posted on February 12, 2003 01:55:49 PM new
Just got this in my mail. What do you think?
"thanks Brian for the information i will make a check out for ten pounds, so that the cost of changing money from pounds to dollars is Inc operated in the amount, because it cost me 14 pounds to change the seven pounds to dollars ,if this is all right please tell me, are i could send a ten pound note in the post straight to the address given for your attention"
I suspect this is probably more trouble than I want to get involved in. What would YOU tell him?
posted on February 12, 2003 02:00:28 PM new
Take it down to a bank and see what gives.
Well duh, that teach me to read too fast. Just let him know that it would be too much trouble for you and if they wish they can send you a m.o. via bidpay.
posted on February 12, 2003 02:15:37 PM new
It's good advice to talk to your bank. I'd take the note and convert it. Why not? It's good customer relations to do so. But, first I would get the exact amount it's going to cost YOU to exchange it.
I once had a customer send me cash - and a nice amount over what he had bid at that! He said he wanted to award my being a good and courteous seller. Sometimes taking the long road pays off in ways you don't expect.
posted on February 12, 2003 02:41:01 PM new
I used to put all of my foreign currency away in a drawer (for some reason I had a lot canadians sending me cash). When I was going on vacation I would pull out the box and exchange it all at the airport before boariding my flight and have some extra spending money that was not part of the original budget.
posted on February 12, 2003 02:58:34 PM new
If the auction is in US dollars that is how it should be paid. If it would cost them over there to convert money it will cost you here.
posted on February 12, 2003 08:30:27 PM new
try this link:
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
bank rates in Europe are a little strange sometimes and it could very well be that it will cost your buyer much more to exchange his pounds into dollars there.
posted on February 13, 2003 07:27:38 AM new
I come from England originally, and a lot of relatives send us and our kids English pounds, and we find that it costs a lot to exchange at the bank, in Canada anyway. I sell to quite a few English buyers, and most of them use Bidpay or send U.S. cash, which would cost your buyer less than sending the extra need for the exchange over here.
posted on February 13, 2003 08:09:51 AM new
Amber, I was told the same thing many times by my buyers in the UK. First of all, what does your auction description state as acceptable payments? Always state payment info for international bidders in your auction description.
My suggestion is to see how much the bank will charge to convert it. and if it is too much, send it back and ask for US currency or for bidpay payment.
posted on February 13, 2003 03:12:56 PM new
I state in my TOS--I take International Postal Money Orders. But, over the years I have been paid cash in US dollars as well as foreign currency. I also keep the foreign currency in a drawer with my passport. Accepting it is just my form of good customer relations.
One of the things I have also had as payments,aside from the usual, is Travelers Checks--Barclays--American express.Some places these are cheaper to buy than to convert to US dollars. Just make sure people sign them on the back--2 signatures per check...
Remember with the US dollar having lost so much value in the last year over the Euro---there is a feeling of "wealth" among European buyers. I have had an increase over the past 6 months of foreign buyers.
Just let him know that it would be too much trouble for you and if they wish they can send you a m.o. via bidpay.