How many would accept a personal check via mail from a stranger ??

[PAVALKER]

Just curious......  I think I already know the poll results...

[DirtyDan]

Check....... Double check

My pipes were pressure tested

Dan

[BF]

Nothing is 100%, but PayPal, within my experiences, has been the safest method of transferring funds and for buying and selling that I know of.  

Other than PayPal, cash in person. 

[PAVALKER]

Nothing is 100%, but PayPal, within my experiences, has been the safest method of transferring funds and for buying and selling that I know of.  

Other than PayPal, cash in person. 

I agree with PayPal and USPS Money order.  Some folks don't like or use PayPal , which is fine and hence the convenient option of the Postal Money Order.  When I accept A Postal MO, I cash it as I present the package for shipment...and if Money Order isn't legit, then it becomes a Federal Fraud case and the package doesn't ship. So I do think that is secure as well.  Too many folks can print up a Pers Check now a days it seems.  I have had to call banks to determine if a Cashiers Check is valid and then still wait until it clears....those are just printed as well.

Lots of small business don't accept personal checks...and it's been awhile since I have wrote one out myself.  I use Electronic payment now.....and save money on postage for those monthly bills.

[sandy]

I parted out a Valk to folks on the board. Shipped lots of parts without getting any money. Everyone paid promptly and no bad checks. Is this a great board or what.

[Willow]

We're missing an entry on the poll that says, "It depends ..."  It could depend upon the price and value, the situation, or what I had for breakfast that morning.  The answer becomes maybe or maybe not.

[solo1]

What Willow said.

[Gryphon Rider]

I've been a buyer, not a seller, but I've always sent postal money orders. Last time I texted a picture of the money order, receipt, and stamped envelope with their address on it. The last three times I bought something the item and the payment were in the mail before the other arrived. But then I was dealing with Valkyrie riders.

[hubcapsc]

I have accepted checks from members here I have never met.

I typically offer to send postal money orders, but am happy when
I can send a check and save a trip to the post office...

There's a networking protocol axiom: "Be liberal in what you accept,
and conservative in what you send"... it promotes all kinds
of successful interactivity  

Nobody wants to be a chump, and I don't do much buying or
selling to/from individuals outside of this arena...

-Mike

[Chrisj CMA]

I parted out a Valk to folks on the board. Shipped lots of parts without getting any money. Everyone paid promptly and no bad checks. Is this a great board or what.

+1 with Sandy.  For VRCC members I have shipped without payment several times and the check always shows up and is good.  Even items priced close to a grand, never even thought there would be a problem.  For a brand new member, joined for the express purpose of the transaction, I usually make a phone call and use more caution.  Seems the younger crowd is more familiar with cahiers checks and PayPal.  I wont get another PayPal account after my first one almost cost me a few hundred in fraud.  

[Wizzard]

I bought a MADCO camlock years ago and called and talked to the owner. He told me he would send my product out the next day and to just send him a check. I asked him if he does that as standard practice and he told me that was his practice for many years and he very rarely had a biker burn him on a deal.
I was kind of surprised but like I said,,that was 8 years ago. BTW I love the camlock.

[Jack B]

I will ship the item as soon as I cash the check.
 This summer I sold a gas tank that leaked, cheap. I then boxed it up and I went to a few different shipping places for estimates. So I waited for the check and a week later I contacted the buyer and he changed his mind. Lots of time wasted he could've contacted me before hand and told me he changed his mind.
I was pissed.

[da prez]

  I am to trusting at times. In some cases , I wait until the check clears and then transfer the money to another account.  I have never been none in by anyone on this board. Many times when I sell , I send the product for approval and then have the check sent if they are happy with the item.
  In the past , I have had buyers go to the bank with me and give the money to the teller for direct deposit in my account. If there is problems with the cash , it is not my problem after the bank takes the cash.
  As far as the poll goes , use your best judgment.  If you can bring a check , you can bring cash.
  If you send me a check , I may wait for it to clear.
  In real estate transactions , funds have to be bank transferred at least 24 hours before closing. Some people would bring a check to closing and before giving the check up would do a photo deposit back into their own account. They think they would get away with that.

                                           da prez

[Wizzard]

I don't even have a checkbook anymore. With all the options out there I kind of thought a checkbook was outdated now anyhow. My BIL runs a tire store and he tells me that personal checks are dwindling fast. I personally would probably accept a ck but would wait to finish the transaction till it clears.

