posted on February 27, 2001 05:41:31 AM new
I have try to keep my TOS positive, but it keeps getting nastier. I started out taking personal checks, but got burned for $60.00, and changed it to "money order only with out prior approval". Then I got burned for $350 when a bad check took 21 days to bounce it's way back to me. Now it says "Money Order or Cashiers Check only, PERIOD!!!" I hate to do this, but trying to collecting on a bad check that was written on a bank 2000 miles away os a real pain in the butt.
posted on February 27, 2001 09:58:05 AM new
That is AWFUL!! We do take checks & haven't had one bounce for the items we sell now. When we first started selling on eBay, it was dolls, collectables & such and got 3 bounced checks, 2 of which were immediatley made up for by the bidders - one we never got paid for (about $100 - lost the items & the money + had to pay the bank fee's!). But since we've been selling horse tack (the past 2 1/2 years) we've not had one bounced check. On the higher priced items (over $50), I do put "item may be held til check clears", so the bidder will usually send either a Money Order or pay with Billpoint - because they want their stuff fast!! I don't blame you a bit for your TOS!! I don't think it's a bit nasty to state your terms and anyone who wants your items will buy them no matter what payment method you accept.
posted on February 27, 2001 10:16:17 AM new
I agree negativity turns off customers. I never been burned on 2500 or so sales. Had one bounce after 3 weeks + and buyer made good.
Maybe when I get burned I'll join the ranks. The problem is that you cannot hold a check reasonably long enough to eliminate the possibility of not being returned due to NSF.
How many buyers would stand for a 4 week hold? What we have done is call the bank to verify that a check was paid if it was large enough.
posted on February 27, 2001 10:17:12 AM new
My first year of selling on ebay I accepted checks - and received over 30 bounced checks. One month I received 10 alone. I NO LONGER accept personal checks. My TOS had gotten very long at the end of that year and I finally decided to completely change my TOS.
My TOS is now 3 bulleted lines. Basically it says payment is required within 10 days, NY residents to pay sales tax, and all sales final.
I do have a "chart" on my auctions also, explaining what payment methods I accept and it says NO PAYPAL (with the NO PAYPAL logo) and it says No checks (unless they use Billpoint E-check or Achex).
posted on February 27, 2001 11:19:11 AM new
When I'm not too lazy to list---mine are concise & to the point.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Winning bidder pays actual Priority shipping and insurance.
Payment must be received within 10 days after auction closes.
Item held 10 business days for personal check to clear. (Sellers Discretion)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Fortunately like some others I have never rec'd a bad check and have shipped majority of items whereby check was received almost immediately-(After checking buyers FB)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Guess I should continue to count my lucky stars--but I never ship early when amount is over $50.00--Unless I have done business w/ same buyer before.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nasty terms usually sends me running--I always figure w/ Nasty terms comes Nasty mean-spirited Seller to follow-
No offense but this is how I see it thru my eyes.
posted on February 27, 2001 11:39:46 AM new
Microbes
We just received notice of a bad check from a buyer that is now NARU. We have had a few in the past. The people that have not had a bad check in 2400 transactions are VERY lucky. Since we do hold shipment up to 2 weeks for checks we have only lost the merchandise one time.
I wouldn't accept personal checks on large transactions either. It is too risky.. I don't believe that having NO PERSONAL CHECKS in your auctions or "Money Order or Cashiers Check only" is nasty.
To me a nasty TOS has several lines stating the consequences of late payment. Clearly and firmly stating your terms is good business practice.
