Need help: Receiving payment from Canada

[bls]

Hi, guys. I need advice from those of you that have experience in sales of knives from the U.S. to Canada.

I sold a knife to someone in Canada, and received payment in the form of a Royal Bank of Canada money order. My wife brought the money order in to our bank, The Bank of New York, she was told that there would be a $25 fee to cash it. Later I spoke to someone from Chase bank and was told that any bank would charge a similar fee for cashing a money order from a foreign bank.

Do any of you know where I could cash a Royal Bank of Canada without taking such a large loss?

Alternatively, are there any other forms of payment that could be used that do not present this problem? Maybe then I can send the money order back to the buyer and ask for something else.

What is the standard form of payment for U.S. transactions with Canada?

Thanks for your help.

bls

 

[agreatscot]

We do a lot of Ebay. If they cannot use Paypal I request they use a Canadian Post Office money order. These can be easily changed at your Post office, no charge.

 

[nifrand]

Like the scotdude said,money orders.

 

[HJK]

I use paypal for small transactions. You might ask the canadfian customer to ask his bank which US bank they have an arrangement with to facilitate small transactions.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Though it will take some time, you should arrange to send the bank money order back and have it replaced with one from Canada Post.

 

[Donnydo]

I used to regularly transfer funds from Canada to the United States using a bank draft in US dollars from the Royal Bank, but it was written on an address from New York City. This was a special Money Order and never cost anything to cash in the United States. A Money Order in Canadian dollars, however, was hopeless, and would cost a bundle to convert. I didn't know about Postal MOs and will look into them too. Thanks.

Joe

 

[4 s ter]

I have used Canada Post Money Orders a number of times to pay for knives (and other items) from the USA. It has to be an "International" money order in US dollars. None of the people I purchased from indicated they had any problems with this form of payment.

It is possible to purchase Canada Post money orders in US dollars that are not "International" - they are apparently intended for use in Canada ???? and cannot be cashed without difficulty, if at all, in the US. (Why would I need a money order in US dollars for use inside Canada???) This might be the problem with your money order bls.

David

 

[bilestoad]

I have used Canada Post Money Orders a number of times to pay for knives (and other items) from the USA. It has to be an "International" money order in US dollars. None of the people I purchased from indicated they had any problems with this form of payment.
David

He's exactly right. It must be an "international" money order in US funds. For instance my local bank issues these drawn from a bank in Deleware.

 

[HJK]

There is a fee for those, and they kill the purchaser on the exchange rate. There is also Western Union [Bidpay] where you can buy a US money order on the net, again for a fee and a conversion beating. I hate being ripped with these little ripoffs. I agree with Donny, but it often is too much of a pain to do unless you transfer funds often.

 

[Nash The Slash]

I used Royal Bank of Canada U.S. Dollar World Money Orders on two occasions this year. One was to a seller in Michigan and the other was to an eBay Randall seller in Minnesota. I never received any complaints and hope they didn't have to pay such an expensive fee. On most occasions I do use money orders from the post office.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I have used Canada Post Money Orders a number of times to pay for knives (and other items) from the USA. It has to be an "International" money order in US dollars.

Canada Post does not have international money orders like the USPS does. If it is made out in US funds then it will be cashed at a USPS outlet.

 

[bls]

Thanks for your input, guys. Sounds like we should try to find out specifically which U.S. banks will accept the Royal Bank of Canada money order without problems, and if that fails, try to exchange it for a Canadian Post Office money order.

I passed on the feedback to the buyer, who is also asking the folks on his Canadian forum. Hopefully we'll work something out soon based on all the suggestions. It's good to be part of such a supportive and helpful group of guys.

Regards,
bls

 

[4 s ter]

Keith

I've bought them! I didn't imagine it.

David