Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Thu, Jul 16, 2009 at 7:29 PM, Steve at Verizon wrote: > Good one, Tom! Tom just doesn't like to have any fun! * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
Actually, some gas stations still do give discounts for cash, like the one I frequent. I still pay by credit card most of the time though, as I generally would save less than $ 1 and usually don't carry a lot of cash on me. From:Matthew Taylor Subject: Re: Batch downloading of bank check images Why would we object? We might not use the restroom in the merchant's establishment, but the cost for it is folded into the merchants cost of doing business and thus reflected in the price. Not every minor cost should be itemized or made a la carte. We do have a choice, most of us preferred the alternative. Remember cash discounts for gas, etc.? Was not worth the hassle for most folks and most gas stations did away with it. Matthew * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
Good one, Tom! t.piwowar wrote: On Jul 16, 2009, at 4:50 PM, phartz...@gmail.com wrote: I use cash whenever possible. No trail. I don't shop at *those* kinds of stores. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
That's ok, they got you on camera. On 7/16/09, phartz...@gmail.com wrote: > On Thu, Jul 16, 2009 at 6:15 PM, t.piwowar wrote: > >> I don't shop at *those* kinds of stores. > > What!! I'm talking about the Tyson's Apple Store. > > Steve > > > * > ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** > ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** > * > * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Thu, Jul 16, 2009 at 6:15 PM, t.piwowar wrote: > I don't shop at *those* kinds of stores. What!! I'm talking about the Tyson's Apple Store. Steve * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Jul 16, 2009, at 4:50 PM, phartz...@gmail.com wrote: I use cash whenever possible. No trail. I don't shop at *those* kinds of stores. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
> My retailer discount cards are in fake names. They can > maintain databases on the spending habits of these made up individuals > all they want to. At least I'm helping to create jobs. Some don't even require a name. PetsMart gave me a card and I never bothered to fill out the form. I still get the discount. Sniders grocery in Silver Spring, MD has this very radical idea of doing business: they let you get the sale price *without showing them your secret decoder ring!* I mean, how do they stay in business without loyalty cards? It's nuts, I tell you! Nuts! * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
> I guess I'm surprised that Libertarians and their friends don't > object to this; they're paying for something they're not getting, and > they have no choice in the matter. You always have a choice. It just may not the one you want. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Thu, Jul 16, 2009 at 4:30 PM, MrMike6by9 wrote: > Do people really believe that the expense of handling cash isn't passed > along in some form to the customers anyway? Any expense a store incurs is passed on to the consumer, including the toilet paper in the rest room. They even charge you for putting the products on the shelves. What was your point? Steve * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Thu, Jul 16, 2009 at 3:45 PM, t.piwowar wrote: > I never pay a fee to use a credit card (except for foreign currency > transactions). The credit card does not charge me for using their card. To > the contrary I get rebates from the card company as large as 3%. I get paid > $100s every year for using my credit cards. I also get additional consumer > protections and the ability to revoke payments easily. Checks don't give me > any of that. Then you are quite well situated. No cost credit cards. They pay you instead. I guess that means that the store pays all the costs, which also must mean that they raise their prices to the consumer to cover that. Someone's got to pay somewhere along the line 'cause that stuff is not free. I use cash whenever possible. No trail. No being added to some database. No tracking of my expenditures or movements or buying habits. I have a credit card, but have not used it for at least two years. I have excellent credit even without being in debt. I do use my debit card on occasion because I have the funds available for most things. My retailer discount cards are in fake names. They can maintain databases on the spending habits of these made up individuals all they want to. At least I'm helping to create jobs. Steve * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
A word of caution: In my column for December 2008, I wrote about the problems of electronic payments via computer. Remember: If you are the computer person in your household and your significant other is not a computer person, please write down all your userids and passwords so that they can access what they need regarding your financial matters on the Internet if you should become deceased. Banks and other financial institutions will not allow them access to your accounts if you end up deceased, that has happened lots of times. Banking by internet is very easy and many credit cards, banks and others would like to stop the paper statements as that will be very cheap for them. But, if your SO can't access your accounts, it will take a lot of detective work and aggravation to pay the bills and such. Something to think about.. Do it NOW!! Rich * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
