However, the buyer pointed out their feedback to me and said there was no need to wait on the check to clear. I'm now thinking I may just because she asked me to ship when I received payment. Then again, her reassuring me that the check is good may mean it won't be.
posted on July 10, 2001 05:11:29 AM new
all my items paid with a check are held for 14 days, except for those with check numbers over 4000 and good feedback. now thta goes for items under 100 bucks, over 100 and they ALL get held, regardless of Fb or check number.......if the person wants it to be sent immed. they should have paid with paypal or another type service
posted on July 10, 2001 05:20:57 AM new
I don't pay much attention to the numbers on the checks any more. We moved about a year ago from another state. When I went to the bank to open the checking account the clerk asked to at what number I'd like the checks to start. I chose 5000, so can anyone else.
I did choose a higher number because some stores won't take a check with less than 200-300 for a number.
Jay
posted on July 10, 2001 05:30:34 AM new
I would still ship.
You stated that you had planned on shipping out the item right away anyway, so what has changed? The buyers feedback was your basis for shipping without holding, correct?
That didn't change because they notified you.
I would guess that the buyer figures that good feedback is of value and just wanted to make sure that you noticed it.
For less than $20.00 I don't think that you're taking much of a chance.....IF they bounced the check it would cost THEM more than that amount!
As for check numbers......Jay is right. We just opened another checking account and started the numbers at 3,500.
most banks, from my experience will not start your checks at any number unless you have a past history with the bank.........i surveyed banks in my tiwn, 11 different ones, not 11 branches but 11 different banks, and i found that none would do that......at my current bank i was able to start at 1000 only because i made an issue out of it when they said no...ALSO there is usually a date near the name info on checks that give the month and year an account was opened so that info gives you a good idea if the number is inflated.......
posted on July 10, 2001 06:33:52 AM new
Yeah but, many of us that don't want to pay the bank $18 to $20 for a box of checks order them from another company and you can have whatever you want printed on those checks (for about 25% the cost of bank checks)...
posted on July 10, 2001 06:41:50 AM new
Because of this, I've never had a problem getting checks started at the next round number + 1. Since counting starts with 1, not zero, I would get 4501 as my start check. Remember 2001 is the START of the new century, millennium, etc.
But my policy is checks are held. Period. If they want immediacy, then they can take 15 minutes and go get a postal money order.
posted on July 10, 2001 06:44:16 AM new
Yes, I too get annoyed when people send me money, and then expect me to ship their item right out. Hmmmmm.
I have never held a check, even personal checks for $500-$750, and have only had 1 bounce in the past 4 years. In that case the buyer had a legit excuse & made good on it with an MO within 1 week.
For $20 I wouldn't give it a second of thought, let alone start a thread on AW.
Trust is a 2 way street. I trust that my customers funds will be good, and they trust that my merchandise will be exactly as described.
posted on July 10, 2001 06:46:42 AM new
That's exactly right, peiklk! There is nothing about the concept of accepting personal checks from strangers across the country that makes sense to me and I will only do it upon prior authorization, and I still don't like it!
kiawok, it's wonderful that it works for you to do business that way, but it isn't very nice to belittle others because they choose a different, and more REALISTIC, way!
[ edited by Triggerfish on Jul 10, 2001 06:51 AM ]
posted on July 10, 2001 07:19:19 AM new
Triggerfish - Belittle? Give me a break.
You mean that that holding personal checks, for under $20 is being REALISTIC?
This seller states "The buyer had great feedback (over 200) and I would have just sent when receiving payment"
Now, all of the sudden he/she does NOT trust the buyer because they let them know their checks are good? THIS is a reason to not trust your customer, and now decide to hold their check?
Good grief, I'm sure that customer will be back for more great service in the near future.
what would you start a thread for? I thought this was a PUBLIC forum, anyone can start a thread, but since you don't seem to think this thread is important enough, what IS an appropriate topic for which to start a thread?
Oh yeah, adn if this thread isn't important enough, 1) why did you read it, and 2)why did you post to it?
posted on July 10, 2001 07:31:21 AM new
If your policy is you don't ship until checks clear, then they have no reason to demand (which their request was a borderline demand) that the seller alter their policy in any way.
If the seller wants to make exceptions on their own, it is their call.
But yes. Even for under $20 -- even though they are going to pay more in bounce fees, accidents DO happen and my bank charges ME for returned items ($4, I believe).
I am not a large merchant who has the power to hunt down bad checkwriters or hire a service to do the same.
posted on July 10, 2001 07:38:41 AM new
Oh, I'm sorry, did jendiggy1 say that her TOS state she "does not ship until checks clear"?
I must have missed that?
cin131 - kinda hard to know what a thread is all about until one reads the opening post, wouldn't you agree?
FYI - a check can come back NSF after 30 days, so holding them for 10-14 days doesn't protect you 100% either. Also, many banks will NOT charge an NSF fee on the holder, you might want to check around?
posted on July 10, 2001 07:43:24 AM new
I've never encounted a bank here in Georgia that didn't charge a fee.
