posted on October 19, 2000 10:16:19 AM
A few weeks back I had an item finish at just over the $700 mark. I didn't expect this piece to get the kind of bids it did & was rather shocked when it ended so high.
The problem is, my ad said I would accept Personal Checks, and that's what the high bidder is sending. The first check had a stop payment put on it after it didn't arrive in 2 weeks, today, that first check arrived. Another check is supposedly on its way.
The high bidder only has 20 feedback, refused to give me her first & last name, and simply asked me to send it to an address and mark it, "Robert - For Bob's Wife". I've checked out the address & it belongs to a large manufacturing company in CA. I just find it a bit strange that she wouldn't give me her full name?
Todays check [the one that had a SP put on it] has a check # of 97 in the top right hand corner, and is not from the same city as the shipping address she sent, nor does it have "any" personal info on it? No name, no addy, no nothing?
Should I phone the Union Bank of California in San Juan Capistrano & see if they will vouch for this person & the funds before I send it?
I live in Canada & if I was to wait for the funds to clear it could be as long as 3-4 weeks.
posted on October 19, 2000 10:38:36 AM
Tell her that the cheque arrived but because she has been reluctant to share any personal information (Her name for one)--your bank is withholding funds to you until clearance (---you, as a result will have to hold off shipping until the bank informs you that the cheque has cleared.
Get your bank to tell you if it is possible to know if and when it clears
posted on October 19, 2000 10:38:48 AM
Thanks, FYI - I pulled her contact info & on it is:
Name: Bob's wife
I think I'll call her directly & explain that it's either a Postal MO, or no deal.
I hate backing out of my own TOS but at this point there's no way in hell I'm acepting a personal check.
As it stands I could have her NARU'd for false contact info. I doubt very much her first name is Bob's, or her last name is Wife.
posted on October 19, 2000 10:40:14 AM
My bank told me in the past that the only way they can tell if a US check has cleared, is when & if it doesn't bounce after several weeks.
That is correct if you deposit the check. But I had a case which involved the settling of a lawsuit where the other party sent a check to cover the amount due. I took that check directly to a bank & they called the bank involved, made sure the funds were available, them immediately "cashed" the check while the other bank was on the line & knew the funds were being withdrawn.
So, it can be done..if your bank is willing to do so. Since it crosses international boundaries, they may not be willing to do this.
posted on October 19, 2000 11:06:16 AM
Well I'd ask the bidder if they don't mind waiting till it does clear.
Not long ago I paid for an expensive stereo component via check. No problem. A good check is a good check. You should stick to your terms. They may have paid $25 just to stop pay the first check. I'd be an unhappy camper if someone pulled this with me.
posted on October 19, 2000 11:51:42 AM
Whew! Just got off the phone with the companies executive secretary.
"Bob's Wife" is the president/owner's, wife. She might be a bit eccentric, but the secretary assured me they were filthy rich & the check would indeed be good. She also gave me the first & last name of her husband, the owner, so no need to put "Bob"s Wife" on the Customs invoice. [which may have resulted in it being held up at US Customs]
mballai ...... I understand where you're coming from, but this buyer has pretty much zip for feedback, has refused to give me her full name,has a bogus name on her eBay Contact Info, then sends a check for $700+ with no personal info on it whatsoever?
Sorry, I'd rather take a neg from a pissed off customer than to eat $1,000+ Cdn.
But, it appears this story is gonna have a happy ending & I won't be asking, nor holding her check to clear.