Some folks object to electronic payments systems because they believe the merchants are passing on the fees the banks and credit card companies charge in the form of higher prices. Maybe so, but the merchants who deal in cash also have costs relating to the safeguarding, counting, and depositing. In addition, there is the threat of robbery in conveying that cash to the bank. Larger merchants might use a armored car service to handle that cash. Do people really believe that the expense of handling cash isn't passed along in some form to the customers anyway? YMMV It's true that the credit card companies and the banks provide > services to merchants and their customers, but for a price: interest > and other fees for the customers, and fees for the merchants. > > But, in the form of higher prices [which merchants must charge to > cover the cost of credit card fees], you're paying the credit card > companies even if you NEVER use a credit card. [The merchants really > have no other alternative; the banks and credit card companies are > the only ones with any power in this situation.] > > I guess I'm surprised that Libertarians and their friends don't > object to this; they're paying for something they're not getting, and > they have no choice in the matter. > > * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Jul 16, 2009, at 2:49 PM, Matthew Taylor wrote: Why would we object? We might not use the restroom in the merchant's establishment, but the cost for it is folded into the merchants cost of doing business and thus reflected in the price. Not every minor cost should be itemized or made a la carte. Great slogan for the cons/neocons: "STOP THE PEE TAX -- nobody gets to pee." * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Jul 16, 2009, at 10:00 AM, phartz...@gmail.com wrote: Many places of business will charge an additional fee if an ATM card is used to electronically pay for a purchase. Credit cards, another electronic means of payment, typically charge interest. Many banks, mine included, do not charge anything either to obtain checks or to use them to pay for transactions. Cash is the best whenever possible. I never pay a fee to use a credit card (except for foreign currency transactions). The credit card does not charge me for using their card. To the contrary I get rebates from the card company as large as 3%. I get paid $100s every year for using my credit cards. I also get additional consumer protections and the ability to revoke payments easily. Checks don't give me any of that. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
Does anyone out there know the LEGAL STATUS of computerized records for electronic transactions? Has the law caught up with the 21st century yet? Just asking, because I don't know. If you get audited by the IRS, have a case in small claims court, have a disagreement with an insurance company, have a dispute with your broker, get a notice from your landlord about failing to pay your rent, or get a bill from local government [over, say, a traffic ticket you've already paid], will computerized records for electronic transactions have the same weight as paper records? (Let alone if larger stakes are involved--e.g. if you're sued for a bundle or accused of a felony.) Will computerized records for electronic transactions impress the judge, the IRS auditor, or the insurance agent? I wonder if the judge or auditor will even UNDERSTAND the computerized records. Do they take continuing ed. classes for this kind of thing, or what? Are lawyers good at explaining computerized records to juries, and can juries understand the issues here? As for paying via electronic funds transfer, there are some bills we MUST pay [no names here] in which the payee has a lot of trouble even coping with the nineteenth-century technology of a check--because the of the payee's amazing incompetence. (I could tell such stories) Paper records are the only recourse in such instances, and we always insist on them. Paper records are generally convincing and have saved us a lot of inconvenience when disputes arise. [BTW, some creditors charge EXTRA for electronic transfer--not a factor in this particular case, because there's no way we want them dealing directly with our bank. We may be rare holdouts, but we're not overtly suicidal.] --Constance Warner On Jul 16, 2009, at 2:32 PM, t.piwowar wrote: On Jul 16, 2009, at 10:38 AM, Fred Holmes wrote: Because I need permanent paper records of investments. Computer data is just too volatile / fragile. Computer records are just backup, in case the paper records are destroyed. That's not impossible, but low risk. You do not need to and paper records are far from permanent. Most of the economy functions just fine with electronic transactions. You are a rare hold out and you will find yourself under increasing pressure to stop your antiquated practice. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
