Returned Check Policy

[SGT]

Curious who has a returned check policy.

The other day for the first time since I have been in business, I recieved a notice from my bank that a check from a very large faimily of dealerships check bounced and I also was charged a bank fee. It probably was an oversite, so I contacted them and they are looking into it. I also advised them that we have a 25.00 returned check policy in addition to the invoice fee. Which will cover the bank fee and our troubles. I never thought about this before but since it has happened prompted me to apply this policy.

[splitpit]

My returned check policy is to hunt them down and put a boot in their.....!!!

Just kidding. Don't have one. Haven't needed one....so far.

[Glassdoc]

I've had 3 from different dealerships, and 2 from private retail customers over the past 15 years.. My policy is to collect the invoice amount plus the bank charge plus an additional $15 for my trouble fee.. So far, everyone has been happy to pay it. ok, all but one.. That one required a $45 theft of services complaint fee, plus the invoice, the bank fee, my $15 fee, and 2 hours of my labor $150 and court costs.. Figures.. the could have paid the $65 invoice plus $40 for the bank fee and my fee but no.... Cost them $300+ once it hit the court room.. Yep, got every penny of it..

[harrellbenjamin]

I've had 3 from different dealerships, and 2 from private retail customers over the past 15 years.. My policy is to collect the invoice amount plus the bank charge plus an additional $15 for my trouble fee.. So far, everyone has been happy to pay it. ok, all but one.. That one required a $45 theft of services complaint fee, plus the invoice, the bank fee, my $15 fee, and 2 hours of my labor $150 and court costs.. Figures.. the could have paid the $65 invoice plus $40 for the bank fee and my fee but no.... Cost them $300+ once it hit the court room.. Yep, got every penny of it..

Most any business in good standing with there bank would never bounce a check on an account that big ...JMO .......Looks like they might be just hanging on

[Glassdoc]

Its amazing how much faith business's put into the accounts payable/receivable person.. And yet, if they piss him/her off, stuff gets lost and or screwed up.. The 3 dealerships, 2 were changing banks (so they say) and they thought the checks would clear before the transistion, the other one still in biz, how? Good question.. They are now a 14 day account, not the usual 30 day..

[Bois]

I'm with Splitpit. I don't have a specific policy. In 3+ years I've only had 1 returned check. The customer appologized saying she forgot about an EFT transaction and paid for the check immediately in cash. I did not ask for recovery of the bank charge - feeling that I may get some repeat business (I haven't so far).

However, if the number of returned checks increases, I will probably try to recover at least the bank's fee. It all depends on the circumstances.

[GlassStarz]

Big Dealerships with NSF chesks is a warning things are a little to tight $ wise there. Never had a problem since I went into WR but had a paycheck or two bounce at Dealerships this was a signal to start looking for a new job because they were going to sink (and both did) the car buisness is tough right now sales are down and we are going to see alot of them fall by the wayside

[johnnyone]

Gstars is right on. I have e collect for those NSF. It goes directly to them and they EFT the account when its there along with there fees and eft to mine.

[SGT]

UPDATE:

Right now the dealership is dealing with my bank and there bank to resolve this. They feel that the error stems from my bank due to being entered wrong therfore not finding the account.

I am leaning towards human error on this one on my banks side. This family of dealerships is very, very stable. I do agree that the belt is extremely tight every where for the dealerships at least in my area. They are just not moving the inventory they should be.

Just a shame the ammount of aggravation generated over such a small dollar ammount. If in fact it is my banks fault, I will be charging them the 25.00 dollar fee. Might be wishful thinking but worth a shot. If so, they have cuased me to put my client in an uncomfortable position unecessarily, created more administrative work etc... I will let you know how that goes.

[Glassdoc]

Brian, if indeed it is your banks fault. Then insist they write an apology letter to you and the dealership for creating the problem.. they will do this and waive the $25 fee if they are any kind of decent bank at all..