Bounced Check Question (Yes, Another One....)

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses experiences and strategies related to handling bounced checks within the context of a business. Participants share personal anecdotes about their encounters with returned checks and the actions they took in response.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions having few returned checks in nearly three years and seeks advice on cashing a check at the bank of the check writer.
  • Several participants express that it is generally possible to cash a check at the check writer's bank if funds are available, with some noting the importance of speaking to a helpful teller.
  • Another participant shares their experience of successfully obtaining a cashier's check from the bank of the check writer after explaining their situation.
  • One participant discusses the discouragement of receiving multiple bounced checks but acknowledges it as a business hazard.
  • Another participant describes their policy of charging a returned check fee and notes that they have not had any returned checks since implementing this policy.
  • One participant recounts a situation where they were left with products after a guest closed their account and had to pay for shipping back, leading them to establish a returned check fee on their order forms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for handling bounced checks, and no clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and practices related to managing bounced checks in their businesses, reflecting a range of outcomes and strategies.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants dealing with similar issues of bounced checks may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant to their own situations.

J
jwpamp
Messages
1,614
Ok, I haven't had many returned checks since I started nearly 3 years ago, and the most recent one is not co-operating.

Can someone tell me if I can take the check (my bank actually sends me one of those "Legal Copies") to THEIR bank and cash it?

I was hoping that there would be some other way to do this rather than filing a small claims.

Also, if anyone has filed a small claims -- what will they do if the "defendant" doesn't show up or pay it thru the court after the court date?
 
You should be able to take the check (or copy) the their bank. It may take a couple of tries, but as long as there is money in the account they will, or should cash it. If you can get a helpful teller you might be able to find out if they have direct deposit or not too, then you will know the best date to cash it.
 
Yes you should be able to take the check copy into her bank and cash it. If the funds are there they will do it.
 
Of course you can take the check to her bank. If they are a distance away, call first. But the bank will cash it for you if there are funds in the account.

If that doesn't work, which it should. Take it to small claims court. She has stolen from you and you have every right to go after the money!!

Edited to add that if she doesn't show up there is a possibility that she'll be arrested for bad check fees. I think if you call the local district justice office to find out the laws in your area.
 
The other bank will probably charge you to cash it if you are not their customer.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Update:

Ok, so I took the check to their bank today and explained my situation. They were very kind and issued me a Cashier's Check with the funds from the checkwriter's account (yes, they were available today).

So, I am only out the return fee my bank charged me, and if the customer wants to make good on it, that is fine. If not, oh well....

Happy ending! Thank you ALL for your help. I have never had a customer who refused to pay an NSF check before, and it's nice to know what to do now!!

Thank you again!!!
 
Happy to hear it went smooth. I just got my 2nd bounced chek yesterday. It is so discouraging, but I can't seem to bring myself to cash or credit only. Luckily the first check was paid plus my fee and this second one says they will do the same..
I guess it is a business hazard.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Well, the customer just called and said they had the money to pay me....too late for the check, but he said he will bring the money by for the fee.

We'll see.
 
I always tell my hostesses and also at the beginning of my shows that if i receive a returned check, then they will be charged the amount on the check AND a $20 returned check fee. I haven't had ANY returned checks since I started this.
 
I had the problem too. Except the guest closed the account and didn't want the products so I was stuck with them. Not only was I charged by my bank, but I had to pay to have them shipped back. I have now put on my outside order forms that there is a $25 fee for all returned checks.
 
I've done this for 9 years only had 3 bounced checks. only 1 problem guest with the check.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a bounced check from a customer?

If you receive a bounced check, first contact the customer to inform them of the issue. Give them an opportunity to rectify the situation by providing an alternative form of payment. It's important to maintain a professional tone and understand that mistakes can happen.

Can I charge a fee for a bounced check?

Yes, you can charge a fee for a bounced check, but it’s essential to inform the customer beforehand. Check your local laws regarding the maximum allowable fee, and ensure that you communicate this policy clearly in your payment terms.

How can I prevent bounced checks in my direct sales business?

To prevent bounced checks, consider implementing a policy where you only accept checks from established customers or require a valid form of ID. You might also want to encourage electronic payments or credit card transactions, which are generally more secure.

What are the legal implications of accepting bounced checks?

Accepting bounced checks can have legal implications, including the potential for fraud if the customer had no intention of covering the check. It's advisable to document all transactions and communications regarding bounced checks to protect yourself legally.

Is there a way to recover the funds from a bounced check?

If a check bounces, you can attempt to recover the funds by contacting the customer for payment. If they refuse or fail to pay, you may need to consider legal action or involving a collections agency, but this should be a last resort after all other avenues have been exhausted.

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