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Personal checks?

jwhardingjwharding Member Posts: 2,897 ✭✭
edited March 2013 in General Discussion
Why will some people not take a personal check when u tell them that your in no hurry for the item that your bidding on, they can take as long as they need to ship, an you have a perfect record of buying. I realize that people get burnt with bad checks but if they wait until the checks clear the bank before they ship,mbut, how? I emailed a seller the other day an explained I have been sick an didn't no whether I could make it to the P.O. For a few days and would buy the item if he would take my check. It was only around 30.00. I know 30.00 is 30.00 but I explained that he could wait as long as he wanted to send the item. He said he had been burned before an would not take it. I didn't mind its just that I don't understand. Once a check clears the money's there isn't it?
Jw

Comments

  • firstharmonicfirstharmonic Member Posts: 1,071 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Many banks and credit unions charge a fee of $20.00 or more (much more) to the depositor of a bad check. The credit union that I belong to does and I'm pretty sure that my bank does as well. Seems a little crazy but banking institutions have become semi-gouging institutions in the last few years and charge for many strange things.
  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It is much easier for me to send a personal check and that is what I prefer. I ask the seller if that is OK before hand.
    Being here 13 years, generally they say OK
    I will also accept them.
  • p3skykingp3skyking Member Posts: 23,916 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    His auction, his rules. Lot's of people won't accept a C&R or deal with a foreign buyer on anything even though they're both perfectly legal.
    Chalk it up to their personal experience or their ignorance.
  • pogybatepogybate Member Posts: 3,150
    edited November -1
    I take personal checks and let them clear in 3-4 days. Banks around here shy away from USPS MOs and Bank Checks. Too many counterfeit copies being made and no way of tracking.
  • jwhardingjwharding Member Posts: 2,897 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've been thinking about a bit. If I send a seller a M.O. Or a certified check or a personal check when it clears I have no recourse whatsoever. I'm trusting the seller to send the order going by his A rating which doesn't mean anything . I remember a seller a few years ago that had well over a thousand sold items and a AAA rating. I bought two guns from him myself. One day I looked him up on this site to look at his auctions. He had at lest 20 F feedbacks in just a few weeks. Later found out he was bankrupt. What I'm saying I guess is that most sellers want U to trust them but they don't trust you. Anyway from now own I will not buy from a seller that won't take my check, unless I desperately need the item.
    Jw
  • torosapotorosapo Member Posts: 4,946
    edited November -1
    I only take checks from those I know. I state in my auctions money order only, but will take a check from someone here. I understand it may take a couple extra days for sa buyer to get to the post office to buy a MO. I do not do credit or debit cards because I don't have an account to handle them. I've been lucky nobody has ever bounced a check on me.
  • CS8161CS8161 Member Posts: 13,596 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I always take personal checks if the buyer has a history of positive feedback. I also take personal checks from forum members. Never had a bad check yet!
  • pietro75pietro75 Member Posts: 7,048
    edited November -1
    NSF fees. He's been burnt by liars too many times and refuses to take another chance. Too bad...
  • MG1890MG1890 Member Posts: 4,460 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Bounced checks are a PIA & erode profits. Banks do funny things, I once accepted a check for over $1700, it cleared the bank, the item was delivered, THEN the check was returned non sufficient funds. The bank simply took the $1700 out of my checking account that I had deposited to.

    Also, for income tax purposes, some people don't seem to like personal checks..[;)]
  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,083 ******
    edited November -1
    I sent a personal check to a seller to pay for two guns. Rather than wait to see if the check was good, he sent it back with a nasty note. Stupid is as stupid does. I think I am on his blocked bidder list.

    I have received exactly three bad checks the entire time I have done business with GunBroker, since 1999. In each case, the issuer made the check good and reimbursed me for bank fees.

    A buyer sent me a check, and it got lost or delayed. So, he sent me another to replace the first one. The two checks arrived within a day of each other, with no explanation why the first one was three weeks late. I cashed the second check and sent the first one back with the order. Try that with a money order! It takes an Act of Congress to get a lost money order replaced!

