Dealing with a Returned Check: Tips for Handling Difficult Customers

[linojackie]

I posted a week or two ago about having a customer with a returned check. Well, I called her and left a nice message saying "I need to talk to you about your order" so as to be tactfull. A week later no call, so I call her again and say "I need to talk to you right away to resolve the check that you wrote that was returned to my bank". She calls back when I am out and my daughter tells her to call back later. She didn't. 3 days later I call her again. This time I reach her. She has the everloving NERVE to tell me that it's my fault and if I was a better consultant (and she used those exact words), I would have deposited her check sooner and that wouldn't have happened. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I stayed professional and pleasant despite her rudeness. I kept telling myself she was just embarassed because the bounced a check and that's the reason for the attitude. So she tells me she will be "the good person" and pay my $12 bank fees, but that she doesn't want the products anymore. I have a feeling I'll never see the $12, but what do I do about the products? I don't need them, and could probably use the $45 towards something better, so can anyone give me some advice or insight?

Sorry for the rambling and thanks for reading!

 

[cathyskitchen]

Send the products back and get the money back. Take the $12 from her for the returned check fee that she owes you for her mistake. Say goodbye.

 

[vwpamperedchef]

Does the host have the products? I would go to the host and just explain the issue at hand, and say you need to return the products so you can get the reimbursement. That's all---the guest wants to play games? Well, not with you!

Now, if she has the products already, that's another issue.

 

[dennyb1998]

Take the advice from the others who posted...good advice! Denise

 

[Teresa Lynn]

thats why I have all checks written to the host (seriously, they aren't going to write their friend/sister/neighbor/coworker a hot check, me suzy consultant who they may never see again yep!! it might happen.)
I put the show on my PC Visa & let the host deal with the checks. plus I HATE going to the bank and I prefer to do as little as possible so i'd rather keep up with payments from 5-6 hosts a month than 100+ checks

 

[gbakes27]

Teresa - then if the host check bounces you have lost it all and she has the products. It is just scary either way. I Love the charge cards!!

 

[linojackie]

That's true and probably a better idea!