posted on September 11, 2001 06:44:29 AM
I just got an email from a buyer describing how he will take time off at lunch to go get a postal money order to pay me. This made me stop and consider how many MO's I get, even though in my auctions and email I include checks as payment options.
Why would someone go to the bother and expense of getting a M.O. when a check is fine?
Do they assume I will delay shipping? I don't say that I do, because I don't.
It doesn't affect me much either way, but it just occured to me to wonder. I absolutely don't want to play the M.O. game anymore. I did that plenty as a newbie but these days I would find it intolerable to have to run to the bank just to get one done up [and they are free for me, so it's not even the expense!].
posted on September 11, 2001 07:05:44 AM
Hi keziak!
Good question. I can tell you that since I started stating in my auctions and my EOA notices that I do not hold for check clearance, the number of money orders that I get has gone way down. The obvious benefit to me is that the payments don't take so long to come in, since the buyers don't wait until their weekly PO trip or wherever to pick up the money orders. And also the buyers don't feel they have to pay extra for a money order to get faster shipment.
Of course, I can understand the position of those who sell higher ticket items in perhaps being reluctant to ship right away without clearance.
posted on September 11, 2001 07:15:04 AM
Simple. Many people do not have a checking account. Others do not want their partner to see what they paid for something. Still others are avoiding the "hold for clearance" which most sellers state in their auctions.
Others do not have credit cards.
That's why multiple payment methods is the best way to maximize your returns on ebay.
posted on September 12, 2001 02:21:42 AM
Never understood this, but lately I have been using postal MOs to directly pay for shipping when I am at the PO.
You could try eliminating MOs from your accepted payments and see if that helps.
posted on September 12, 2001 03:39:10 AM
I won't by via check - ever. Have you ever heard of taking a "check over the phone"? All they need is those little numbers at the bottom of a check. Yes, I know I am paranoid - my husband tells me this also. But if you have to be carefull who you give your Credit card number too, why not your checking account number?
posted on September 12, 2001 06:41:23 AM
I think there is a little too much personal info revealed on checks to send them to strangers.
I also totally agree with the opinion of Murphybird.
Also......as a waitress my checking account only carries enough money to pay for bills that have to be mailed in. My life is pretty much 95% cash and carry.
Not to mention the fact the most sellers do put holds on checks so regular bidders just make it a habit to get money orders.
posted on September 12, 2001 07:54:26 AM
I think the main reason is the possible/probable long delay. Once bitten - twice shy. Also the fear of giving away the check routing numbers. I have received personal checks with phone numbers on them and even a check or two with their Social Security Number imprinted on them under their address. I'd see that and saw "Wow!, must not read the newspaper very much."
posted on September 12, 2001 01:58:25 PM
Banks offer money orders to,
I get ton of those, they are called
Personal money order or bank order,
The same thing, just from their bank not Po.
As a buyer I would never send my
Cheque , as a matter of fact I closed down my checking account and I dont have cheques anymore.
I will only pay by Bidpay, no one else
And mostly I use MO from PO to pay for my purchases. No one will ever get any of my info, and I personaly wont send a bank order since it has my name
And the name of my bank on it....
Do I know you?
No, and that's good enough reason for me
Not to give you any personal info .
It's not paranoid, it's protecting my privacy,
I get avarge of 20 attepmts to get through my fire wall a night,
Do you know how many you get?????
The Ss # on the cheque is amazing!!!
Cannt believe someone would do that,
I have a mail box just to get junk mail
And they send you that?
posted on September 12, 2001 04:12:32 PM
People send a money order if they aren't sure a check will clear their account or don't know how much is really in their checking acccount.
posted on September 12, 2001 07:35:37 PM
"Do they assume I will delay shipping? I don't say that I do, because I don't. "
But you don't say that you do not hold checks for clearance, I'll bet.
"I think there is a little too much personal info revealed on checks to send them to strangers. "
What kind of stupid check do you use? Mine has my name, address and bank account number (as they must). What do you think anyone can do with that info? Draw down your checking account? LOL get real.
