Rant Grr--Bounced Check--How to Approach Them??

[gailz2]

I know better, I normally have all checks written to the host then have them write me one check or charge it. However, this was a repeat host, repeat coworker/guest of hers, and she has booked a party for March. And, did I mention, she bounced a check. And the bank hit me with a $10 fee.

How do or have you approached this to the guest/host???

 

[Gina M]

Just call up the guest and let them know about the check (they may have already gotten bank notification as well). Tell them you'll need cash or a money order and that you are including the bank fee of $10 as well. I wouldn't involve the host and not make a big deal. I've only had one check bounce from a host and she was quick to get me the money and cover the fee- most people are.

 

[NooraK]

Just be straight forward about it. Being professional is key.

"Hi Suzy, I just got notice from my bank that the check for your order was returned (don't say bounced, it's got a negative connotation). The total of the check was $xx.xx and there's a $10 fee. Could you provide me with cash by Monday to cover the payment? Thank you!

Who knows, someone could have stolen her bank info, or something else could have happened that's out of her control. The one returned check I had, the guest's husband's paycheck bounced.

 

[gailz2]

Thanks, Gina. I tried calling her, but the recording says to call back--they are experiencing "network difficulties". I'll keep trying.

 

[lesliec]

Has she already gotten the products? If you can't get ahold of her and she hasn't gotten the products, then call the hostess and tell her you will pick them up and deliver them for her.

 

[Jenn822]

You might call your bank and ask them to waive the fee... I worked for a bank for 10 years and if you're polite and ask really nicely (and if they haven't waived the fees for you in the past), they might reverse out the fee for you.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Rut-ro. Sounds like they had something unexpected come up, and their phone may be about to be disconnected as well.I'd give it a couple of days and try again.For future reference, try taking all checks to the bank where they are drawn. I do this whenever possible, no matter how small. The one time I had someone tell me there was insufficient funds, the host called the customer. Turns out she had THOUSANDS in the bank and just assumed that they'd take the money out of her other account to cover it!

 

[BethCooks4U]

I have gone to the person's bank to cash a check in the past if I had a feeling it wouldn't clear. Some banks charge a fee when cashing a check if you don't have an account there so check first. They will tell you if the account has funds to cover it though so you can then go to your bank and quick get it in...

In 8 years I have always preferred the checks be written to me and I've probably had 6 checks come back and every one of those people paid me immediately never questioning the fee and one even gave me a little extra for my trouble. Just don't be accusing when you call.

I prefer the checks written to me because if they're written to the host that's one more thing for her to think about AND if the check for the whole show bounced it would be a much bigger deal for both her and me.

 

[lesliec]

I require checks AFTER the show to be written to the host. Those are people I don't know, so I do feel safer, but also b/c it is simply easier. I live a bit out of town and it is easier to close if she can just give me a debit card over the phone.

 

[sherri lynn]

I agree with Gina, I would just call and explain the situation. She may be a little embarrased, but I'm sure that she will just give you the cash plus the $10 fee. I know I would.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I require checks AFTER the show to be written to the host. Those are people I don't know, so I do feel safer, but also b/c it is simply easier. I live a bit out of town and it is easier to close if she can just give me a debit card over the phone.

I do this too unless the host is within 30 minutes of me. Otherwise it delays closing of the party.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I've called people and gotten similar error messages. A few days later, it was fine. Maybe it's just one of those things. Hope you reach her, soon.

Hope this doesn't overdraw your account. I know I keep VERY little cash in my PC account, so it would overdraw mine!

 

[wadesgirl]

I do this too unless the host is within 30 minutes of me. Otherwise it delays closing of the party.

What are you referring to when you say "delays closing the party"? I always have all checks wrote out to the host after the party and the host gives me one large payment with a credit card or debit card over the phone. I've never had a problem with this and it's much easier for me and my hosts!

 

[lt1jane]

the only check that ever bounced for me so far was from the host. She asked me to hold it for a week, I held it for three and it still bounced!! So glad I didn't require one check from her. Her check thankfully was small (around $30) and I wrote it off. I have made sure that she is not on any of my mailing lists. It was at the end of the year and easier to write it off as a loss on taxes.

Reality is, that small show was my 4th and qualifying show. I believe I submitted it on my 89th day. I had started off with gusto, had parties lined up, then my husband lost his job and wound up hospitalized for two weeks. My priorities at that time took a sudden left turn. He finally found a job three months ago and I can put more time into PC. Now I don't have to worry about being the sole breadwinner. For a long time my reality was that I HAD to keep that steady regular income that I could count on. Thank God for Medicad and Food Stamps. They were a godsend at the time. I am proud to say that we "graduated" off of them last month.

 

[BethCooks4U]

What are you referring to when you say "delays closing the party"? I always have all checks wrote out to the host after the party and the host gives me one large payment with a credit card or debit card over the phone. I've never had a problem with this and it's much easier for me and my hosts!

What I meant by that is if the checks were made out to me it would delay things while we waited for the mail for me to get those checks. I do have after the show outside orders made out to the host to avoid that - or ask for all plastic.

 

[esavvymom]

I want to know what bank you use that only charges $10?!?!? Man...I wish! $35 is what I get socked. I haven't quite built up enough to have alot of extra "overdraft" funds in a savings account...but I do try to have a "cushion".

 

[wadesgirl]

What I meant by that is if the checks were made out to me it would delay things while we waited for the mail for me to get those checks. I do have after the show outside orders made out to the host to avoid that - or ask for all plastic.

That's what I was wondering but wasn't reading it that way!

 

[wadesgirl]

the only check that ever bounced for me so far was from the host. She asked me to hold it for a week, I held it for three and it still bounced!! So glad I didn't require one check from her. Her check thankfully was small (around $30) and I wrote it off. I have made sure that she is not on any of my mailing lists. It was at the end of the year and easier to write it off as a loss on taxes.
.

Why didn't you ask the host?! I suppose if she told you to cash it a week and you waited three, maybe she thought you already took the money out of there. This is why I have all the host give me a debit card or credit card over the phone. Declined cards are easier to deal with than bounced checks.

I want to know what bank you use that only charges $10?!?!? Man...I wish! $35 is what I get socked. I haven't quite built up enough to have alot of extra "overdraft" funds in a savings account...but I do try to have a "cushion".

I use a local bank and they only charge $7 plus tax for returned checks.

 

[lt1jane]

it was the HOST's check that bounced! Why didn't I contact her? I was working full-time, taking care of a 2 year-old, and dealing with my husband's illness. I had my hands full. It was December and just was more than I could deal with at the time. I wrote it and the bank fees off as a business loss. I know it cost her in overdraft fees too, so she didn't get off scott free. I will not contact her again and if she orders through another party, it will be cash or credit card only for her. To me, it was a "bless and release" situation.