[CamelToeJoe]

PayPal is ancient

Google wallet or android pay is simple, fast and no fees.  If you're really up to speed bitcoin is great also.

[2KVALKRIDER]

I would.... but only if I'm NOT selling anything........,

[Kirb]

Probably depends on the amount. I was able to make a purchase something from someone on the board with a check. It was a small amount but I had no expectations of shipment prior to the seller having the check clear. Takes a minute but I think it is a reasonable approach.
Could I get stiffed? Yep but I take the approach that most riders are generally honest at least with other riders.
If I was going to drop a bundle I would likely check through PM with a Mod and see if they were familiar with the user and go from there.
Just my thoughts

[cookiedough]

trust no one is my motto to live by.

I once had a guy try to cheat me out of my craiglist ATV posting bringing 2500 in cash vs. 2600 bottom line we agreed on.  I counted the money ASAP and he was a local guy 25 miles away.  I triple counted it and so did he all came up 2500.  He assured me he went to the bank and even called his bank that Saturday morning informing him he got 2500 vs. 2600 in cash.  Bank said no,  was 2600 as verified by counting the drawer I guess being a small local bank am sure. 

Well,  I told him I will either keep the extra synthetic oil and filter and ATV luggage for 100 bucks and sell them outright or if he had say 80 bucks in cash extra to give me. I wasn't giving up 100 bucks when was already a very fair 2600 ATV purchase since I price items to sell ASAP vs. dickering over say 300 bucks and going down from there.  The ONLY time I wish I would have overpriced a posting was back in 1997 selling my 1984 Honda Magna loaded with extras with around 21K miles is all or so I think selling for ONLY 1500 bucks.  Heck,  a 1984 Honda Magna even with 40-50K miles nowadays is still selling for almost 1500 bucks some near 20 years later.  I was an idiot should have sold for 2 grand but sold it ASAP and even that guy tried to dicker me down in price since needed a new rear tire ASAP.    I said sorry,  fair price to begin with take it or leave it.  The extras alone including rear hard case top luggage trunk,  hwy. pegs,  windshield, leather saddlebags, and taller rear backrest for passenger was well worth 300 bucks in value easily. 

Well, anyways the ATV guy went down to our local bank ATM machine and guess what,  after checking his car, calling his bank, and going to our local ATM machine, the 100 dollar bill appeared EVER so magically.  Guess what,  our ATM machine does NOT give out 100 dollar bills, ONLY 20's, so he had the 100 dollar bill ALL ALONG.  I wasn't going to piss him off calling him a liar to not sell my ATV for a fair price, but it is what it is. 

[Varmintmist]

If a check cant clear in your bank if 5 days, then its time for a new bank. Take the check, deposit it, and when it clears, then send or sell the item. You dont officially have any money until the check clears so it is not unreasonable to make the payee wait.

[Serk]

It's to the point now one of my biggest pet peeves is seeing someone whip out a check book while paying for stuff at the store... Ugh... The only place I still write checks for these days is government stuff and they usually run about 50 years behind the rest of the world anyway...

[Chrisj CMA]

If a check cant clear in your bank if 5 days, then its time for a new bank. Take the check, deposit it, and when it clears, then send or sell the item. You dont officially have any money until the check clears so it is not unreasonable to make the payee wait.

I understand that, and if fact I always offer to wait for my check to clear when I am the buyer.   However, if the price was fair and the person sending the check is honest then both parties would have the same risk, so I just send it (VRCC member only)

[hubcapsc]

If a check cant clear in your bank if 5 days, then its time for a new bank.

Yeah... I paid for a maintenance shot at the Mini Cooper dealer the other
day with a check... I handed him the check, he ran it through a machine, and
handed the check back to me - he was done with it...

-Mike

[PAVALKER]

PayPal is ancient

Google wallet or android pay is simple, fast and no fees.  If you're really up to speed bitcoin is great also.

.

Slow down there CamelToeJoe...sheesh, some folks just got onboard trusting PayPal.  Those flames got ya at warp speeds.  LOL. Google wallet is probably for someone with a smart phone I'm assuming, and not for those of us on Tracfone.  Bitcoin?  Bitcoin, really? Hmm, I think I saw that mentioned on a TV show not long ago.   In either of those cases I guess the proper equipment/account is necessary.  PayPal would have worked but the Postal Money order is the ideal for me in this case.....if I'm mailing the package anyhow, they will cash one of their own Postal Money Orders at the same time.  Maybe I shoulda just had one of the Startrek guys transport the buyer here to inspect and pick it up personally.  Wouldn't that be nice..LOL

[CamelToeJoe]

PayPal is ancient

Google wallet or android pay is simple, fast and no fees.  If you're really up to speed bitcoin is great also.

