Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Who the hell still writes checks anymore?

billege · 10-08-2006, 02:19 PM

We don't use auto-payment on anything, because I don't trust any company enough to let them remove what they feel is the appropriate amount of money from my account.

My wife and I had a similar experiance to one described above when we made a purchase onine. We tend to use a credit card online because ours offers better protection against fraud. In this partiular transaction, thier website goofed and registered an order for 9 of the product, which they shipped, and charged us $380 dollars for; rather than the 1 we ordered. Fortunately, they were a good company and took responsibility for fixing the mess. For our part, we were glad we'd used a credit card instead of a debit. Had that been debit, our account would have taken a big unexpected hit and caused all sorts of cash flow problems. But, back on the subject of checks...

We use checks for three utility payments, and the odd "other" purchase. Though it defies belief, our water utility, electric and gas utility, and condo association actually CHARGE money for online payments (regardless of how you pay: debit or credit). The assholes at the condo association feel online payment is good for an additional $3/per payment. So, they get a check and a stamped envelope. The power and gas companies also charge a fee for online payment; I think it's $1.50 per payment. Incomprehensively, both convert our checks to electronic payments. I don't get that.

We'll send checks with birthday cards, weddings, etc. from time to time. I remember writing a rather large down payment check the last time we bought a car. We'll use checks to pay our twice-a-year auto insurance bills; also an annual life insurance policy. Both those bills offer auto-payment; but, not online per billing. We're not comfortable with the insurance company pulling large chunks of money on thier own, so checks it is. Though, I *think* we could go to our agent's office and pay with a debit card if we wanted to.

We'll pull cash out when we're going to a venue where, though debit may be accepted, cash is faster. After all, when you're buying 2 beers and hot dogs at the game, who the hell wants to wait for a debit card to process and then sign the reciept? I love signature-less purchases on small-amount total transactions.

One of the biggest bothers for me today is visiting the rare idiot who doesn't take plastic of any form.

I walked into a very convienantly close doughnut shop for the first and last time a few weeks ago. It's an older place, and it looked like a good bakery. I looked for the familiar "VISA / MASTERCARD" stickers on the door, and didn't see them. Starting to get a bad feeling, I walked in and greeted the couterperson. I asked if they took plastic, to which she replied "No, we don't." Being the asshole I am, and using my freedom of expression to show that, I replied "Well then, no doughnuts for me, and no sale for you," and turned around to find a business that has joined the 21st century.

Yes, I understand that processing plastic transactions costs more. I also understand that an overwhelmingly huge number of customers has made the choice to accept those charges in the form of slightly higher retail prices. Bottom line: I'll pay 50 cents more for that dozen doughnuts versus going to the ATM, getting cash, and then buying the them. I have nothing for disdain for businesses that refuse to get on board.

I hope thier business decision is well supported by enough other backwards people they stay in business; or, they'd better be the goddamn best in thier entire business catagory so that people are willing to get cash just for that purchase.

Generally speaking: The customer is right, and don't f'ing argue when he's trying to buy somthing from you.

10-08-2006, 02:19 PM	#51 (permalink)
billege Watcher Location: Ohio	We don't use auto-payment on anything, because I don't trust any company enough to let them remove what they feel is the appropriate amount of money from my account. My wife and I had a similar experiance to one described above when we made a purchase onine. We tend to use a credit card online because ours offers better protection against fraud. In this partiular transaction, thier website goofed and registered an order for 9 of the product, which they shipped, and charged us $380 dollars for; rather than the 1 we ordered. Fortunately, they were a good company and took responsibility for fixing the mess. For our part, we were glad we'd used a credit card instead of a debit. Had that been debit, our account would have taken a big unexpected hit and caused all sorts of cash flow problems. But, back on the subject of checks... We use checks for three utility payments, and the odd "other" purchase. Though it defies belief, our water utility, electric and gas utility, and condo association actually CHARGE money for online payments (regardless of how you pay: debit or credit). The assholes at the condo association feel online payment is good for an additional $3/per payment. So, they get a check and a stamped envelope. The power and gas companies also charge a fee for online payment; I think it's $1.50 per payment. Incomprehensively, both convert our checks to electronic payments. I don't get that. We'll send checks with birthday cards, weddings, etc. from time to time. I remember writing a rather large down payment check the last time we bought a car. We'll use checks to pay our twice-a-year auto insurance bills; also an annual life insurance policy. Both those bills offer auto-payment; but, not online per billing. We're not comfortable with the insurance company pulling large chunks of money on thier own, so checks it is. Though, I think we could go to our agent's office and pay with a debit card if we wanted to. We'll pull cash out when we're going to a venue where, though debit may be accepted, cash is faster. After all, when you're buying 2 beers and hot dogs at the game, who the hell wants to wait for a debit card to process and then sign the reciept? I love signature-less purchases on small-amount total transactions. One of the biggest bothers for me today is visiting the rare idiot who doesn't take plastic of any form. I walked into a very convienantly close doughnut shop for the first and last time a few weeks ago. It's an older place, and it looked like a good bakery. I looked for the familiar "VISA / MASTERCARD" stickers on the door, and didn't see them. Starting to get a bad feeling, I walked in and greeted the couterperson. I asked if they took plastic, to which she replied "No, we don't." Being the asshole I am, and using my freedom of expression to show that, I replied "Well then, no doughnuts for me, and no sale for you," and turned around to find a business that has joined the 21st century. Yes, I understand that processing plastic transactions costs more. I also understand that an overwhelmingly huge number of customers has made the choice to accept those charges in the form of slightly higher retail prices. Bottom line: I'll pay 50 cents more for that dozen doughnuts versus going to the ATM, getting cash, and then buying the them. I have nothing for disdain for businesses that refuse to get on board. I hope thier business decision is well supported by enough other backwards people they stay in business; or, they'd better be the goddamn best in thier entire business catagory so that people are willing to get cash just for that purchase. Generally speaking: The customer is right, and don't f'ing argue when he's trying to buy somthing from you. __________________ I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence: "My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."