posted on March 20, 2001 07:36:13 AM
What did it say about payment options in the description of the item on Ebay?
I won't bid on items where the seller only takes cash and yes there are some that will only accept cash. If the description said cash only then you are pretty much stuck. You could try contacting the seller and asking if they might consider a money order since you are uncomfortable with sending cash through the postal system.........
posted on March 20, 2001 07:47:29 AM
Good morning!
I would just say: "I'm sorry, based on my prior experiences, I can no longer accept cash sent through the mail. I do take checks, money orders, Paypal, Bidpay (or whatever payment types you choose). Thank you very much for your business.", or something to that effect. Short and polite.
Good luck, I hope they don't give you any trouble. For the record, though, I have accepted quite a few cash payments with there rarely being any problems, and depending on how much the auction went for, I might just accept it. What you do, however is up to you, and if you don't feel comfortable with it, by all means, let him know.
posted on March 20, 2001 11:20:34 AM
I love ca$h but I don't normally advertise that. If a buyer writes me beforehand and tells me they are sending cash, I usually write back with:
Thanks for letting me know you are sending cash. However, using my best mother's voice, I must say that I discourage that payment method for obvious reasons. That being said, I don't think a cash payment to me has ever been lost but there can always be a first time and I don't want that person to be you. If you do send cash, you are sending it at your own risk.
I've been a little short on cash lately, so yesterday around lunchtime my son and I went to the post office hoping for a five or ten to eat lunch on. Unfortunately for us (but fortunate for our waistlines) there was no cash so we came home and had a salad.
posted on March 20, 2001 12:33:19 PM
I once had a bidder who wanted to send me $300 in cash. I told him I VERY STRONGLY discouraged sending that kind of money through the mail, and to PLEASE get a money order (and even explained how readily available money orders are -- can get 'em at the post office, many grocery stores and gas stations, etc.). He insisted on sending the cash, though, and I told him ahead of time that I can't be held responsible if it didn't arrive! He said he understood that, and sent the cash anyway.
I practically held my breath until it arrived, but it did arrive safely! I think I was actually more nervous about it than he was. He acted like it was no big deal! I have to admit it *was* kinda cool pulling all those $50's and $20's out of the envelope, but if it had been me, I *never* would have taken that risk!
Maybe he has money trees growing in his yard or something.
(grammar)
[ edited by thedewey on Mar 20, 2001 12:34 PM ]
posted on March 20, 2001 07:55:08 PM
Nope, it was real money. I dunno why he chose to send that much cash. Different strokes for different folks, I guess!
posted on March 21, 2001 12:24:15 PM
I have never advertised that I would take cash, and if they buyer asked, I would tell them to send a check or money order and not cash.
HOWEVER, that doesn't mean I don't accept cash that is sent to me. This seems to be very popular among international buyers actually, cash is easiest for them, and I've received payments from international buyers twice, once $300 cash ... three crisp new $100 bills.
He did not tell me that is how he was going to pay and I just sent him a nice e-mail telling him I would be shipping the item but that he should be very very careful sending that much cash! If anything, I'd use FedEx or UPS for something like that!!!
