Accepting Cheques

[Sparklez]

Hi Guys,

Just wondering what the general opinion is on accepting cheques at craft fairs?

Thanks
Carol

[Seahorse]

Never done a craft fair but as a potential customer Id like to think if I wanted to pay by cheque it would be accepted.

I think you have to have the cheque guarantee card number on the back of the cheque.Also some people(like my old boss who owns a toyshop)ask for the customer to write their address on teh back.

[Peter]

As long as you put the card details on the back of the cheque - YOU, not them - they can't stop the cheque, and it will be honoured. Don't forget to check the limit on their card!

[swirlyarts]

As long as you put the card details on the back of the cheque - YOU, not them - they can't stop the cheque

I didn't realise that - good tip, thanks!

[Sparklez]

As long as you put the card details on the back of the cheque - YOU, not them - they can't stop the cheque, and it will be honoured. Don't forget to check the limit on their card!

I didn't realise that either Peter, so thanks for that. Does it count if it's a personal cheque? The account I use foir my jewellery stuff is just in my name, so they'd just be making the cheques payable to me as opposed to a company name.

Thanks
Carol

[Peter]

As far as I know it does, all mine have been in my name.

[0103media]

As far as I know it does, all mine have been in my name.

Yep my parents have taken cheques for years in their shop with no problems..

Btw if you are worried consider charging more for cheques as it costs you if you use a bussiness account and will put people off using them..

Good luck..

[utopiapoppy]

Hi,

I hate to put a downer on this thread, but a cheque guarantee card doesn't actually guarantee a cheque 100%. The bank can still refuse to release the funds.

My partner's business had this happen to them once a couple of years ago. Basically someone had stolen a cheque book and card (so many people carry them together you see). Because all the details matched up between card and cheque he wrote all the details on the back of the cheque. However, because both card and cheque book were stolen the bank refused to release the funds (over £80 if I remember!)

So, not to scare anyone but just be sure that details match up, and if your average customer spends £10-£20, then you suddenly get someone wanting to spend £100 - have your wits about you, a bank will not pay out if the cheque or card, or both are stolen

Fiona

[shaun]

I'ld prefer cash only

Personally I would prefer to only deal in cash, however this could be counterfeit!

[DLounton]

Sadly nothing is as safe anymore !

If it were myself, I would put a sign up stating the following....

We accept Cash & Cheques.

* Chq's only accepted for a minimum purchase of £10.00, and supported with a vailid chq guarantee card.
* If providing a chq for more than the value of £50, must be supported with not only a chq guarantee card, but also proof of address, i.e. driving licence, household bill etc.

Sorry for any inconvience caused ....