posted on December 5, 2000 10:05:24 AM new
My auction closed on November 2nd. They winner wanted an extra week to pay. Which I agreed to. by Nov 22, payment had still not been received. So I sent another email. I received a reply on Nov 29th saying it was already in the mail. When I replied asking when it was sent, I received an answer on november 30th I was told was in the mail and needed to be patient. Well, today I received a personal check today post marked Nov 30th. Now Here is the problem, In my auctions as well as the emails I send, I always state that personal checks are not accepted. This bidder has a 35 postive rating with 5 negatives for non payment. Should I take a chance on the check????? If it bounces I will owe fees to the bank as well as lose a free checking account. Is there anyway to verify funds in the checking account located out of state before cashing the check??? ANy thoughts on this subject are GREATLY appreciated.
posted on December 5, 2000 11:32:19 AM new
I don't take personal checks either, because I've been burned twice, and had to pay fees also as a result. It involved a lot more than just bank fees, and was a very bad situation all around in one case. This one person bounced checks all over the auction sites.
Here is what I do, and this does not mean it is the 'right' thing to do for everyone. It is just what "I" do. I e-mail the person back and point out to them my auction states I do not take personal checks, (mine is in bold print in the auction description). I will hold the check to return to them with their item(s), when they make proper payment as described "in the auction". If they have doubts about this, I will return the check to them first.
I am a firm believer that buyers should follow auction stated payment methods. If they don't agree with the terms stated, they should pass on the auction and not bid on it. If they went into a store trying to pay by American Express, and they didn't take that particular card, they doesn't mean the store will call up American Express and sign up just to make the sale. The expression 'the customer is always right' is a farce. I treat my customers with respect, and do not try to manipulate them, and I appreciate the same in return.
posted on December 5, 2000 11:53:10 AM new
You could call the bank listed on the check and ask if there is enough to cover it. It doesn't definitely mean it won't bounce, but you will know there is money in there now. I have done this before redepositing a bounced check.
"If man were to be crossed with a cat, it would greatly improve the man, but deteriorate the cat." Mark Twain
posted on December 5, 2000 12:02:06 PM new
When you emailed-confirmed auction to the winner, hopefully you always say NO personal checks. If you did say that, email winner and tell he-her that you are returning check to them and auction is now cancelled.
If you did tell them in your confirm-email etc. then Neg them Now!!
posted on December 5, 2000 12:35:29 PM new
Yeah, I'd return the check. Stand by your TOS. It's not fair to your other bidders if you don't. Also you might have had more bids on your item if it stated in your TOS that you accept checks, which you don't, but if you accept this check then you might as well have had the bids of the other people who might have bid were it in your TOS that you accept checks...if you follow me.
edited to add that I speak from experience on this one.
[ edited by CAgrrl on Dec 5, 2000 12:36 PM ]
posted on December 6, 2000 01:16:09 AM new
My auctions don't state that I take checks, either, but I get them occasionally (either from people who CAN'T READ, or who deliberately ignore my terms). I go ahead and deposit them, but I'm not in YOUR situation since you will lose your free checking account if the check bounces. A phone call to his bank won't guarantee the funds will be there when the check clears....and you'll pay for a long-distance call, to boot.
It's not worth the risk of losing your account, is it??? Either return the check now and relist, or tell the buyer it's unacceptable and you'll return the check when you receive a money order (or whatever you take). If you hold the item until receiving another payment, give this buyer a firm deadline and stick to it.
