Clients pays tip with check, that bounces

A client from 2 weeks ago, gave me a $500 tip that they paid with a check.  Well their payment for the wedding cleared no problem.  I just got notice from my bank yesterday that they $500 check bounced.  How would you approach this?

I'd let it sit a couple days, the check writers will also be notified. See if they make it right without prodding. Hope it was merely an oversight....

effron wrote: I'd let it sit a couple days, the check writers will also be notified. See if they make it right without prodding. Hope it was merely an oversight....

Good idea.  I hope.  That will be an awkward discussion.  Speaking of which, if they don't reach out to me, how would you approach?

It depends I guess. Maybe they had second thoughts. Legally, they owe you the money. I know a few people I'd probably blow off a tip bounce, others I'd sue in small claims court in a nano second. After a few days I'd mention it though, for certain. Don't say "bounced", just say the check was returned, is everything alright?

effron wrote: It depends I guess. Maybe they had second thoughts. Legally, they owe you the money. I know a few people I'd probably blow off a tip bounce, others I'd sue in small claims court in a nano second. After a few days I'd mention it though, for certain. Don't say "bounced", just say the check was returned, is everything alright?

Gotcha, that does sound less offensive as well.  Good tip.  I think I'll wait till mid week and see what happens.  

Thanks again for your help!

I would wait till Wednesday and then hit them up.   Perhaps if you have something special you can send to them, something that will remind them of why you are so awesome.  Hopefully that will plug them on the bounced check and they will say something.  

I would do the same thing.  Over deliver on something, that will remind them, and hopefully they will do what is right, or might not be aware of what has happened.   If they still don't bring it up, I would say something on Friday.   

"My bank just sent me a notice that they weren't able to process your check, can you look into that please?"

+1 things happen.  They might not be aware of it, give them the chance to make right before considering other options. 

It could just be an oversight and if they're made aware of it they can probably take care of it. If you allow a few days (I'd probably contact by midweek rather than try to catch somebody on a Friday) then touch base to let them know you appreciate the tip (and maybe that you're glad they liked the photos, etc.) and wanted to let them know it didn't clear (and see what they say).

I wouldn't count on getting a tip; if they take care of it and you get it, great. If not, it's not like they owe you payment.

I'd suggest too that to be in business, find professional resources on how to deal with various situations. Chances are this may not be the only time this will happen and next time it could be a payment... Get your policies figured out then adjust/adapt as needed, and look at resources for small business owners so you're better prepared.

Think about what to say before you make the call or send the email. Write it down, then come back to it later/the next day and proofread; if it's an email save as a draft. Make sure it sounds the way you want to come across before you send the email or call (eventually you may know what to say so you won't have to keep writing it down first). I'd try to be positive and approach it with a mindset of working it out. I'd usually give someone a chance to correct the situation first and be firm as necessary. If you have written policies on your website you can refer back to that when needed (remember on my website where it says...) and then they go, oh, okay... Because they were already informed about the policy and you're giving a reminder and a chance to rectify it. 

" If not, it's not like they owe you payment.".....Legally, they owe her the money, it would stand in any small claims court.
I wouldn't press them on it myself, but they did write the check.

Any updates on this? 

Bump for an update...Joslyn?

Good news, money order for the check replacement and a note from client apologizing for the mix up came in the mail yesterday.  All good!

Thank you for input everyone!  

"Most things I worry about never happen anyway"...Tom Petty

I say yay!! Glad for you....

Great news!