How can a check come back NSF after it's cleared???
Holding means the order is held until the check clears. Once it clears, it goes out. Could be 5 days, 10 days, whatever.
With the dawn of more national banks, it gets even easier. I can, if the amount is large enough, go to a local branch of their bank and just cash the thing and be done with it.
posted on July 10, 2001 07:43:54 AM new
In my area, I checked around all my local banks to compare rates, and ALL of them charge ME if I cash or deposit a check that bounces....and not just a small fee, either. I'm talking $20-26 PER BOUNCED CHECK.
So far, so good....haven't had any yet, and I've accepted checks for as long as I've been selling (about 1-1/2 years). The only checks I've bounced have been my OWN stupid mistakes. (Boy, you do that once or twice and you learn QUICK to double- and triple-check EVERYTHING before ripping a check out or writing the new balance in ink!)
But not everyone has the "luxury" of low NSF charges.
posted on July 10, 2001 07:57:12 AM new
Just a couple of points:
20.00 means different things to different people for an endless variety of reasons.
My bank charges 30.00 for returned checks. I have been fortunate that I've only had one bounce in 1 and 1/2 years and the buyer made good on check and my bank fees.
Before anyone recommends I find another bank, I don't think I should have to. My bank is in the grocery store; one less stop to make and has hours 7 days a week for transactions, safe well lit environment with after hour services. I reserve the right to hold checks til clear 10-14 days in my TOS, then I act on comfort levels as to when I ship within that time.
Lastly, I personally have about 350 positives and no negs, or neutral but have never felt it necessary to let the seller know what a trustworthy person I am.
posted on July 10, 2001 08:18:30 AM new
So the annoyance came over the assertion of the Buyer that it is ok to ship because her feedback is high? Why were you willing to ship before the Buyer wrote that her check is ok, but hesitant afterwards? Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
Perhaps the Buyer was just trying to give you assurance that his/her feedback speaks for itself and indicates a honest Buyer? I would think that the reassurance would bring you confidence in the Buyer vs. lead you down the trail of suspicion.
For whatever it is worth, in GA, some banks do not charge the holder of the check a NSF if they have certain types of accounts, e.g., my bank has the "Elite" or the "Gold" club checks based upon deposit amount with that bank. I do not get charged any NSF for checks I deposit. Writing a bad check would be another story; that you do get charged a whopping $22 fee for. Also, many banks offer "Business Accounts" protection on NSF check deposits made. The fees are waived but there is a service charge should you re-deposit that check again more than 2 times and it is returned.
Also, in GA banks, you can start your new checking account with whatever number you want. A high number is not a good indicator of a long-term customer of good standing.
To me, you have established TOS so you should stick by them. If there are exceptions to your rules, then make an exception when you feel it falls within that category of allowable. But to get "annoyed" & not ship when you normally would make one of those exceptions just because someone dares to point out that their feedback is good and therefore can be trusted---c'mon now.
Hmmm, wasn't there a thread about paranoid Sellers earlier this week?
[ edited by mitzee on Jul 10, 2001 08:21 AM ]
posted on July 10, 2001 08:28:55 AM new
I would think that if someone is going to risk getting bad feedback on eBay and a bad reputation with their bank for bouncing checks they would write one for a higher amount?
posted on July 10, 2001 08:31:10 AM new
This might just once again be the way people express themselves in email.
"There's no need to hold my check," does sound like the buyer is telling the seller how to run her business, and that would be offensive to many of us.
"If it's ok with you, I have pretty good feedback and would love it if you shipped when you got the check. If it's necessary to hold it, I totally understand," is a totally different way of putting almost the same thing.
I get many emails that seem very abrupt, and then I have to remind myself that not everyone types 65 wpm, and that just putting their address into an email correctly via hunt and peck might take a few minutes - let alone being all nice and pretty in the way they word things.
Just my two cents, and it might not even be worth that.
posted on July 10, 2001 08:43:58 AM new
mitzee ....... Finally someone who read the intiial post the way I did.
I've had numerous buyers who just assumed that if they sent me a personal check I would hold it for a 1-2 weeks. They were surprised when I told them that I seldom [never have so far] hold checks, and certainly wouldn't be holding theirs.
Most likely the reason the buyer in this case pointed out their feedback was to reassure the seller that they are a member in good standing on eBay. I certainly don't see any reason why this would annoy a seller?
And to the person that stated - "Holding means the order is held until the check clears".
My guess is that the vast majority of sellers that "hold" checks do NOT check on the status of the check with the issuing bank. They simply wait a week or so & then ship the item, which in reality doesn't amount to much with regards to NSF checks.
Many banks will run checks through a second time without the depositer even knowing what happened, unless it bounces a second time, which by then is usually long after the item has been shipped.
And if the person had sent an MO, do you think that would mean it's as good as money in the bank? Think again.
Most 7-11 type MO's can have a Stop Payment put on them with no problem whatsover.
Buyer has money back, has item in 1 week or less, seller has worthless MO, and is now out the merchandise & the money.
