Navigating the Bumps of Hosting: Dealing with a Bounced Check

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses experiences and opinions related to handling bounced checks in the context of hosting Pampered Chef shows. Participants share their personal experiences, strategies for managing such situations, and varying approaches to charging fees associated with bounced checks.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration over encountering difficult situations early in their hosting experience, including a bounced check.
  • Another participant shares their experience of charging the bank fee to the customer when a check bounces, noting that they believe it is fair to do so.
  • Several users mention that they typically prefer checks to be made out to the host to simplify tracking down payments, especially among friends.
  • One participant describes a situation where they contacted both the host and the guest regarding a bounced check, emphasizing the importance of communication.
  • Another participant mentions that they have successfully charged a bank fee to a customer without any disputes.
  • Some participants discuss their practices of cashing checks at the customer's bank to avoid bounced checks, while others prefer to wait for checks to clear before submitting orders.
  • One participant recounts a specific instance where they had to follow up with a customer after a bounced check, highlighting the challenges of resolving such issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to involve the host in discussions about bounced checks, with some participants preferring to keep the host out of it, while others believe involving the host can be helpful. There is no clear consensus on the best approach to handling bounced checks and associated fees.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences, indicating that handling bounced checks can vary significantly based on personal relationships and individual business practices. The nature of the discussions reflects a mix of personal anecdotes and differing opinions on financial management in hosting scenarios.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who encounter similar issues with bounced checks may find the shared experiences and strategies useful for navigating their own situations.

littlebeans
littlebeans
Messages
61
Do you charge them the bank fee too? I have done a total of five shows, and I must be getting all the difficult situations right off the bat! I feel like if it's not one thing, it's another! Man, now a bounced check! I know there are things I should have done first, like make them sign the check to the host and then the host write one to me. But the host had orders already and checks written to me. So, stupid me, I took them. I finalized the order, it should be HERE tomorrow. Now, I did have the order come to my house because I wanted to add little thank yous since this order has been open almost all month. So, I'm not passing the products over until I get the money. But how about charging them the bank fee? Can I do that??? And should I talk to the host or call the named person whose check bounced??
 
YES!!! They bounced the check, they pay the fee. I started off having the guests write the check to the host, but then I figured that wasn't fair to the host. If they bounce a check with me, I can add the fee to the balance since I own my business. The host may not do that because that could be the end to a friendship. Work with the customer as much as possible. If the show had been shipped to the host, I would call the host to ask them to hold the order for me so I could pick it up and hold it hostage until I got the payment. If I didn't get the payment within 29 days of the shipment date, I would make sure the customer knew that the order was going back.
 
Yes
littlebeans said:
Do you charge them the bank fee too? I have done a total of five shows, and I must be getting all the difficult situations right off the bat! I feel like if it's not one thing, it's another! Man, now a bounced check! I know there are things I should have done first, like make them sign the check to the host and then the host write one to me. But the host had orders already and checks written to me. So, stupid me, I took them. I finalized the order, it should be HERE tomorrow. Now, I did have the order come to my house because I wanted to add little thank yous since this order has been open almost all month. So, I'm not passing the products over until I get the money. But how about charging them the bank fee? Can I do that??? And should I talk to the host or call the named person whose check bounced??
Click to expand...

Yes you get to charge the bounced check fees, any business would charge them a fee. Some are really steep like $50 for a bounced check, but based on what your bank charges, you get to charge her that plus the amount of the products. Be sure to write her a professional letter asking for the money if she gives you the run around but first try calling.
Explain the situation and that as soon as you get the cash or money order, DON'T TAKE ANYMORE CHECKS, you will deliver her products promptly. Hope it works out.

Debbie :D
 
I would say definitely charge them. I would call them now and let them know so that hopefully they can resolve it before the stuff arrives. Personally, I do the checks made out to the host unless it is a party with people I know... I figure it's going to be a lot easier for the host to track down her friends than it is for me to do it. And if they are your friends, I assume they would offer to pay the bank charge. I personally would not have qualms about telling a friend that they needed to reimburse me the amount of the check plus the bank fees
 
Once happened to me.YES! I contacted the host first and then the guest. I cc'd the host with anything I said to the guest. I was not able to stop her order from being delivered, but the host helped me, by holding it for me and saying that she needed to contact me. I was lucky. She paid the fee and for her order.
3 years and that was my only bad experience...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
So hopefully I will just get these bad things out of the way right from the beginning!
 
I generally keep the host out of it--it's really none of her business. I always pass along the $10 fee that my bank charges me and no one has argued with me on that.
 
I've had one bounced check in the last year and I added the $15 bank fee onto the order. I had misplaced the check and it wasn't deposited until after the order was delivered. I tried repeatedly to call the customer, but only got the host involved after I couldn't get the customer. But I didn't tell the host was the problem was... just that I needed to talk with the customer about the order.
I will take checks from customers, but almost always (this was the only time) deposit the checks and make sure they clear BEFORE I submit the show. That way I know the $$ is there and don't have to worry about being out any $$.
 
If I don't know who I am taking a check from, I take it to their bank(s) & cash it before I submit the show. Sure, it takes time, but I just do it anyway.

I did have one where the bank was a 2 branch bank & both were too far away, so I just called to see if it was good at present. Because of privacy laws, they wouldn't tell me over the phone, but allowed me to email a copy of the check & then they called me back. That one was for about $80. If the order is small, then I just deposit it.
 
Why do you take it to their bank? With so many banks using EFT now, it only takes about 24 hours to clear a check. Just take them to you bank, wait for a day for them to clear and then submit the show after. Otherwise, you are spending more time and $$ on gas to get your payments.
 
I also take the cks to their bank because if its a bad ck then it will get charged to me on my acount, if its a bad ck then their bank just will say I can not cash this now , so I try again in a day or so if I still can't cash it I then call the guest.
I had a show in April th CC was not going through so the guest sent me a ck then the check came back to me ISF with a 10.00 charge. she keeps saying she is going to send me th 48.00 but still not yet. The sad thing is she ordered on line and had the products sent stright to herself
I emailed th Host and told her she eimailed the guest also awhile a go I think its time to let the Host know again I DON:T WANT TO EAT THE 48.00 but I think I may GRRRRRRRRRR.....
 
Chef Endora said:
If I don't know who I am taking a check from, I take it to their bank(s) & cash it before I submit the show.
Click to expand...

Most banks around here charge a fee to do that if your account is not with them.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after receiving a bounced check from a guest?

First, contact the guest to inform them about the bounced check. It's important to approach the situation calmly and professionally. Ask if they are aware of the issue and if they can provide an alternative payment method to settle the outstanding balance.

How can I handle the situation if the guest is unresponsive?

If the guest does not respond to your initial communication, consider sending a follow-up message or email. Be polite and reiterate the importance of resolving the payment issue. If they still do not respond, you may need to consider other options, such as contacting a collection agency, depending on the amount owed and your company's policies.

Are there any fees associated with a bounced check that I can charge the guest?

Yes, you may be able to charge a fee for the bounced check, but this depends on your local laws and the policies of your direct sales company. Check with your company’s guidelines and local regulations to determine the appropriate fees and how to communicate them to the guest.

What steps can I take to prevent bounced checks in the future?

To minimize the risk of bounced checks, consider accepting only electronic payments or credit card transactions, which are generally more secure. If you do accept checks, ensure that you verify the guest's information and consider asking for a form of identification to confirm their identity.

How should I document the bounced check for my records?

Keep a record of the bounced check, including the date it was received, the amount, the guest's information, and any communication you had regarding the issue. This documentation can be helpful for your records and may be necessary if you need to escalate the situation or report it to your company.

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