Why would we object? We might not use the restroom in the merchant's establishment, but the cost for it is folded into the merchants cost of doing business and thus reflected in the price. Not every minor cost should be itemized or made a la carte. We do have a choice, most of us preferred the alternative. Remember cash discounts for gas, etc.? Was not worth the hassle for most folks and most gas stations did away with it. Matthew On Jul 16, 2009, at 2:40 PM, Constance Warner wrote: It's true that the credit card companies and the banks provide services to merchants and their customers, but for a price: interest and other fees for the customers, and fees for the merchants. But, in the form of higher prices [which merchants must charge to cover the cost of credit card fees], you're paying the credit card companies even if you NEVER use a credit card. [The merchants really have no other alternative; the banks and credit card companies are the only ones with any power in this situation.] I guess I'm surprised that Libertarians and their friends don't object to this; they're paying for something they're not getting, and they have no choice in the matter. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Jul 16, 2009, at 2:38 PM, Adil Godrej wrote: And that is the problem with electronic cashing of checks. Completely electronic transactions are a little better: at least it is your bank against theirs. Good example. The paper check was less secure and less auditable than an EFT would have been. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
It's true that the credit card companies and the banks provide services to merchants and their customers, but for a price: interest and other fees for the customers, and fees for the merchants. But, in the form of higher prices [which merchants must charge to cover the cost of credit card fees], you're paying the credit card companies even if you NEVER use a credit card. [The merchants really have no other alternative; the banks and credit card companies are the only ones with any power in this situation.] I guess I'm surprised that Libertarians and their friends don't object to this; they're paying for something they're not getting, and they have no choice in the matter. --Constance Warner * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
I don't know which amount is larger: bounced checks or fraudulent credit card charges (or even those who don't pay their credit card bills). Both cost all of us money. When we subscribe to a common thing (checks, credit cards, paper money), we also agree to be responsible for the risks (bounced checks, fraudulent charges, counterfeit money). I just charged back two charges on one credit card that were obviously fraudulent. Total cost: ~$180. Who pays? The seller of the goods or the credit card company (in this case, the seller of the goods because the transactions were determined to be fraudulent). Some years ago, I partially paid a ~$900 credit card bill with a $90 check (10%) as I needed the cash for something else. Occasionally, this makes sense (in my case, I would have been all paid up the next month). The credit card company electronically deposited the check for $900 (I thought these things were supposed to be double-entered). Fortunately, I had the money in my account, but it did cause me some issues as I had that money set aside for something else that month. When I called the credit card company to see about obtaining a copy of the check to see if the mistake was mine (maybe I wrote it for $900 when I meant $90) or theirs, they said it would cost $80/hour to "research" it and retrieve the actual check or electronically scanned copy, and the average "research" time was 2-3 hours. I would have to pay up-front for it, and, if I was right, they would refund the money to me. Such a deal!! I decided not to "research" it and told them to cancel my card. Got moved to a retention specialist (why do companies try this after they plss you off, rather than doing the right thing from the beginning? does it save them money? does Comcast know this? does Verizon?), who gave vague hints about how it would affect my credit rating to cancel a largish line of credit. I cancelled it anyway (got an actual credit rating hit of 3 points for 2 months: like that's something that will keep me up at nights!). So, they lost thousands of dollars worth of annual business over 2-3 hours at $80/hour. Makes perfect business sense! It was a large bank, one that got some of the bailout money recently. And that is the problem with electronic cashing of checks. Completely electronic transactions are a little better: at least it is your bank against theirs. Adil At 01:26 PM 7/16/2009, you wrote: Date:Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:41:20 -0500 From:"Snyder, Mark - IdM (IS)" Subject: Re: Batch downloading of bank check images Banks _Love_ it when their customers use debit/credit cards instead of cash! They make so much from both parties in the transaction - two revenue streams to tend; fees all around! Chris, those 70's comparisons certainly didn't include charge-backs on the cards. Most of us who still write checks for most purchases (say 20-30/month for a single-user personal account) are less likely to bounce checks than the large numbers using them in the 70's. I opened my account over 30 years ago and have never bounced a check. I use plastic in the few large merchant stores I visit, buying on the web, travel and in urban places. I use checks out in the rural area I live in, where many people know me. Merchants in some places still like to get paid in cash or check because the risk of a bad check is cheaper than the fees they pay for the plastic. Other places, not so much, because the risks are different. Thank you, Mark Snyder -Original Message- This is true, but not the whole story. Checks aren't free either: some percentage of them bounce, and we have to pay for that too. This isn't an issue with credit card purchases. When I worked for a bank back in the 70s, we had statistics proving that the credit card discount rate was actually less than the check loss rate. I don't know if that's still true, but it certainly was back then. