posted on July 12, 2001 03:27:36 PM new
We take personal checks. Over 2,000+ auctions and only 2 bouncers, both quickly made good. On large sales, we tend to wait a bit longer to ship than on small. But we send out quickly and get feedback. Maybe others don't have this problem, but have you ever had something sitting ready to go for 10 days, and on day 10 not been able to find it? Hours spent looking. Utter waste of time. So, for antiques at least, checks are pretty reliable. (The other totally amazing thing, we ship USPS only. They have never lost any of our packages. And only one report of breakage.) So, I would say checks are fine. They are nowhere near the aggravation a certain service causes. Remember, checks never change their TOS without warning. Good luck with 'em.
posted on July 12, 2001 04:33:09 PM new
I have always taken checks. Only one bounced and the bidder paid the bounce fee and the item amount in cash. A lot of people pay in MO because they think that's what is expected when it's not. I ship next business day regardless of payment method.
People simply do not read which is why I have reduced my TOS to the barest essentials. Some people can't read (a real shame), others don't care, and still others operate on auto pilot when they are on the web.
Taking checks shows trust. If bidders trust sellers enough to send payment, sellers should trust bidders and send the stuff.
Holding checks adds no value to the transaction whatsoever, slows the process down which is an absolute no-no, and makes more work for you.
posted on July 12, 2001 05:04:51 PM new
I have accepted checks for 2 1/2 years. 1500 sales (approx). 1 bad check, made good. It really was a mistake! I have not run into sellers like you too much on eBay. Wish I had! I also buy. 19 out of 20 sellers hold my checks. Sometimes for as long as 2 or 3 weeks! I have 940 positive feed-backs!!! I used to hold checks for about a week. So problem-free I don't bother anymore. Once stuff is sold I want it OUT OF HERE! Like many others have said makes a difference what you sell. I do sell a lot of CD's. Mostly to "folkies". No sweat. I wouldn't sell rock or rap without check clearing first. Main category has always been pottery or glass. Some dead beats, but good checks.
