posted on September 19, 2001 12:30:27 PM new
Remember the saga earlier about taking a check from someone in Puerto Rico?
Well, it finally arrived today and I deposited it. My bank just called me and they cannot take it! They are only allowed to process checks from 2 banks in PR, and this check is not drawn on one of those banks.
I swear from now on, if any Ebay auctions need to go over any water, I am not processing them!
I have not sent out the item yet, but I've probably lost my listing fees here. It has been very hard getting replies from the buyer and I'm not calling PR for $14.00!
New TOS: If you are not in the US proper, you need to pay with CASH! Less trouble!
posted on September 19, 2001 12:40:52 PM new
yes i remember the thread. as i recall most of not all were telling you to go ahead, its ok, PR is part of the U.S (which it is to a degree).....wee see what following the know it alls here, instead of following your instincts has cost you...............sorry this has happened to you but its good that those who were so quick to push you to acceptance have been exposed........in the future i am sure you will do your own investigation and not rely on those who spout the so called truth here.....
posted on September 19, 2001 12:50:57 PM new
I got lulled into a false sense of security when I figured the postage and first tried to use International and it came back and told me to use the Domestic Calculator. That, coupled with everyone's encouragement here, made me feel PR was really a part our US banking and postal system, which obviously it wasn't.
The written part of the amount on the check was in Spanish and the bank complained about that, saying they couldn't read the amount. I felt like asking them why then do I have to choose English or Spanish everytime I use your ATM!!
Credit Unions have advantages, but they are also dwelling in the dark ages!
posted on September 19, 2001 01:04:59 PM new
You have to watch Priority Mail usage for places like Guam ( similar to Puerto Rico in political status ).
From USPS website:
For packages over 5 pounds, rates are based on the weight of the piece and the zone (distance from origin to destination ZIP Code).
posted on September 19, 2001 02:21:14 PM new
Since you got a CALL from the bank, I'm assuming then that this was awhile after you made the deposit. If so, then why didn't the teller catch it? If they cannot process these types of checks, then they should have their tellers made aware of this. That would have saved a lot of hassle; I would think. Then you would have known right away.
posted on September 19, 2001 02:36:58 PM new
I don't take my checks inside ... too much hassle. Much faster to get them all ready and deposit them into the ATM. I guess they called me when they processed my ATM deposit later on today. I emailed the buyer right away to see if he wanted to send cash, money order or try to pay with PayPal but I haven't heard back yet. Guess I'll have to give it a few more days and then process it like any other NPB to at least get my FVF back.
posted on September 19, 2001 02:59:29 PM new
from my experience at the banks drive thru the tellers don't actually check the checks or accuracy of the deposit slip....at my local bank they actually take your word that the deposit slip total is right etc. then when thye do the actual processing at night at the check center any adjustments are made. i have recv'd several corrections where my math was wrong, in my favor, from the bank days after i made a deposit.....
posted on September 19, 2001 06:14:42 PM new
Just curious, does it have the numbers on the bottom like American checks? If so, it might have an American partner bank that will process it. Then again, the numbers on the bottom might be the same format, but the routing numbers might not work outside of the PR banking system. I would say that you fulfilled your end and if you cannot negotiate the check you have not been paid, no funds have changed hands, therefore under US law the contract is not fulfilled. Good luck with everything.
And don't sell to anybody outside of the 48, or 50 (depending on your past experiences).
"In pioneer days they used oxenfor heavy pulling, and when one ox couldn't budge a log, they didn't try to grow a larger ox. We shouldn't be trying for bigger computers, but for more systems of computers." - Grace Hopper
posted on September 19, 2001 06:17:11 PM new
I'll second that suggestion commentary.
Most banks may have some delays in processing, but it sounds like a bluff that they can't process it. More likely it costs them a few cents to do so and they don't want to absorb the expense of doing so. Whatever it is, it says loud and clear that the bank does not want your business.
posted on September 20, 2001 06:00:57 AM new
My bank (which is really a state employees credit union) told me before they could process no checks outside the US. However since PR was part of the US banking system I thought they would take it.
They called their headquarters and there are two banks in PR which they can process checks from; this guy's bank just happens to not be one of those two. They did check the routing numbers and they have no way to process it.
I think if sellers click they sell to the US only then Ebay should automatically reject bids from anyone outside the US. I'm always having people from outside US bid on my auctions. Sure, I can tell them I don't sell outside the US, but then I've still lost my listing fee. Since this guy used BIN I didn't even have time to check where he was from and cancel the bid.
posted on September 20, 2001 06:22:09 AM new
"from my experience at the banks drive thru the tellers don't actually check the checks or accuracy of the deposit slip....at my local bank they actually take your word that the deposit slip total is right etc. then when thye do the actual processing at night at the check center any adjustments are made."
My bank does it the same way even when I bring the checks inside with a deposit slip. And no, I don't need a new bank. Can you imagine the confusion and delay if the teller stood there checking every check (and it may be a few dozen) for readability, accuracy, sufficient funds, routing number, etc etc?
Maybe if you bring in ONE check, drawn on that same bank, they will check it in the computer (especially if you want to CASH it) - but in that case you aren't doing much business, LOL.
posted on September 20, 2001 06:25:54 AM new
My credit union can be just as difficult to work with on international payments.
My suggestion to is to check w/another bank & see if you can find one who will process it. You might want to establish a small account there for times like this or see if they will cash it in this one instance.
posted on September 20, 2001 07:29:48 AM new
I wasn't among those who advised accepting this check. However, your credit union is the problem here. They're refusing to lift a finger to help you out.
This kind of situation is when you test your relationship with your bank. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Yours is bad. The ugly ones accept the check, but you find a $30 charge on your monthly statement.