.

Slow down there CamelToeJoe...sheesh, some folks just got onboard trusting PayPal.  Those flames got ya at warp speeds.  LOL. Google wallet is probably for someone with a smart phone I'm assuming, and not for those of us on Tracfone.  Bitcoin?  Bitcoin, really? Hmm, I think I saw that mentioned on a TV show not long ago.   In either of those cases I guess the proper equipment/account is necessary.  PayPal would have worked but the Postal Money order is the ideal for me in this case.....if I'm mailing the package anyhow, they will cash one of their own Postal Money Orders at the same time.  Maybe I shoulda just had one of the Startrek guys transport the buyer here to inspect and pick it up personally.  Wouldn't that be nice..LOL

Right on man.. But bitcoin is the slickest.  The other forms are more mainstream and super easy.. Person to person.  In fact if I sell stuff I offer 10 percent off if paid by bitcoin...

[old2soon]

I have sold and bought on this board. I sent an I/S bra to a member for him to have a look see. AFTER he looked at that bra he sent me the money. A member sent me a set of risers on the look see. I sent him the money. I'm 2 for 2. BUT these days I would prefer a U S P S money order. The electronic pay systems mentioned-old dog NOT good fer new trix!  As an aside-if someone would screw over a board member here the one doing the screwing over would have a difficult time regaining integrity here. RIDE SAFE.

[BF]

PayPal is ancient

Google wallet or android pay is simple, fast and no fees.  If you're really up to speed bitcoin is great also.

You do realize the average age of most valk owners don't cha?   


I know some on here don't trust paypal, but it really is the safest way to transfer funds on the Internet. 

If I'm selling, I'll only accept paypal as payment.  If you dont trust paypal, then you can buy from someone else.....I'd rather have the protection that paypal prvides. All you need to transfer funds on it is a valid email address....mine, to transfer funds to me.  It's no risk to you. 

If I'm buying, then its whatever the seller wants for payment.  However to protect me and the buyer or seller, then paypal works best for all parties.

I've had hundreds of transactions with PayPal and I've never once had a problem.  The post office on the other hand....well...things get lost lost...including checks and money  orders.

[PAVALKER]

I must say that I am a bit surprised of the poll results so far.  

Thought there would be more than 51 voters after a day.

I find it hard to believe there are actually 7 people that would always accept a check, and in this day and age of other options that does surprise me.  But I don't consider "Bitcoin" a widely accepted option however (sorry CamelToeJoe....maybe someday LOL). I thought there would be more than 13 that never accept a check and that it would be in line and more balanced equal with those 31 that would ship but only after a check clears.

It will be interesting to see if it gets different results if it runs longer....

[RP#62]

If you had qualified it with 'from VRCC members', the results probably would be a little different.  I've always done so with items I've sold to other members and have never been burned.
-RP

[BobB]

I bought a MADCO camlock years ago and called and talked to the owner. He told me he would send my product out the next day and to just send him a check. I asked him if he does that as standard practice and he told me that was his practice for many years and he very rarely had a biker burn him on a deal.
I was kind of surprised but like I said,,that was 8 years ago. BTW I love the camlock.

I also purchased a Camlock and other things from Bill eight years ago.  Last spring, I purchased Galfer front brake lines through him.  The kit was delayed, so Bill threw in a section for the rear brake.  He is one of the best individuals I have ever delt with and obviously trusting of others.  I'm not so much...

[srteach]

Burned once. USPS only for me. Sorry if that upsets anyone here.

[Rams]

We're missing an entry on the poll that says, "It depends ..."  It could depend upon the price and value, the situation, or what I had for breakfast that morning.  The answer becomes maybe or maybe not.

I agree.  It really does depend.   Had this  been restricted to VRCC members, I could have checked one of the options  but, as a wide open to whom it may concern, it depends.    Would have checked a category but, there just isn't a right answer for me.   

If, this just something I was selling on Craigslist to some one I've never met, then no.   That check will clear the bank before the item leaves my possession.   But, if I'm selling a Valkyrie part in our classified section, then most likely I'll send the item before receiving the check.    Have done it before, never a problem.    What I do know and have seen previously on other forums, cheating, lying and stealing from another forum member will get you nothing but trouble and a bad reputation.   It only takes once.