    I prefer to send a check. If it gets lost, I can just send another. If the first one turns up forged, I file one short affidavit at my bank, and my money is restored. Try that with a money order!
  • allamericangunshopallamericangunshop Member Posts: 727 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    OK ,,,
    I accept checks , I just wait till they 'clear the bank' and all is good !
    And :
    The only 'bad check' I have received is from a 'local Yo-Yo' , jumped thru all the hoops and done all I was supposed to do : and : Still havent been able to collect a dime of the $470.00 !!!

    Thanks !!!
    d.a.stearns ............ a.k.a. ............ SKEEZIX ..................
    Gunsmith / LEO / Firearms Instructor
    Athens , Tn
















    ... www.allamericangunshop.com
    ... www.tnhandgunclasses.vpweb.com
    .
    .
    .
  • footlongfootlong Member Posts: 8,009
    edited November -1
    Every transaction over the net is a risk..

    l will say l trust GB ones TEN times more than ppal
  • pwilliepwillie Member Posts: 20,253 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I prefer a personal check on anyhting over a hundred dollars.Easier to reclaim with a stop payment if lost.I can wait for item,and want my check to clear,so there is no notion of a scam....I do use PayPal on certain items and other issues(some folks only take pay pal) I have done w/t's...and credit cards...Personal check is the easiest way.
  • Waco WaltzWaco Waltz Member Posts: 10,836 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by jwharding
    Why will some people not take a personal check when u tell them that your in no hurry for the item that your bidding on, they can take as long as they need to ship, an you have a perfect record of buying. I realize that people get burnt with bad checks but if they wait until the checks clear the bank before they ship,mbut, how? I emailed a seller the other day an explained I have been sick an didn't no whether I could make it to the P.O. For a few days and would buy the item if he would take my check. It was only around 30.00. I know 30.00 is 30.00 but I explained that he could wait as long as he wanted to send the item. He said he had been burned before an would not take it. I didn't mind its just that I don't understand. Once a check clears the money's there isn't it?
    Jw


    That's my question too.
  • Waco WaltzWaco Waltz Member Posts: 10,836 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by jwharding
    I've been thinking about a bit. If I send a seller a M.O. Or a certified check or a personal check when it clears I have no recourse whatsoever. I'm trusting the seller to send the order going by his A rating which doesn't mean anything . I remember a seller a few years ago that had well over a thousand sold items and a AAA rating. I bought two guns from him myself. One day I looked him up on this site to look at his auctions. He had at lest 20 F feedbacks in just a few weeks. Later found out he was bankrupt. What I'm saying I guess is that most sellers want U to trust them but they don't trust you. Anyway from now own I will not buy from a seller that won't take my check, unless I desperately need the item.
    Jw


    Always send a Postal money order. If you get stiffed there is recourse with a postal inspector.
  • CS8161CS8161 Member Posts: 13,596 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Waco Waltz
    quote:Originally posted by jwharding
    I've been thinking about a bit. If I send a seller a M.O. Or a certified check or a personal check when it clears I have no recourse whatsoever. I'm trusting the seller to send the order going by his A rating which doesn't mean anything . I remember a seller a few years ago that had well over a thousand sold items and a AAA rating. I bought two guns from him myself. One day I looked him up on this site to look at his auctions. He had at lest 20 F feedbacks in just a few weeks. Later found out he was bankrupt. What I'm saying I guess is that most sellers want U to trust them but they don't trust you. Anyway from now own I will not buy from a seller that won't take my check, unless I desperately need the item.
    Jw


    Always send a Postal money order. If you get stiffed there is recourse with a postal inspector.


    Good luck with that! I guess you think the postal inspectors are chomping at the bit to do some actual investigating! [;)]
  • cce1302cce1302 Member Posts: 9,555 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    For the original question, the guy probably doesn't want the crap you bought from him sitting around at his place for 2 weeks until your check clears.
  • spasmcreekspasmcreek Member Posts: 37,717 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    same spot all my life...55 years banking...never gave a bad check yet...govt closed post office and bank sold that branch in small town near me...90 miles to two nearest branches of that bank...do not want to do business with others near here for prior experience..100% ++++ on all sites as a buyer... i ask seller before if not specifically listed if acceptable...yes or no its their sale
  • silent-anarchysilent-anarchy Member Posts: 97 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:[


    Always send a Postal money order. If you get stiffed there is recourse with a postal inspector.
    The post office dont care. I got stiffed on GunBroker here by a seller and i got no help from either. I even sent copies his taunting emails with admissions and threats to the postal inspector, and they did absolutely nothing. I never use or accept personal checks. Too outdated and too risky.
  • COLTCOLT Member Posts: 12,637 ******
    edited November -1
    Ive noticed with the influx of noob sellers, almost all want MO's and Certified checks, no personal checks, woosies, they can keep their stuff, Im not bothering with a money order unless its real money, $500 or more, not some penny anti amount.