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Jul 16, 2009, at 10:38 AM, Fred Holmes wrote: Because I need permanent paper records of investments. Computer data is just too volatile / fragile. Computer records are just backup, in case the paper records are destroyed. That's not impossible, but low risk. You do not need to and paper records are far from permanent. Most of the economy functions just fine with electronic transactions. You are a rare hold out and you will find yourself under increasing pressure to stop your antiquated practice. How does one download records of payment of stuff that is electronic bill pay? Does one have to download them one at a time by a manual (mouse click) request, or can one batch download them? The person doing the downloading and record keeping is a different person at a different location than the person making the payment. There is absolutely no need to do this. Stop now. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Jul 16, 2009, at 11:02 AM, Fred Holmes wrote: I'll stop using checks when vendors start sending me bills electronically. And I mean _send_ them to _me_. I don't mean go to the vendor's web site and get the bill. I don't want to have to remember when I have to go to which web site. Some of my clients refuse to pay paper invoices. Everything must be submitted electronically. Many also refuse to pay by check. Everything must go by EFT. I have not sent out a paper invoice in years. I get paid faster and more reliably with electronic bills (PDFs attached to emails). Many banks, utilities, and such are constantly bugging their paper fogies to go electronic. Some even offer a dollar or two rebate for ceasing paper delivery, others add a dollar or two surcharge for paper. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Jul 16, 2009, at 12:01 PM, Rev. Stewart Marshall wrote: Most of them have gone to converting the checks into an electronic transaction and use a huge database to approve the transaction. Good point. Some payees turn your paper check into an electronic payment and destroy your check. The bank never sees your check and you can't get a copy of the non-existent check. What you gonna do then? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
Thank you MrMike. That is precisely how it works. Defending the use of paper checks is much like defending the buggy whip. My bank for one will guarantee payment by a certain date if the transaction is entered a certain number of days beforehand (number of days varies with transaction type). Your proof of payment is the fact that your bank balance declined by the designated amount. If anything goes wrong, the bank has accepted the obligation to set things right and pay any associated fees and penalties. What could be simpler? Setting up payments is not difficult. The bank offers a searchable database of major payees. A single click adds them to your list of common payments. Worst case you have to type in the mailing address of a small payee and the bank pays by check. On Jul 16, 2009, at 11:41 AM, MrMike6by9 wrote: I used to think this way but I found out that my bank ATM card can be used as a credit card or a debit card. As a credit card, there are no transaction charges with my bank, the money comes right out of the checking account, I don't have to carry as much cash in pocket, and my monthly statement, as well as online account access, allow me to monitor the checking account from which the funds are taken. Since I also electronic bill pay whenever possible, I now write maybe at most 6 - 8 checks a year. A friend who also banks with the same company says that he has used eBill pay to pay one time charges or to a private party. In those instances, the bank "cuts a check" that is mailed to the payee. He pays his music teacher this way. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
> Chris, those 70's comparisons certainly didn't include charge-backs on > the cards. In general, the credit card companies won't charge back without good reason (i.e., fraud). In most cases they've already authorized the charge. If you have an authorization, they won't charge back unless there's something wrong with the transaction. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