[PAVALKER]

If you had qualified it with 'from VRCC members', the results probably would be a little different.  I've always done so with items I've sold to other members and have never been burned.
-RP

What do you qualify as a VRCC member?  Someone that signed up on this VRCC message board?  Is that a member?  Let me tell ya that anyone can do that.  Surely you are not talking a card carrying, patch wearing dues paying member? Are there even any of those?  And, some of the dealings I have had in the VRCC classifieds have been less than transparent and occasionally a little bitter at times.  So for argument sake....yea, anyone on the VRCC classified.

[vanagon40]

I guess I am still perplexed that sellers think it is perfectly reasonable to demand that they have cleared funds in hand prior to sending an item.  Why would a person send the equivalent of cash (or be expected to wait until the check clears) when buying from a total stranger?  Why is it that the buyer is expected to trust the seller unconditionally, when the seller makes it clear that he does not trust the buyer?  I realize that if a person is selling something, he has the right to set the terms of sale.  I just do not understand the “I do not trust you; but I demand that you trust me” philosophy.

As a somewhat aside, I was once accused of being a thief because I sent the seller a Western Union money order.  He informed me that no honest person uses Western Union.  I guess I don’t understand how Western Union stays in business. [And yes, the failed sale was with a fellow VRCC member.]

[RP#62]

If you had qualified it with 'from VRCC members', the results probably would be a little different.  I've always done so with items I've sold to other members and have never been burned.
-RP

What do you qualify as a VRCC member?  Someone that signed up on this VRCC message board?  Is that a member?  Let me tell ya that anyone can do that.  Surely you are not talking a card carrying, patch wearing dues paying member? Are there even any of those?  And, some of the dealings I have had in the VRCC classifieds have been less than transparent and occasionally a little bitter at times.  So for argument sake....yea, anyone on the VRCC classified.

I guess my definition would be board regulars.  Folks I had seen making posts for sometime and many that I've had conversations with back and forth over the years.

-RP

[PAVALKER]

I guess I am still perplexed that sellers think it is perfectly reasonable to demand that they have cleared funds in hand prior to sending an item.  Why would a person send the equivalent of cash (or be expected to wait until the check clears) when buying from a total stranger?  Why is it that the buyer is expected to trust the seller unconditionally, when the seller makes it clear that he does not trust the buyer?  I realize that if a person is selling something, he has the right to set the terms of sale.  I just do not understand the “I do not trust you; but I demand that you trust me” philosophy.

As a somewhat aside, I was once accused of being a thief because I sent the seller a Western Union money order.  He informed me that no honest person uses Western Union.  I guess I don’t understand how Western Union stays in business. [And yes, the failed sale was with a fellow VRCC member.]

Make any eBay purchases?  Do they send the item to you and bill you?  Ordered from any online business and had them send the item to you with a bill?  Or gone grocery shopping...do they let you take the groceries home and send in your money?  How about Target, do they let you take the items out of the store before you pay?

Yea, Western Union isn't a fav anymore for most anyone.  Postal MO is more the acceptable I think.

[PAVALKER]

If you had qualified it with 'from VRCC members', the results probably would be a little different.  I've always done so with items I've sold to other members and have never been burned.
-RP

What do you qualify as a VRCC member?  Someone that signed up on this VRCC message board?  Is that a member?  Let me tell ya that anyone can do that.  Surely you are not talking a card carrying, patch wearing dues paying member? Are there even any of those?  And, some of the dealings I have had in the VRCC classifieds have been less than transparent and occasionally a little bitter at times.  So for argument sake....yea, anyone on the VRCC classified.

I guess my definition would be board regulars.  Folks I had seen making posts for sometime and many that I've had conversations with back and forth over the years.

-RP

Kinda hard to put a bunch of qualifiers on a poll like this.  As someone said it depends on .....  But there are so many of those variables.

[vanagon40]

I guess I am still perplexed that sellers think it is perfectly reasonable to demand that they have cleared funds in hand prior to sending an item.  Why would a person send the equivalent of cash (or be expected to wait until the check clears) when buying from a total stranger?  Why is it that the buyer is expected to trust the seller unconditionally, when the seller makes it clear that he does not trust the buyer?  I realize that if a person is selling something, he has the right to set the terms of sale.  I just do not understand the “I do not trust you; but I demand that you trust me” philosophy.

As a somewhat aside, I was once accused of being a thief because I sent the seller a Western Union money order.  He informed me that no honest person uses Western Union.  I guess I don’t understand how Western Union stays in business. [And yes, the failed sale was with a fellow VRCC member.]