    Im not wasting an hour or more of my time at the PO because they're scared for no reason and want instant gratification, be scared with someone elses time, grow a pair.

    The fear of receiving a bad personal check from a GB seller with hundreds of A+ FB's is humorous, about as humorous as a 10 day to 2 week hold for a personal check. IF someone is worried about a deposited check being good, most banks will let you know in 1-5 days of deposit, not 2 weeks,

    I had one seller tell me he just couldn't take a personal check, and as Karma would have it, he tried to bid on one of my auctions and whined & sniveled to me in a email when he found out he couldnt bid because I'd blocked him, I love Karma...[:D]

    If the item is less than a few hundred bucks, I ship immediately upon receiving payment by check, under $100 and I ship when the buyer tells me they have dropped payment in the mail, Ive not been stiffed yet...if I get stiffed, oh well, I guess they needed it more than I did...[;)]
  • e3mrke3mrk Member Posts: 1,851 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I will take Personal Checks but do not ship until the Check clears the Bank.
    I also only take Postal Money Orders.
  • MercuryMercury Member Posts: 7,836 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    WRONG! The "postal inspectors" won't do ANYTHING! Stop passing this information around.....it is FALSE! They don't care, and won't do CRAP!

    Merc

    quote:Originally posted by Waco Waltz
    quote:Originally posted by jwharding
    I've been thinking about a bit. If I send a seller a M.O. Or a certified check or a personal check when it clears I have no recourse whatsoever. I'm trusting the seller to send the order going by his A rating which doesn't mean anything . I remember a seller a few years ago that had well over a thousand sold items and a AAA rating. I bought two guns from him myself. One day I looked him up on this site to look at his auctions. He had at lest 20 F feedbacks in just a few weeks. Later found out he was bankrupt. What I'm saying I guess is that most sellers want U to trust them but they don't trust you. Anyway from now own I will not buy from a seller that won't take my check, unless I desperately need the item.
    Jw


    Always send a Postal money order. If you get stiffed there is recourse with a postal inspector.
  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    On my auctions I will take personal checks on low price items; typically under $200. For firearms I prefer certified funds but I have taken personal checks form forum members who purchased very expensive M1s and never thought about it twice.
  • JnRockwallJnRockwall Member Posts: 16,350 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by jwharding
    Why will some people not take a personal check when u tell them that your in no hurry for the item that your bidding on, they can take as long as they need to ship, an you have a perfect record of buying. I realize that people get burnt with bad checks but if they wait until the checks clear the bank before they ship,mbut, how? I emailed a seller the other day an explained I have been sick an didn't no whether I could make it to the P.O. For a few days and would buy the item if he would take my check. It was only around 30.00. I know 30.00 is 30.00 but I explained that he could wait as long as he wanted to send the item. He said he had been burned before an would not take it. I didn't mind its just that I don't understand. Once a check clears the money's there isn't it?
    Jw


    because if it bounces, he gets nailed for $25 on top of the $30. If someone cant afford $30, how are you ever going to get $55 from them?

    I am surprised personal checks are even legal anymore.
  • JnRockwallJnRockwall Member Posts: 16,350 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by COLT
    Ive noticed with the influx of noob sellers, almost all want MO's and Certified checks, no personal checks, woosies, they can keep their stuff, Im not bothering with a money order unless its real money, $500 or more, not some penny anti amount.

    Im not wasting an hour or more of my time at the PO because they're scared for no reason and want instant gratification, be scared with someone elses time, grow a pair.

