eCheck and Shipping.. What would you do?

[NestedCollective]

Hi All,
I just recieved my first transaction from an eCheck - paypal says it should take 3-5 business days to clear - but if a customer, prior to purchasing, requested that the item reach them in 3-4 days, would you risk the payment not being cleared and get the item to the customer on time? Or would you wait for the payment to clear, and risk disappointing the customer?

[Former_Member]

I'd contact the customer and tell them you can't ship until the payment clears. When they originally contacted you did they tell you they'd be paying with an eCheck? There's always a delay with that type of payment.

[LivingGlassArt]

You can let them know what is happening, why they choose echeck when it sounds like they need it very soon might have been a mistake. Still, you should not ship until you get the clear from PayPal.

[VintageRenude]

Sorry, not a chance. I would politely explain to them that you are unable to ship until the payment clears. Do they have any history on Etsy? In other words, have they purchased here before? You may want to point out that Paypal highly suggests never shipping an item until the payment has cleared as well. It's for the safety of both buyer and seller. If they need the item quickly, they should have paid by cc or bank acct through Paypal. If they requested prior to purchase that the item be received in 3 to 4 days then I would be especially careful that it's not a scam. Paypal tells you an E-Check takes time to clear.

[ACraftyObsession]

Don't ship til payment clears!!! Ever. If you ship before it clears and some one is trying to scam you that is the easiest way. Not saying that they are but in business you have to be careful.

[NestedCollective]

Thanks for your responses! I will contact the customer and explain the situation... However, I have sold to this customer once before and payment was instant that time.. I doubt it's a scam based on convos, but you are all right, I will wait to ship and just hope that the buyer understands.

Also, if the eCheck was a mistake, is there a way to cancel the check and then repurchase with a cc or paypal acct?

[Former_Member]

Agreed. Do not ship until the payment clears. If they decide to pay another way it is easy to cancel the payment. Just view the transaction and by the payment method (i think) there should be a button to cancel the check. But don't risk it!

[Studio463]

I had my first echeck payment this week. The check did not clear until the date they estimated (I was hoping it would clear sooner). I, like you, had also told the customer I would have it shipped within a couple of days.

I contacted the customer and told her that Etsy and Paypal recommended that the item not be shipped until the check cleared. I told her I would be happy to ship it sooner if she wanted to cancel the echeck payment and submit a new payment with a debit/credit card. Good luck!