Make any eBay purchases?  Do they send the item to you and bill you?  Ordered from any online business and had them send the item to you with a bill?  Or gone grocery shopping...do they let you take the groceries home and send in your money?  How about Target, do they let you take the items out of the store before you pay?

Yea, Western Union isn't a fav anymore for most anyone.  Postal MO is more the acceptable I think.

My mistake.  I thought you were discussing personal transactions between individuals who were strangers.

[PAVALKER]

I guess I am still perplexed that sellers think it is perfectly reasonable to demand that they have cleared funds in hand prior to sending an item.  Why would a person send the equivalent of cash (or be expected to wait until the check clears) when buying from a total stranger?  Why is it that the buyer is expected to trust the seller unconditionally, when the seller makes it clear that he does not trust the buyer?  I realize that if a person is selling something, he has the right to set the terms of sale.  I just do not understand the “I do not trust you; but I demand that you trust me” philosophy.

As a somewhat aside, I was once accused of being a thief because I sent the seller a Western Union money order.  He informed me that no honest person uses Western Union.  I guess I don’t understand how Western Union stays in business. [And yes, the failed sale was with a fellow VRCC member.]

Make any eBay purchases?  Do they send the item to you and bill you?  Ordered from any online business and had them send the item to you with a bill?  Or gone grocery shopping...do they let you take the groceries home and send in your money?  How about Target, do they let you take the items out of the store before you pay?

Yea, Western Union isn't a fav anymore for most anyone.  Postal MO is more the acceptable I think.

My mistake.  I thought you were discussing personal transactions between individuals who were strangers.

Same thing really..... Do you know who you are dealing with on eBay? Do you know the folks at the store you shop at on line or at a block store?  Those are strangers as well are they not?

[PAVALKER]

We're missing an entry on the poll that says, "It depends ..."  It could depend upon the price and value, the situation, or what I had for breakfast that morning.  The answer becomes maybe or maybe not.

To many variables for that "depends" to list and it wouldn't be right to just list depends, do you think?

[vanagon40]

I guess I am still perplexed that sellers think it is perfectly reasonable to demand that they have cleared funds in hand prior to sending an item.  Why would a person send the equivalent of cash (or be expected to wait until the check clears) when buying from a total stranger?  Why is it that the buyer is expected to trust the seller unconditionally, when the seller makes it clear that he does not trust the buyer?  I realize that if a person is selling something, he has the right to set the terms of sale.  I just do not understand the “I do not trust you; but I demand that you trust me” philosophy.

As a somewhat aside, I was once accused of being a thief because I sent the seller a Western Union money order.  He informed me that no honest person uses Western Union.  I guess I don’t understand how Western Union stays in business. [And yes, the failed sale was with a fellow VRCC member.]

Make any eBay purchases?  Do they send the item to you and bill you?  Ordered from any online business and had them send the item to you with a bill?  Or gone grocery shopping...do they let you take the groceries home and send in your money?  How about Target, do they let you take the items out of the store before you pay?

Yea, Western Union isn't a fav anymore for most anyone.  Postal MO is more the acceptable I think.

My mistake.  I thought you were discussing personal transactions between individuals who were strangers.

Same thing really..... Do you know who you are dealing with on eBay? Do you know the folks at the store you shop at on line or at a block store?  Those are strangers as well are they not?

If you think a payment to Target is the same as a payment to a total stranger, let me tell you about a 1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate I have for sale.  Only 2,000 miles, in pristine condition.  Only $2,000.  Send me a Postal Money Order and I will ship it to your address.

If you really believe that transactions between a local store and a total stranger are the "same thing really," there is no point in this discussion.  Ebay is comparing apples to oranges.  And yes, I usually try to verify the legitimacy of an online business before sending my money.  I stand by my original post.

Let me try to explain the anomaly in simple terms.  I have a seat for sale for $50.  You have a luggage rack for sale for $50.  We obviously do not know each other.  You want my seat, I want your luggage rack.  You will not send me your luggage rack on my promise that I will send you my seat.  I will not send you my seat on your promise to send your luggage rack.  I demand that you send me $50 in a Postal money order.  You demand that I send you $50 in a Postal money order.  But we both send the money orders.  Now I will send you my seat.  Now you will send me your luggage rack.  If you did not trust me to send you the seat, why did you send me a money order?  If I did not trust you to send me the luggage rack, why did I send you a money order?