    The fear of receiving a bad personal check from a GB seller with hundreds of A+ FB's is humorous, about as humorous as a 10 day to 2 week hold for a personal check. IF someone is worried about a deposited check being good, most banks will let you know in 1-5 days of deposit, not 2 weeks,

    I had one seller tell me he just couldn't take a personal check, and as Karma would have it, he tried to bid on one of my auctions and whined & sniveled to me in a email when he found out he couldnt bid because I'd blocked him, I love Karma...[:D]

    If the item is less than a few hundred bucks, I ship immediately upon receiving payment by check, under $100 and I ship when the buyer tells me they have dropped payment in the mail, Ive not been stiffed yet...if I get stiffed, oh well, I guess they needed it more than I did...[;)]


    Yeah right. You obviously never took a bad check. You get burned both ways. and if you shipped the item, you get burned 3 times. $10 or $1000 it hurts.
  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,083 ******
    edited November -1
    The Postal Inspector will take an interest in a mail fraud case, as long as the amount of the fraud is $100,000 or more. That kinda leaves most of us out.

    Personal checks rule!
  • ChrisInTempeChrisInTempe Member Posts: 15,562
    edited November -1
    Sellers have looked at my feedback and accepted my personal check. A couple did not delay, they shipped upon getting the check. Surprised me, I never asked for that. Real nice of them though and my feedback for them reflected it.

    Others, no way. Some auctions say "Do not ask" and so I don't, I pay per the auction instructions or I do not bid.

    Twice buyers have sent me USPS MO's that never arrived. Both times they made it right, received solid A+ feedback from me because they had to deal with problem, and they did not falter. I respect that.

    One buyer sent me a money order from some regional pay-day loan and check cashing outfit in Florida. Auction was specific, USPS Money Order ONLY.

    I searched the issuer out on the internet, called them up, could find nothing negative about them. My bank accepted it as a check and I waited a week to ship. All worked out fine in the end.

    About sending money orders, I now add a wrapper in the business sized envelope. A fake billing statement in bold letters that says "ACCOUNT PAST DUE - COLLECTION ACTION PENDING. I figure a mail thief will hold it up to a light, see that and not want to take it.

    Naturally, I warn the seller not to freak out when they receive my payment. It's worked fine several times now.
  • footlongfootlong Member Posts: 8,009
    edited November -1
    l went to "The Wagon Wheel" restaurant in Ft Lawn SCthe other nite for supper. On getting the bill l went to the register and pulled out the old debit card. l was politely told,"We dont take credit/debit cards".. The bill was $47 but between us my buddy and l only had 35. The old Greek guy said ,,"We will take a check". l told him l dont know it l have it with me or not.. "Well,You can just mail me one", he replied.. Fortunately l went to my car and it was in my bag....Opening it l noticed the last ck l had written was in Dec..l too believe cks are still needed. l just dont write many now..l have never refused a ck from ANYONE...
  • shootuadealshootuadeal Member Posts: 5,295 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I may be stupid but I take checks many many times a day, even on internet auctions, never had a problem.

    We get a bad check 3-4 times a month, maybe 2-3 times a year where it doesn't go through the 2nd time.

    Much rather take a personal check than a credit card[xx(]
  • bigoutsidebigoutside Member Posts: 19,443
    edited November -1
    The writer of the check is the one taking the real risk. From identity theft.
    Someone you don't know has your full name address account number and usually telephone.

    If its $30 or less, just drop cash in an envelope.
  • gearheaddadgearheaddad Member Posts: 15,091 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've taken personal checks from buyers and never had an issue. I hold the item 7-10 days to be sure the check clears and then some. I let the buyer know that up front, and no problems at all.
    I was on vacation once when an Ebarf auction ended, and the seller sent me the item $500.00+ before I sent my payment! He said, "well I looked at your feedback and knew you were good for it."
    You get all kinds on the web!
  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Waco Waltz
    quote:Originally posted by jwharding
    I've been thinking about a bit. If I send a seller a M.O. Or a certified check or a personal check when it clears I have no recourse whatsoever. I'm trusting the seller to send the order going by his A rating which doesn't mean anything . I remember a seller a few years ago that had well over a thousand sold items and a AAA rating. I bought two guns from him myself. One day I looked him up on this site to look at his auctions. He had at lest 20 F feedbacks in just a few weeks. Later found out he was bankrupt. What I'm saying I guess is that most sellers want U to trust them but they don't trust you. Anyway from now own I will not buy from a seller that won't take my check, unless I desperately need the item.
    Jw


    Always send a Postal money order. If you get stiffed there is recourse with a postal inspector.


    Uh NO!
    Another internet falsehood
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