posted on August 18, 2002 05:21:22 PM new
At the present time, I don't accept checks, the buyer can either send me certified funds or use a online payment service. I do this because I just don't want to deal with waiting for checks to clear, having checks bounce, etc, etc.
However, I've noticed something, it seems that the higher the final value of a product, the more likely the person is to send a money order. SO, it makes me wonder if there are people out there that would feel more comfortable sending checks for higher priced items.
posted on August 18, 2002 07:10:43 PM new
I've accepted personal checks for over 2 years, never had a problem. Even if the winning bidder doesn't pay by check I suspect that a 'prefer personal check' bidder may have been instrumental in raising the amount the auction sold for.
When I get a bidder with even a modestly good feedback record I'll tell them that a money order isn't necessary and their personal check will be fine.
Some sellers treat personal checks very different. I'll have 4 times a seller's feedback, and the item will be for under $10 and the seller will tell me that shipping will be delayed 10 business days if a personal check is used, or they flat out refuse personal checks. There's a wide range of reactions to personal checks.
posted on August 18, 2002 07:20:02 PM new
I've been selling on eBay for more than 4 years now and have always accepted checks. I treat them just like money orders and online payment services. I ship upon receipt. In the 4 years I only had 1 returned and the buyer made good on it.
The easier you make it to pay, the more bids you get...simple as that.
posted on August 18, 2002 07:40:43 PM new
I prefer a personal check over any other payment vehicle. The buyer can leisurely fill out a check at home and pop it in the mail box. If the payment gets lost in the mail the buyer can cancel payment on the check and write another. If a money order gets lost in the mail it can take up to 6 weeks to trace it down and get a refund and cost many dollars for the trace. I've never had any problems with checks in my many years on ebay. I also suspect that I get many extra bidders because of my personal check acceptance terms in my auction descriptions.
posted on August 18, 2002 09:09:49 PM new
I have never accepted checksi in over 4 yrs. on eBay. I don't want to wait 7 to 10 days for a check to clear. I don't believe it has hurt my sales one bit. I take P/P, MO's & cashiers checks. Never had a single complaint.
This is my philosophy, every on to their own.
[ edited by sanmar on Aug 18, 2002 09:12 PM ]
[ edited by sanmar on Aug 18, 2002 09:14 PM ]
posted on August 18, 2002 10:18:02 PM new
It's been three years and not one check has been lost or bounced. I prefer checks, actually, and I ship on receipt of check.
Usually.
But if it's for an item worth more than about $75, I'll wait a week, then send the item.
Honestly, most buyers ARE honest! I've probably just been lucky so far, but I'm willing to take that chance.
posted on August 19, 2002 02:11:09 AM new
I took checks for 2 years without a problem. Then in 1 week I got back 2 worth over $1,000.00 that took aprox. 30 days to be returned to my account. One of those for $600.00 has never been recovered. I quit taking checks then and it has not hurt my sales. Most (aprox. 80%) pay with PayPal and the rest send money orders.
posted on August 19, 2002 03:58:53 AM new
Over four years of selling on eBay and four bad checks to date. All recovered except one to include bank fees charged.
Send me the customers that want to send a personal check if you don't want them. I'll be more than happy to take the risk. The benefits far outweigh the risk factor percentage wise.
The following is in my TOS:
Merchandise is shipped no later than the first business day after payment is received including payments by personal check, money
orders, cashiers checks, Bidpay, Paypal and Billpoint.
posted on August 19, 2002 10:40:27 AM new
I've always accepted personal checks and usually ship immediately. Only rarely do I hold shipment. There has to be something wrong with the check (like a correction - which might or might not get past the bank), or if the buyer has a low feedback and a low check number.
But a word of caution here: Strange though it may sound, a lot depends on what type merchandise you sell. Some 'groups' of bidders (and my 'group' is one) are generally more settled and dependable overall than other 'groups'.
Since you know what you sell (and I don't), think about who buys your merchandise, and follow that to your conclusion; you may want to continue as you are.
posted on August 19, 2002 04:01:32 PM new
I agree with g2c. It depends on the type of merchandise you sell. I have had 2 bounced checks in 2-3 years. Both were under $10.00 and both made good on it. Most of my items are family oriented - kids videos, etc. If I sold computers or other electronics/high priced items I may not take personal checks.
posted on August 19, 2002 06:05:40 PM new
I put right on my terms of sale that I accept money orders only...unless the buyer has a perfect rating, then I take personal check as well. Usually the buyer replys to my winner notification with thier perfect rating claim. I then check out the rating and OK the personal check option. Why is someone going to screw up thier rating over a bounced check? For those with credit cards my other option is BidPay.com (online Money Orders). Keep in mind I sell strictly within the US and rarely sell items over $100. So far no bounced checks and only one decline in the past year since I came to eBay.
posted on August 19, 2002 06:54:56 PM new
Ive been selling for 4 years had one bad check never collected it got stuck with it 55.00 .
I treat checks the same as money orders or pay pal, check gets shipped right away usually before check is deposited.
I do feel money order only or holding checks does effect your bids . just becouse you have had no complaints dosnet mean that folks havent passed up your auctions and bid on competion.
Personally as a buyer I have to REALLY , REALLLY ,REALLY want the item before i'll get a money order .
when I had the b&m we would get stuck with a check or two a year just part of overhead.
spock here......
Live long and Prosper
