How can I streamline payment from guests without burdening the hosts?

[msmileyface]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to get your thoughts on receiving payment. I have been taking checks from guests, then depositing them all together. I have been submitting the shows quickly, before the checks clear, because it can take a long time. I'm wondering if it would be better to ask hosts to pay me in a lump sum, and have checks payable to the host. The problem I have with that is I'm afraid it might be a burden on the host. What does everyone else do? Someone told me not to submit shows until everything clears, but that could take awhile.

Thanks!
Meredith

 

[Sheila]

I tell the customers that I prefer credit cards, since it saves me a trip to the bank (which is about 15 min's from the base where I live). Most pay that way. Then if there's an issue, it's resolved before the items are shipped. We do direct shipping, so I can't have the host hold their order for ransom. I've only had one check bounce in 2 years. When I called her, she went directly to the ATM, got the cash & brought it to my house. I've been pretty lucky so far!!!

 

[babywings76]

I've also started telling guests that I prefer debit and credit cards, but if all they brought was their checkbook that's fine.

I wouldn't put the burden on the host by having her deal with checks either. If I think it's a pain, then so will they. One problem with the host paying for the whole show amount is that it could put a strain on her credit card. She might have a limit that she's not aware of and then the whole show could get put on hold.

However, I do tell the host that for outside orders, it's easiest if they pay her and I just add up the amounts and add that to her payment. Her card just gets charged once. I tell them how that makes it faster for me to be able to submit their show, and people don't have to worry about mailing me something-and it saves a stamp.

 

[elizabethfox]

I take the checks and wait until they clear, which is usually 3-4 days. I always tell my host this during her host coaching.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I cash checks received at the show the next day and send the show in as soon as final payment is in my hands. Then I deposit those checks. I pay for the show with the PC credit card so there's plenty of time for the checks to clear before I get my cc bill which I pay in full each month. On the rare occasion that a check bounces I contact the guest and it has always been paid before the products get to her. If I am concerned about a particular check I take it directly to the bank it's written on.

 

[babywings76]

I take the checks and wait until they clear, which is usually 3-4 days. I always tell my host this during her host coaching.

I can't see myself doing that though, cause sometimes I'm trying to get a show submitted by the deadline for an incentive. When you have a show real close to one, it doesn't leave room to wait. I've only had 2 experiences with a check not clearing. Luckily those people were honest and I did get paid eventually. But the bank fees are crazy and one girl said she'd pay me for them, but never did. It leaves them embarrassed and then they avoid contact w/ you in the future.

So this is why I've switched to announcing that I prefer debit and credit cards for payment. It makes things much easier. A debit card is the same thing as a check. And it's better because if it doesn't clear, then they can pay with another card or something, and you don't get charged fees.

 

[chefjeanine]

Meredith,

As you can see, everyone has their own way of dealing with payment issues. I’ve always had guests make checks payable to their host. I figure that they are less likely to write a bad check to their friend than they are to me, someone they don’t know. This has worked for nine years. I, like most, prefer cards or cash.

It’s my understanding that it takes up to two weeks (not days) for a check to clear. Perhaps that has changed now with so much more electronic information being exchanged by banks. But if that’s still correct, I can’t sit around for 2 weeks waiting for a check to clear.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I can't see myself doing that though, cause sometimes I'm trying to get a show submitted by the deadline for an incentive. When you have a show real close to one, it doesn't leave room to wait. I've only had 2 experiences with a check not clearing. Luckily those people were honest and I did get paid eventually. But the bank fees are crazy and one girl said she'd pay me for them, but never did. It leaves them embarrassed and then they avoid contact w/ you in the future.

So this is why I've switched to announcing that I prefer debit and credit cards for payment. It makes things much easier. A debit card is the same thing as a check. And it's better because if it doesn't clear, then they can pay with another card or something, and you don't get charged fees.

Exactly! I recently heard this tip: Offer a "plastic for plastic program". Have a bowl or something with small plastic things: twixit clip, pan scraper, citrus peeler.. and everyone who pays with plastic at the party gets to pick something. The host can choose for any outside order before the show. Unless the show is close by your home don't give the freebee for outside orders after the show but have them pay the host and then she can pay you.