> Unfortunately, the latest legislation/ proposed regulation of credit > card companies does nothing to address the problems of the fees > charged to retailers by the credit card companies, so you can expect > to pay this "tax" for the foreseeable future. > > Incidentally, the merchants' fee [when customers pay with credit > cards] is one reason why so many businesses won't take American > Express: they charge the merchants a lot more. Sounds like the market has already "fixed" that problem. Retailers don't like Amex's fees, so they don't accept them. Amex can either adjust fees accordingly, or continue on business as usual. They've gone with option B. Retailers don't like paying these fees, my .org doesn't, but we know that the business we would lose by not having that option is far more than we would save by not accepting credit cards and not paying the fees. It's a simple business decision, not unlike paying rent to our building for office space. We are contracting with the CC companies for a service that they provide, one that has positive outcome to both parties. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
Banks _Love_ it when their customers use debit/credit cards instead of cash! They make so much from both parties in the transaction - two revenue streams to tend; fees all around! Chris, those 70's comparisons certainly didn't include charge-backs on the cards. Most of us who still write checks for most purchases (say 20-30/month for a single-user personal account) are less likely to bounce checks than the large numbers using them in the 70's. I opened my account over 30 years ago and have never bounced a check. I use plastic in the few large merchant stores I visit, buying on the web, travel and in urban places. I use checks out in the rural area I live in, where many people know me. Merchants in some places still like to get paid in cash or check because the risk of a bad check is cheaper than the fees they pay for the plastic. Other places, not so much, because the risks are different. Thank you, Mark Snyder -Original Message- This is true, but not the whole story. Checks aren't free either: some percentage of them bounce, and we have to pay for that too. This isn't an issue with credit card purchases. When I worked for a bank back in the 70s, we had statistics proving that the credit card discount rate was actually less than the check loss rate. I don't know if that's still true, but it certainly was back then. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
At sores that get a large number of checks, I think it is less now. Most of them have gone to converting the checks into an electronic transaction and use a huge database to approve the transaction. Less bounced checks. (See Wal-Mart and a few others) Stewart At 10:43 AM 7/16/2009, you wrote: > BTW, you as a customer are, in effect, charged a "credit card tax" on > all potentially chargeable purchases This is true, but not the whole story. Checks aren't free either: some percentage of them bounce, and we have to pay for that too. This isn't an issue with credit card purchases. When I worked for a bank back in the 70s, we had statistics proving that the credit card discount rate was actually less than the check loss rate. I don't know if that's still true, but it certainly was back then. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:popoz...@earthlink.net Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
> BTW, you as a customer are, in effect, charged a "credit card tax" on > all potentially chargeable purchases This is true, but not the whole story. Checks aren't free either: some percentage of them bounce, and we have to pay for that too. This isn't an issue with credit card purchases. When I worked for a bank back in the 70s, we had statistics proving that the credit card discount rate was actually less than the check loss rate. I don't know if that's still true, but it certainly was back then. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
I used to think this way but I found out that my bank ATM card can be used as a credit card or a debit card. As a credit card, there are no transaction charges with my bank, the money comes right out of the checking account, I don't have to carry as much cash in pocket, and my monthly statement, as well as online account access, allow me to monitor the checking account from which the funds are taken. Since I also electronic bill pay whenever possible, I now write maybe at most 6 - 8 checks a year. A friend who also banks with the same company says that he has used eBill pay to pay one time charges or to a private party. In those instances, the bank "cuts a check" that is mailed to the payee. He pays his music teacher this way. YMMV --- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair. - Douglas Adams > > Why don't you stop using checks? > > Many places of business will charge an additional fee if an ATM card > is used to electronically pay for a purchase. Credit cards, another > electronic means of payment, typically charge interest. Many banks, > mine included, do not charge anything either to obtain checks or to > use them to pay for transactions. Cash is the best whenever possible. > > * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
