TOPIC: CLIENT BOUNCED A CHECK!! WHAT NOW

So, a few days after depositing and finishing an inspection report, i had a clients check bounce

I have an email , phone number and a name ---

I would call them first. Maybe an honest mistake.

Then I would go over at Inachi and do a search on bad checks, lots of advice.

Joeseph, I have never had even 1 check returned thankfully.  Try a friendly call to the client first, if that doesn't work...hummmm  do what Dave said as I am sure this is not the 1st rubber check to an inspector.

While you are there cast a vote  :-*  www.nachi.org/forum/f2/march-website-month-poll-58616/

Yep, some friendly calls are what I do first. I kindly explain that their check didn't clear, but I understand this happens sometimes. Then I let them know (very diplomatically) in no uncertain terms that they need to cover the fees the bank charged to my account when their check bounced and I will mail them a corrected invoice. The invoice goes in the mail that same day. 

I've had this happen about 4 or 5 times, and every time the people are very apologetic and take care of it right away.  That old saying about catching more flies with honey than with vinegar is VERY applicable in these situations.

I have had 3 bounce over the years.  After quick, "just to let you know" phone calls, they paid in cash including the bounced check fee of $100 that is noted in my inspection contract.

The 3rd was a little tougher.  He wanted to play games until I parked in front of his house and met him in front of his wife and father in law.  Imagine he had cash for me as well.

Everyone should have language in their inspection contract for "checks dishonored for any reason" as well as an additional fee that covers your costs as well as inconvenience.  It should be the line directly above their signature.

Called and emailed the person.  No response.  So called my lawyer. 

My lawyer told me to just call their bank and ask if there sufficient funds in the account to cover the check.  If they answer yes, drive to THEIR bank and attempt to cash again.

My problem was the check was written to my company.  The bank would "cash" the bounced check but would not give me cash.  They wrote a bank check to my company which I then could cash at my bank. 

I got the inspection fee but nothing else.  I wrote off the bounced check charge as an expense on company books.