They say there's always a first time!!

[jacolouw]

Hi All

Hmmm Ran into quite a challenging situation a few moments ago.

Im currently in a deal for some parts Ive advertised in my traderoom. As most of you know I work with cash via registered mail because I cannot do P@yp@l here in South Africa. Ive also done more than a 100 deals this way so far with no hitches.

Ive just recieved a "Sighned for" letter for which I did sighn. As I was waiting for some more parcells at the counter Ive opened the letter in font of the PO Clerk and to my suprise - only a piece of paper in the letter - but no cash. Ive noted to the PO clerc and he stated that I hace to lodge an incident - which I did. An investigation will now be initiated on the full path of the letter and handling.

We immediately checked for tampering on the letter but there were posetively no tampering at all.

The sender states that the money was included in the envelope, also supplied me with the proof the buying of the Us$ and the tracking no.

What stands me to do in this case??? How would you handle this?? I dont want to lose here, but also I dont want the buyer to lose. After all my integrity as a dealer is also involved here!!

JAkes

[grusomkis]

My opinion is; when a person sends cash in an envelope. It is on hisher own risk. And since you have a good witness in the PO clerk,

i belive you should have both feet on the ground.

[icon]

First of you said you work with cash but what do you mean by the sender providing proof of buying US$ (do you mean money order)?

If he did send by cash and the envelope was not tampered with by the post office then there is nothing you can do. Obviously the money is missing and only the post office or your sender would know for sure. It was their risk to send actual cash in the first place and quite dumb in taking such a risk especially for high ticket item.

If he sent a money order he can simply go to the claims department and get his money back. Thus its always best for the buyer and seller to make transactions with money order. Its safe and easy for the buyer to get one and even easier for the seller as you know its good as soon as you get it (dont have to wait for it to clear like checks).

not to sound negative but i do hope this comes as a lesson. do not to send cash via post office. thats the reason why they have money orders available. and they are so cheap to buy i dont see why people still try to get away with sending cash.

[TWINSET]

Hey Jakes

Seeing as you opened the envelope in front of a witness, I don't see as you have a problem in asking for the money again, or withholding the goods.

Twice now I have sent cheques to people, only to find them in my wallet when they complain!

If post office employees in SA hold the same status as here in the UK, you should be ok citing them as a witness.

[dave.t1]

I had the same situation but I was the buyer. The seller never received the money I sent, so I claimed via the registered post service that I used. Eventually I got all of my money back. It did take 6 months though.

Let them claim for the missing cash, not you....

Dave