posted on September 23, 2000 01:53:22 PM
My usual sales are under $20, and I take money order paypal and check. Now I've got a couple of things in my inventory that I think might go for hundreds of dollars.
Those of you who sell more expensive items, what kind of payment do you accept? Will you take a check? I was wondering if over a certain amount I should insist on a certified check? Or am I being too paranoid?
posted on September 23, 2000 01:59:08 PM
I sent a check for about $250 not too long ago. That wasn't a problem with the seller.
It really shouldn't matter if the payment is good and you are comfortable with it. People with really good feedback are generally trustworthy regardless.
A certified or bank check is a safe bet for anyone.
posted on September 23, 2000 02:16:30 PM
When I started selling on ebay I wasn't sure how I felt about personal checks. I accept them, and have only had 1 that did't clear the first time, and when I contacted the bidder they sent out a check to cover my bank fee. I was happy. The bidder was happy.
I have seen some seller's who hold money orders and cashier's checks to clear like regular checks, but will ship post office MO right away since they can verify it at the post office.
I can understand this practice, since people can print their own checks.
If a person is going to print a false check, I think the person would do it for an item that costs wells over $500.00. Just my opinion. They are risking a Federal felony, so why do it for an item that only costs a few hundred dollars.
posted on September 23, 2000 02:18:53 PM
I've had several bounced checks. I've had bounced checks from people with hundreds of positive feedbacks, no negs and then took 2 months to repay. ALL of my bounced checks were for less than $50. And I've had a LOT - we're talking about 25+ bounced checks in the past 2 years.
I no longer accept checks and wouldn't recommend to anyone TO accept them.
posted on September 23, 2000 02:25:17 PM
I recently sent a check for $250.00+ for an auction that i was high bidder on. Sent it 2 days after auction closed (I was traveling). Seller didn't communicate with me for 15 days after that and then said that, because I had e-mailed him 3 times, shipping would now be "8 weeks". Got into a huge pissing match, spent WAY too much time on this auction and the seller wound up NARU'd. I got my money back, but it was ugly.
It works both ways.
On the other hand, I've had stuff sell for “unbelievable” amounts (for what the item was) and accepted a personal check with no problems.
I suppose it depends on trust and how much you want to invest in the trust or possible results.
I do know this: it is the greatest feeling in the world when it works and the shi**iest feeling in the world when it doesn’t.
posted on September 23, 2000 08:32:37 PM
My typical sale can be $500 and up (digital cameras). I have received money orders, certified checks, personal checks, paypal, payplace, achex (works with checking account), moneyzap. The only problem I ever had was with Payme, which took over a month to send me the money and only after I complained to the Banking Commission.
posted on September 23, 2000 08:49:40 PM
I've accepted checks for over $1000 and never had one bounce. If the item goes for over $10,000 though, I don't think it would be out of line to ask for a certified check. Chances are, they wouldn't have that much in their checking account anyway.
People who bid on high $$$ auctions usually have the money to pay for whatever it is they are bidding on. It seems like it's the little $$$ checks that bounce.
posted on September 23, 2000 09:00:23 PM
I have had a few Personal Checks bounce most I got the money back plus fees (they didn't bounce any of my checks because I keep a few hundred extra dollars in my account, but they do charge you a fee anyway). On the one check I didn't get money back and never heard from the person. They had moved and phone number they listed wasn't theirs. I waited for about 2 weeks to send the item thinking since I didn't hear anything it was okay and just then it came back. I was out the money, merchandise and the bank fee. I know longer take checks for over a certain amount. For a few hundred dollars I would not take checks. I do not use or would not use Paypal or billpoint for that either because of the possible charge back issues. It is unlikely that someone will claim they didn't get the item or that it was damaged or put up some kind of fuss and try to do a charge back with these places but it is possible. Leaving Paypal to make the decision or Billpoint from what I have read in their fine print. However, Yahoo's paydirect lets a person charge it to their Visa or Master card, but after payment has been accepted by the seller charge backs are not allowed. Leaving me in more control if there is an issue to resolve. So, my answer would be that I would go Cashiers checks, money order, or Paydirect, maybe bidpay but I haven't really looked in to them. I thought about it but then saw their unprofessional manner here in some of the Paypal threads (Paypal not my favorite in a long shot) and I am unsure if I want to bother now. I have an item that I will be putting up soon that will go into the thousands (paid less then a buck for it) and these are the ways I plan to say that are acceptable forms of payment as of now, Cashiers Checks, Cash Money Order, Paydirect and maybe Cash. I had some sent me 380.00 once and not very carefully I might add.
