Should I Have Let My Customer Know She Was Short on Her Cheque?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around a participant's experience with a customer who submitted a cheque that was short of the total amount due. Participants share their thoughts on whether it is appropriate to inform customers of such discrepancies and discuss their personal experiences with similar situations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expressed concern about the implications of allowing customers to short their payments, emphasizing the potential for it to become a recurring issue.
  • Another participant shared their view that it is important to inform customers about any discrepancies, as it could prevent larger issues in the future.
  • Several users mentioned that they would have handled the situation similarly, noting that even small amounts can add up over time.
  • One participant recounted a personal experience where they had to inform a customer about a larger shortfall, highlighting the importance of communication.
  • Another participant humorously suggested that they might "forget" a small item during delivery to avoid the situation altogether.
  • Some participants shared frustrations about customers who do not take payment obligations seriously, recounting experiences with bounced cheques and payment issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to inform customers about short payments, with some participants supporting the idea of communication while others suggest it may depend on the customer relationship. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants shared a range of personal experiences related to payment discrepancies, reflecting the challenges faced in managing customer transactions within their businesses.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who encounter similar situations with customer payments may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant to their own practices.

I would tell them that if the want their own reciepts then they need to pay thier own shipping... simple as that.

I love how people treat you like you are pocketing their shipping!! No.. the shipping money pays for shipping!!
 
I only came across the issue once, at my last show! One lady made a fuss about it, and then the others caught on... "how is shipping 25% of my order"... so her and her friend decided to combine... So I just sort of looked away ignored them while they did their thing! And then I mentioned that the host gets free shipping on her order, and they were like "OH, so we are paying for her...." Ugh!
 
pamperedgirl3 said:
Did you do an online product adjustment for the missing item? When something is missing from my shows, I do a product adjustment online & it has a spot on there to choose if an item is missing & where you want it mailed.

Will HO be annoyed if I leave a message and then after 4 days of hearing back nothing, place an online product adjustment? I told the guest I would get back to her and I hate taking this long.....
 
I would have asked for the money too. The only time I don't is if I screwed up calculating the tax or shipping. But in that case you are only talking about a few cents.
 
the way I see it is if I OVERCHARGED them they would expect me to pay them back. Even if it's a matter of just a few cents I will call them and ask , Do you want a refund or shall I put it in the donation (RUFTH)
So Yes I always will let them know if I am shorted..no matter who is at fault.
 
pamperedlinda said:
Geez...it was a $500 order too (her host order) This was about a year ago and I remember a lot of people in my cluster talking about debit card problems - I think it was an issue at HO as it hasn't happened anymore after that.

Actually because it was a $500 order might have been the problem -- lots of debit cards have artificial limits to protect the customer from getting their bank account wiped out. I had an issue when I was paying for my wedding with this (my card was declined for the final reception payment, even though there was about 10,000 more in the account than they were trying to charge). The bank wasn't showing any attempts in their system because it was declining before it got to the account level since it was over the limit. Customer service at the bank ultimately had to put a special code on my account to pre-approve the charge and then the reception got it through). Standard limit amounts are between $300-500 per transaction, although I understand that has recently been increased to $1000 on some accounts.
 
So true Reba...
 
ivykeep said:
Actually because it was a $500 order might have been the problem -- lots of debit cards have artificial limits to protect the customer from getting their bank account wiped out. I had an issue when I was paying for my wedding with this (my card was declined for the final reception payment, even though there was about 10,000 more in the account than they were trying to charge). The bank wasn't showing any attempts in their system because it was declining before it got to the account level since it was over the limit. Customer service at the bank ultimately had to put a special code on my account to pre-approve the charge and then the reception got it through). Standard limit amounts are between $300-500 per transaction, although I understand that has recently been increased to $1000 on some accounts.
That's good to know.....
 
I am glad to see that I am not alone in this problem. I had a show in Feb where a guest ordered $36.00 worth of stuff and her husband acording to her would not let her spend more than $30.00 so they wrote me a check for excatly $30.00 not one penny over, I was a bit upset .... and didnt' say anything then a month ago the same guest at ordered at her Daughter inlaws show again... and the messuare all cups are $22.00 +4.00 would be $26.00 I got $21.00 and a note saying Iforgot what you told me, so I called her and told her that she shorted me $6.00 ... she was like OH.... and never paid me back!! :( I told my Dh and he was livid.. he goes your not running a free show anymore.. and if she wants to order from you again she has to pay you the $6.00 that she owes you pure and simple. At that same show a month ago I had a guest go well my Friend that is a Pampered Chef consulatnt that I am a flight attendant with.. combines orders so one person only pays shipping, I told her well that is the way he runs his business and I run my business.. it's $4.00 shipping and for warrenty purposes you have to have the recipit and I am not combing orders. Late my Director told me that it's acutally HO policy and the next time that it happens to let them knwo that it's company policy.. I dont' know if it truly is but it sounds good.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I have let my customer know she was short on her cheque?

Yes, it is generally a good practice to inform your customer if there is an issue with their payment. Transparency helps build trust and ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding the transaction.

What is the best way to inform my customer about the short cheque?

The best approach is to contact your customer directly, either through a phone call or a polite email. Clearly explain the situation, and offer to discuss how to resolve the issue, such as arranging for the remaining balance to be paid.

What if my customer is upset about the short cheque?

If your customer is upset, remain calm and empathetic. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that you are there to help resolve the issue. Offer solutions and be willing to work with them to find a satisfactory outcome.

Could not informing my customer lead to issues in the future?

Yes, failing to inform your customer about a short cheque could lead to misunderstandings and damage your relationship. It may also affect your reputation as a reliable seller, making customers less likely to return or recommend your services.

How can I prevent short cheque issues in the future?

To prevent short cheque issues, consider implementing a system to double-check payments before finalizing transactions. You can also communicate your payment policies clearly to customers upfront to avoid confusion.

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