Of course this seldom takes place, BUT if you really want to be extra careful, it's probably best to accept Postal MO's Only [and check with the PO to make sure it isn't a stolen MO]
posted on July 10, 2001 09:02:58 AM new peikik Postal Money Orders are not convenient to many people; myself included. It is over a 35 minute drive from my home to the nearest Post Office (LOL, for that matter, to anything commercial!) When a Seller says he/she accepts a MO, most do not state ONLY Postal; rather a generic MO, which includes the 7-11 variety.
kiara Good point!! Less than $20 with a spotless feedback rating thus far...seems unlikely a bounce is in the making!
sadie999 I agree. Email remains uncomfortable for many--some use email but hate to type their thoughts--and many are so abrupt that their emails do not express themselves clearly. Besides, as the recipient of an email, how it is taken is often times up to my mood/attitude too! Good point.
kiawok Yes, I read the initial post same as you--and thought many of the same thoughts
posted on July 10, 2001 09:09:17 AM new
I would say that it is SOME, not MANY who are inconvenienced regarding the nearness of a post office. Regardless, that's probably not the only inconvenience in their life compared to those in more populated areas. And the tradeoffs are probably worth it -- living in a more rural area has its plusses.
I won't say I won't take a check. But it (the order) will be held. I said:
"If they want immediacy, then they can take 15 minutes and go get a postal money order."
So yes, it would take more than 15 minutes in your case. However, the initial condition still holds true. IF YOU WANT IMMEDIACY, then you can jump through the hoops to get it done -- not require the seller to change their policy.
posted on July 10, 2001 09:14:09 AM new
A new wrinkle in the "personal" check category are checks "written" on line. This is how I pay (when the seller doesn't accept Pay Pal) and the check is as good as a cashier's check because the bank deducts the funds from my account and escrows them (e.g., the bank makes money on my money) until the check is presented. The bank mails the check directly to the seller for me (no envelopes, stamps and trips to the mailbox for me) and puts the eBay item number, description and my name and address on the face of the check. But some inflexible sellers still hold the item for 10-14 days and they don't give a hoot about my feedback or my explanation about the nature of the check. Not something to get in a tizzy about ... more amusing to me than anything else.
Gerald
"Oh but it's so hard to live by the rules/I never could and still never do."
posted on July 10, 2001 09:14:16 AM new
Every check I have had bounce has taken between 21-25 days to be returned to me.
It is true that the deposit shows up in your account in a few days, but I guess by the time it takes the check itself to get back to the bank it was written on, they discover NSF and then forward it to your bank it takes all the extra time.
If you aren't going to hold a check for 3 weeks it really doesn't pay to hold it at all in my opinion.
On my auctions I do say "Checks may be held for clearance. "
posted on July 10, 2001 05:57:17 PM new
Okay, some of you must not think this topic was worthy to be printed but please consider the followint:
#1 I sell mostly low priced items. This was my second highest item I sold this month. While it may be nothing to some of you, it is enough for me to be concerned that I may not get paid.
#2 I say checks MAY be held. That way if I decide to hold a check for any reason, I can. Usually I don't.
#3 If I was buying something, I certainly wouldn't expect a seller to waive holding my check because I have 1200 feedback, if they want to ship right away, that's great, but I don't expect them to make ammenities for me just because of my feedback.
#4 In having garage sales over the years, usually the "my check is good" are the ones that bounce.
#5 I run my business the way *I* run it. If I want to ship a $20 item without holding a check, that is my decision. If I want to hold a check for $20, that is my decision. Sometimes I look at a check and just have a funny feeling they may bounce. In that case, I usually hold them. The only time I had a check bounce was after I ignored "that funny feeling". I shipped, and the check bounced. I'm holding one this week for a $10 item because of 'that funny feeling'. By wording it so that I have the option of holding checks gives *ME* the opportunity to decide how my business is run. For example, I prefer shipping books bookrate than priority. I say this in my auctions, and quote priority, but since bookrate takes longer, I give the buyer a choice on this one.
I also get annoyed when I have a buyer tell me how to package an item, etc. Its not paranoia, I stated how my auctions run, and if someone wants an item that quickly, they can ask ahead of time (not TELL me there is no need to hold it) or send a money order.
posted on July 10, 2001 08:24:21 PM new
Gee, rude and condescending? Sounds like someone I'd really want to do biz with! NOT!
jenndiggy you have every right to feel the way you do. It's your business and it makes good sense to do what you think is right.
In my many years working around retail and service-related industries I find that people will be just as likely to bounce a $6 check as they would a $100 check. Go with your gut feeling, not with someone who is obviously out of touch with reality!
posted on July 10, 2001 08:30:13 PM new
Doesn't matter what you do- somebody won't like it. I got an email complaint the other day because the buyer had received their item, but I hadn't cashed their check yet.
(Boy, you do that once or twice and you learn QUICK to double- and triple-check EVERYTHING before ripping a check out or writing the new balance in ink!) 
