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Stop the Hassle: Why I'm Considering No Longer Accepting Checks as Payment

In summary, the guest wrote a check to the host, but did not include the $40 fee for returned checks. The host deposited the check and submitted the order.
chefsolnick
51
I have been so frustrated with my last 2 parties and people paying me with a check and the bank screwing something up, that then screws me up with my account. I am thinking of not accepting checks as a form of payment anymore. It's just such a hassle!! Anyone done this? Would it be inappropriate of me to do so?
 
I had three checks bounce on my last party in May and it really really messed me up. I still haven't gotten my money from two of them for over $350!!!! I DEFINITELY will not be accepting guest checks anymore nor will I submit shows again without making sure the checks have completely cleared.
 
You can choose to run your business any way you want to. I do accept checks. I do encourage my customers to pay with cards, though. I let them know I prefer Visa/MC/AMEX/Discover, but I do also accept cash and checks. Some people (especially other DS consultants) think I have to pay for the fees, so they don't want to put that expense on me.
 
I do accept checks but this is how I handle them:

I take them to the bank where they are drawn. If I can cash it there, I do.

If I can't, I simply ask them to verify that the check is good at this time.

If the bank is out of my way (this happens very rarely, I live and work in an area that has most major banks) I call the bank to verify funds.

If my own family will pass a bad check, why not a stranger?
 
Intrepid_Chef said:
I do accept checks but this is how I handle them:

I take them to the bank where they are drawn. If I can cash it there, I do.

If I can't, I simply ask them to verify that the check is good at this time.

If the bank is out of my way (this happens very rarely, I live and work in an area that has most major banks) I call the bank to verify funds.

If my own family will pass a bad check, why not a stranger?

that seems like a lot of work to me. I take them but they are told up front (I post a sign) I charge a $40 fee for returned checks. And I will file charges if they do not make it good. The law allows this in my state.
 
I live in a rural area and most people prefer to pay with checks. I actually know quite a few people who don't even have a credit card (not because they can't get one but because they don't trust them). I would have no business without checks.
 
I accept checks. A lot of people use one credit union in my area and since I use it too the checks clear immediately. So far I have had more problems with credit cards. I almost want to stop taking them because there seems to be an issue almost every other show with a credit card. I am really surprised by the number of people who pay cash. I dont carry much cash so I have to adjust that for shows to be able to make change.
 
I live in a small rural area and take checks, that is how 90% of my customers pay. So far (fingers crossed) I have had no trouble with bad checks.
 
If customers want to write checks the have to write them to the host & I ask my host to deposit immediately & I don't submit until their check clears
 
  • #10
I am thinking of only accepting credit or debit cards, as cash and checks are an inconvenience for me (who has time to run to the bank and deposit/cash checks!?!), plus, it delays the time it takes for them to get their products. If I get a debit or credit card, it usually goes right through. For people who don't use credit cards, I tell them to use their debit card - most people have a debit card nowadays. I tell them how secure it is on my site, too, and most people feel comfortable with that.Prime example - A lady emailed me a week ago that she wanted the grilling basket, asked for the total and told me she would mail me a check. I told her I would submit her order after I received her check. It's Sat. and I still don't have her check. She could have had her basket by now if I had just suggested a debit/credit card instead!!
 
  • #11
Here is how my director and I do business. The guests write the checks to the host. The host keeps the checks and cash. Then the host writes me a check to cover the cash and checks. After I get her check in the mail I close the party.

People are more likely to write a bad check to a stranger than their friend..

This works great!! Never had a bounced check (although I have only done 23 parties so far). My director has done it this way for 5 years.
 
  • #12
I feel like people are generally good people and won't knowingly write you a bad cheque. Everyone I've had that's bounced a cheque (like 3 in 5 years) have been great and very embarassed that they wrote a bad cheque. The majority of my customers write cheques and I have way more problems with declined credit cards than cheques.
 
  • #13
Shelly Flanagan said:
that seems like a lot of work to me.

Yes, it is ... but I started doing it after some old, senile lady talked me into taking a post-dated check in my Previous Product Line. Since it was still within the time frame I'd be submitting the show, I was OK with it. Then I found out the account was closed and I was charged a $34 fee.

So I tried to call her. No answer. So I went to her apartment complex. "You wrote me a check that was closed." "Of course it was low, I told you to wait until the 3rd of the month." "I did. The account was CLOSED. As in NO LONGER OPEN."

She ended up walking away confused and I was out $50 because this lady didn't throw out her old checks after opening a new account.

It's actually only a few extra steps ... and I ended up booking a show at one bank because of this!
 
  • #14
I also offer paypal- it is worth it me to pay their small fees than hassle w/ bounced checks.
 

1. Can I pay with a personal check?

Yes, we accept personal checks as a form of payment. However, please note that we may require a valid ID and a secondary form of payment as a backup.

2. Do you accept out-of-state checks?

Yes, we accept out-of-state checks. However, please be aware that there may be a hold placed on the check until it clears with the issuing bank.

3. Are there any fees for paying with a check?

No, there are no additional fees for paying with a check. However, if the check bounces or is returned for any reason, you may be responsible for any associated fees.

4. Do you accept business checks?

Yes, we do accept business checks as a form of payment. However, we may require additional verification to ensure the legitimacy of the check.

5. Can I write a post-dated check?

We prefer to receive payment for goods and services at the time of purchase, but we understand that circumstances may require a post-dated check. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation.

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