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I'm hoping I can catch some of you this evening who have offered/used a layaway option for customers in the past. I just had a message from the super nice lady who bought my last bear listed on ebay, asking me if I would consider layaway on Maggie if she were to win her. She really wants this bear, and is a bit short on cash at the moment. She has 100% feedback, is an avid collector, and is, I believe, a very honest and genuine person. Now, my question is: How do I go about this so it's fair and safe for both of us? How do you guys handle this? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated so I can make a decision on how to handle this and get back to her right away.
:hug:
Tracy
Back Road Bears
LuxembearsThe link Daphne posted is great. Shelli really does a professional job with her contracts.
I personally don't have a contract for layaway but I usually always have people with bears on layaway. Right now there are three people who have my bears on layaway. It's a great way to get homes for bears....and lets face it...they can get pretty expensive so layaway is a great option to offer buyers. I offer three to six months with the total amount , including shipping/insurance divided equally into the 3 or 6 months.
In my experience this has worked very well and I have not yet been stiffed. I think most people are pretty genuine and you have nothing to lose , really, by offering layaway, except that you have to wait a while to get full payment. But this way you can enjoy your bear longer. NEVER EVER EVER send a bear unitl it is PAID IN FULL.
ALSO:
NEVER send bears COD. I got ripped off over $1,000 due to a COD check that bounced. This was from a customer of mine who has spent over $6,000 in one year buying bears from me. I thought I knew her. I think she got herself into financial trouble and was too embarassed to face me. To make matters worse, I got slapped with bank charges over $20 for HER bounced checks.....lets pour sopme salt on my wounds. This was about two years ago and I still don't have my money. I have her in collections but I stopped holding my breathe a year ago.
AND, if you're not sure about a buyer, wait until any check clears before sending a bear....or you may end up kicking yourself
Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
You guys are the best! I will definitely go ahead with this, and now I know just how to do it! :dance:
Judi--I am so sorry to hear about the horrible experience you had with the COD customer. Thanks for the advice regarding an arrangement like that. I will sure remember that!
:hug:
Tracy
Cleathero CreationsThanks for the info. I have always wondered why people don't accept COD and now I know why. I always thought that COD meant exactly that CASH not cheques... may have to check it out in Australia.