Here's another reason to continue using checks and cash: it helps keep the small retailers you patronize in business. Banks and credit card companies charge retailers a percentage [of the sale price] on all charge/ cash card purchases. Since small businesses (in this case, those who aren't giant multinationals) often operate on extremely narrow profit margins, a bite out of the profit of every sale can really hurt. Under current conditions, the line between continued existence and extinction is a very narrow one, for businesses of all kinds. BTW, you as a customer are, in effect, charged a "credit card tax" on all potentially chargeable purchases. Here's how it works: Retailers try to keep their prices as low as possible (so they can attract you, the customer), but they have to cover the fee to the credit card companies whenever they can. So you pay more for your purchases, whether you pay by cash or credit card, because the retailers have to attempt to cover the fees. They can't always do a perfect job on this, but they have to try. So you, the customer, pay more for whatever you buy. Unfortunately, the latest legislation/ proposed regulation of credit card companies does nothing to address the problems of the fees charged to retailers by the credit card companies, so you can expect to pay this "tax" for the foreseeable future. Incidentally, the merchants' fee [when customers pay with credit cards] is one reason why so many businesses won't take American Express: they charge the merchants a lot more. --Constance Warner On Jul 16, 2009, at 10:00 AM, phartz...@gmail.com wrote: On Thu, Jul 16, 2009 at 9:23 AM, t.piwowar wrote: Why don't you stop using checks? Many places of business will charge an additional fee if an ATM card is used to electronically pay for a purchase. Credit cards, another electronic means of payment, typically charge interest. Many banks, mine included, do not charge anything either to obtain checks or to use them to pay for transactions. Cash is the best whenever possible. Steve ** *** ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http:// www.cguys.org/ ** ** *** * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
At 09:23 AM 7/16/2009, t.piwowar wrote: >Why don't you stop using checks? I'll stop using checks when vendors start sending me bills electronically. And I mean _send_ them to _me_. I don't mean go to the vendor's web site and get the bill. I don't want to have to remember when I have to go to which web site. I must have an electronic mailbox of whatever sort, that is secure, encrypted, etc. I go to that one address and all my bills are right there. I pull up each bill in turn, enter the amount I wish to pay and the account from which to pay it, and click a "doit" command button, that transmits the order to my bank -- not to my vendor. I then print out my receipt to go in the paper file, and also store it electronically, knowing that in a few years the electronic copy will be unreadable for one reason or another. I will then make another electronic copy by scanning the paper copy into a then-current file format on then-current digital storage media. And I really don't want to do any electronic transactions until it takes a CAC card to authenticate the user. The process must scale to at least "small business" size. Fred Holmes * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
At 09:23 AM 7/16/2009, t.piwowar wrote: >Why don't you stop using checks? Because I need permanent paper records of investments. Computer data is just too volatile / fragile. Computer records are just backup, in case the paper records are destroyed. That's not impossible, but low risk. How does one download records of payment of stuff that is electronic bill pay? Does one have to download them one at a time by a manual (mouse click) request, or can one batch download them? The person doing the downloading and record keeping is a different person at a different location than the person making the payment. Most businesses I know still use checks to pay me. Unless it is something regular, like payroll, they are unwilling to set up an ACH transfer. The specific reason I'm asking is for a charitable organization that makes various "family emergency" payments on behalf of individuals to landlords, utilities, etc. Will landlords/utilities accept electronic payments when each payment is to a different account [number], or will a laborious setup process be required for each new payment? And if the "checkwriter" makes these payments from her home computer, what sort of process does the organization treasurer use to download the transactions, including the payee, and determine that the payment was made validly and not by a hacker? Seeing familiar handwriting and signature on a check image is pretty sure identification. (One doesn't hear much of forged checks these days). And when the landlord or utility (who are paid directly) say that they "never got the payment," but in reality they received it but misapplied it, is the evidence readily available that the payment actually was made and the payor properly identified the e! ntity being paid. An image of a cancelled check with an account number on it is pretty good proof. The numbers on the individual checks are useful to flag potential erroneous payments. How does one assign a "check number" to an electronic payment? We continually lose value in processes that are computerized. Yes, they are cheaper, but cheaper is not always better. The electronic payments generally are not completely documented on a bank statement (even the online ones). They only list the payee: Washington Gas. They don't list the explicit account number being paid. If there is an issue, much time-consuming research is required. And then, of course, there is all the