posted on March 25, 2001 04:51:48 PM
I have a outstanding transaction for which I owe the seller $$. This is an international sale (buyer in USA - seller in Europe). Too long to wait for international MO (issued from St.Louis). Looking for a workaround. Seller suggested paying by Travelers Check. Hmmmm, don't know if I've too comfortable with that for if I remember correctly a Travelers Check is signed twice, once at the issuing bank & once at the merchant. In this case I would have to sign it twice & then send it out, which would make it cashable by anyone who intercepted it....Has anyone used this method of payment??....
posted on March 25, 2001 07:15:02 PM
I took one once and was charged a fee by my bank.
Not sure if this is a standard policy but just my experience.
Joe B
posted on March 25, 2001 07:22:44 PM
There is a line on most of them for "Pay to the order of" normally you just sign it an leave that blank. But just make it payable to him and it should be OK. Sounds like a good idea.
posted on March 25, 2001 07:58:42 PM
I think [unknown] has a good point, that if the name is put on the check, one one else should be able to cash it.
This is an interesting topic. I sure would like to see more input on it.
I used to work for a company that sold travelers checks. I won't name them, but I never leave home without them.
Most tc's have a "pay to" line. As long as you write the seller's name there it can only be cashed by that person, barring any person trying to alter them.
You would have to check with the tc's company on there policy of refund if it is lost in the mail.
The purpose of the TC is so that you can carry and use them as "cash" but if they get lost or stolen you can get them replaced.
If the seller accepted them, he would not be protected from fraud, since the TC says that the purchaser has to sign in it in front of them to be covered if it was stolen.
Also, the seller may be hit with a fee at the bank if it is drawn in US funds.
I think the safest is PayPal, but check on their protection policy for international sellers. Another way you could go is bidpay.com. I have used them, and like them alot.
Another option is wiring the money from your bank account to their bank.
posted on March 26, 2001 05:18:40 AMAnother option is wiring the money from your bank account to their bank
If the amount is high, this is a good option but be aware that some banks charge pretty good amounts for this.
I wire transfer money quite frequently to some overseas business partners & it runs $10 for a domestic wire transfer & $20 for an international wire transfer.
Not something you'd necessarily want to incur for small ticket items.
posted on March 26, 2001 07:02:46 AM
Thanx folks....I would LOVE to be able to use something like Paypal or Bidpay, but seller does not offer them...
I spoke with the friendly folks at my bank this mornin' & Travelers Checks (the kind you shouldn't leave home without) seems to be the best bet. Wiring money to an international account from my bank (not to name names but the right relationship is everything) is a $45 fee. International MO from them, same fee. As Kellyb1 & unknown said, I would sign both places & then "Pay to the Order" of the seller. Send it international registered mail (AGH another $$ fee). Seller might incur additional charges, since it will be a US Funds TC.
Oh how I wish every seller would offer an electronic form of payment!.....
posted on March 26, 2001 07:48:24 AM
capotasto...that was the first thing I tried. Havin' used International MO's from the PO for Canadian purchases, I thought it would be the same easy procedure...NOPE!...MO's from the PO to this country are only issued outta St.Louis & have a delay time of (minimum) 2 weeks, sometimes longer, at no control of the purchaser. I was trying to avoid that delay...
posted on March 26, 2001 07:58:04 AM
If you belong to AAA, they issue travelers checks for free--well, I mean you pay the dollar amount, but they don't charge a fee to issue. I think, though, that you have to purchase in "even" amounts.
posted on March 26, 2001 08:02:31 AM
For overseas sales, I find Billpoint, Bidpay the best. Its strange that your seller does not offer this. I want to make it as easy as I can for my bidders. Bidder should not have to jump through hoops just to pay me. Paypal says you are on your own for overseas deals. Thats why I never use them. Send the money order, there is not much more you can do.
[ edited by gs4 on Mar 26, 2001 08:45 AM ]
posted on March 26, 2001 03:53:41 PM
If the seller is located in the UK and has positive feedback of over 100 with no negs, I would consider acting as an intermediary. I live in the UK and have a US dollar bank account into which I can pay ordinary US dollar checks, money orders etc. I would require reimbursement of my postal expenses etc. I don't do this as a rule but will occasionally step in to help others out.
I won't give out my real name or email address here but if you want to take me up on this offer then you can contact me at [email protected].
posted on March 26, 2001 06:02:03 PM
fallen_madonna....I am really touched by your offer!!....In what has been a pretty crappy day, your generosity has brought some much needed joy!!!....Thank You!!!
Unfortunately, the seller has only 2 feedbacks & is not located in the UK, but this is definately a case of "the thought that counts"!
I am located in the US (obviously) and my email is [email protected]. Drop me an email if there's anything I can do for you...
