How to handle bounced checks

From Walter Davis, N Conway, NH

The grocery store I work for has started to use a check service as stated in the article, but we added a "local" option. If a customer writes a check from a local area, we take the check without processing it through the service. We have a good relationship with the local police for bounced checks. This is working fine, so far.

From Brigham, Chicago IL

My employer bounced many paychecks over a period of 4.5 years with 3 or 4 between Feb 7 and 15 July 2008. There were also many delayed deposits and a salary cut made known on payday with check delivery. I finally left because of those things and "other." What are the IL laws and/or does IDES view that as reason to leave and file Unempl Comp?

From Atlanta House Cleaning

We have run into this a lot at Atlanta House Cleaning. Most of the time, it is an honest mistake. The customer will pay you back plus the bank penalty no problem. If you get the run around in anyway, trust us, don't waste your time, submit them immediately to collections. Otherwise you'll really stress yourself out.

From Ed, Tolar, TX

First you need to understand what check is: a very short promissary note. Your business should have built in a default rate that is reflected in your gross profit margin. This reduces the stress by accounting for a reasonable amount of bad checks. If you have an inordinate number of bad checks, consider credit-debit cards only, as this shifts the burden of promissary obligations to the Credit card company.

From Anonymous

I used to work for a small business, where my boss would have an absolute fit if one of the employees (including myself) would take a bad check (like we were supposed to know). Although, she bounced checks all over town. I worked there for over four years and in the last year, I had over 10 paychecks bounce… getting paid biweekly! She also bounced checks to her suppliers. It was a big mess and I am shocked they are still in business! Glad I got out of there…