information that is needed to be preserved for the annual audit, and for any forensic audit if someone should allege misappropriation of funds. Grantmakers, especially government entities, often want detailed reports showing how their money was spent. Is there any opportunity to run through a complete tutorial of electronic bill paying without signing up for it first? The tutorial should include all of the records produced by the process of paying a bill, and how to save / store them efficiently. And no, I don't want to authorize automatic payment; there are just too many opportunities for disastrous mistakes. >Software Glitch Leads To $23,148,855,308,184,500 Visa Charges >from the what's-the-grace-period-again dept. >posted by timothy on Wednesday July 15, @17:06 (Bug) >http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/07/15/2050215 Fred Holmes * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Thu, Jul 16, 2009 at 9:23 AM, t.piwowar wrote: > Why don't you stop using checks? Many places of business will charge an additional fee if an ATM card is used to electronically pay for a purchase. Credit cards, another electronic means of payment, typically charge interest. Many banks, mine included, do not charge anything either to obtain checks or to use them to pay for transactions. Cash is the best whenever possible. Steve * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Jul 15, 2009, at 9:01 PM, Fred Holmes wrote: Why should it be considered "unwelcome hacking" to want to do something efficiently that can now be done readily and permissibly, but with a very inefficient process? There are so many services that we have lost, that are no longer provided at any price. It would appear that the banks don't want individuals or businesses to keep complete records at home/office. If you truly wanted to be efficient you would stop using checks. The bank wants you to stop using checks. Perhaps they have little incentive to make this process efficient for you because they really want you to stop using checks. Why don't you stop using checks? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
Why should it be considered "unwelcome hacking" to want to do something efficiently that can now be done readily and permissibly, but with a very inefficient process? There are so many services that we have lost, that are no longer provided at any price. It would appear that the banks don't want individuals or businesses to keep complete records at home/office. At 07:48 PM 7/15/2009, t.piwowar wrote: >On Jul 14, 2009, at 9:51 PM, Fred Holmes wrote: >>I'd like to automate the process so that all available check images >>are downloaded by an automated process ("in background"), or at >>least while I'm doing something useful with my time. > >The bank will probably see you desire as unwelcome hacking of their >system. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
True, as does my bank, as do most banks, I think. But the check images on the bank statement are not in check number order, nor are they individual -- if you want an individual check image, you have to use some process to clip it out of the page. And the image is front only, so you can't see who really cashed the check. And the images are small and fuzzy. I'm really looking for the large scale, front-and-back images, that I can individually/manually download, at a time-cost of over a minute per check, to be all downloaded by a single command, and to take place in "background" if the time to execute the script is long. Thanks for your help. Fred Holmes At 08:37 PM 7/15/2009, Vicky Staubly wrote: >On Wed, 15 Jul 2009, t.piwowar wrote: >>On Jul 14, 2009, at 9:51 PM, Fred Holmes wrote: >>>I'd like to automate the process so that all available check images are >>>downloaded by an automated process ("in background"), or at least while I'm >>>doing something useful with my time. >> >>The bank will probably see you desire as unwelcome hacking of their system. > >My bank allows me to download my monthly statements as PDF files, >which include images for all checks from that month. Very handy. > >-- >Vicky Staubly http://www.steeds.com/vicky/vi...@steeds.com > > >* >** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** >** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** >* * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Wed, 15 Jul 2009, t.piwowar wrote: On Jul 14, 2009, at 9:51 PM, Fred Holmes wrote: I'd like to automate the process so that all available check images are downloaded by an automated process ("in background"), or at least while I'm doing something useful with my time. The bank will probably see you desire as unwelcome hacking of their system. My bank allows me to download my monthly statements as PDF files, which include images for all checks from that month. Very handy. -- Vicky Staubly http://www.steeds.com/vicky/vi...@steeds.com * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Batch downloading of bank check images
On Jul 14, 2009, at 9:51 PM, Fred Holmes wrote: I'd like to automate the process so that all available check images are downloaded by an automated process ("in background"), or at least while I'm doing something useful with my time. The bank will probably see you desire as unwelcome hacking of their system. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *