Hello everyone. I was just wondering, when you go to York, how do you pay the sellers? Do you just take cash? Do the sellers all accept checks? Thanks!
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I pay for most everything with a check. Most or all TCA members will take a check from someone who has been in TCA a long time like myself. With a check, then I know who I bought it from in case there is a problem. My TCA number is printed on my check. I'm not sure how a seller will react to a check from someone that joined TCA in the last few years like 2010. I would bring checks & cash just in case.
Most attendees carry cash (there are ATM's, but they have been known to run out during the day). Some dealers can accept credit cards via cell-phone linked terminals, and some take checks (with your TCA number written on them).
---PCJ
They will not takes checks from anyone that lives in the BRONX.
Cash is king at the member tables. You can usually make good deals that round to the nearest $20. Try to bring your own cash. The ATM's on the fairgrounds charge a $3 transaction fee and limit you to a $200 or $400 withdrawal. Many, if not most, dealers now accept credit cards.
Cash for most items under (arbitrarily) $60; cheque for items $60-$200; $100 cash + cheque for balance for items over $200. (I have never used a credit card for any type of purchase at York, and I not only get a receipt I also insist on putting the sellers TCA number on the cheque for all items that are supposed to operate).
PS: If it (is supposed to)operate I insist on cheque for the entire balance, & I try to check it at the various test tracks in many of the halls, or I definitely check it at home before the cheque clears my bank. If the seller "does not know if it operates, I assume it doesn't and I walk on w/o further consideration.
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As heard by one wanna-be seller two years ago: "sure you can check it ... after you buy it you can do what ever you want with it! 
Take cash for everything.
Some dealers will charge you sales tax if you pay by check. If you pay with cash the sales tax is included.
Originally Posted by Dave Hikel:
The ATM's on the fairgrounds charge a $3 transaction fee
MY bank eats the ATM fee for any transaction I make using my ATM card anywhere in the country at any bank or ATM. Find a bank in your area that does likewise.
Cash is always nice, but as a vendor, I started accepting checks a few years ago and have not had any problems with them. I am considering buying a new(er) phone, one that records checks as well as utilizes that new device, The "Cube" which facilitates taking credit cards. However, the recent perennial thread (now locked) complaining about TCA rules prohibiting cell phone usage seemed to suggest such a practical convenience as the Cube would not be afforded me. That is, or at least ostensibly could be, a factor getting directly in the way of this new easy way of making some sales. (I'm not trying to beat-a-dead-horse, here, but this does have me nettled a bit.) So, as of this date, from my limited perspective, cash is good; checks are okay.
As an occasional member table holder, I believe that cash is best (at least in the member halls). Most member table holders are not "dealers", they are fellow collectors (and operators) that are looking to thin or sell duplicates. When someone pays cash, I have the flexibility to spend that money on something I find at the show, so I am more willing to dicker. That cannot be done with a check.
Originally Posted by Moonson:
I am considering buying a new(er) phone, one that records checks as well as utilizes that new device, The "Cube" which facilitates taking credit cards. However, the recent perennial thread (now locked) complaining about TCA rules prohibiting cell phone usage seemed to suggest such a practical convenience as the Cube would not be afforded me.
Have you contacted ED about their policy on this type of smart-phone use? I can understand them not wanting people blocking the aisles while talking on cell phones (and probably talking very loudly at that), but for a vendor to use one to make transactions (using it as a business tool rather than as a phone), I would think that would be a reasonable exception to the rule.
And even if they don't allow it in the hall, if you have someone to watch your booth, you and the buyer could always step outside of the hall (where cell use is allowed) to conduct the transaction.
Andy
Who say's you can't dicker with a check?
Originally Posted by Andy Hummell:
Originally Posted by Moonson:
I am considering buying a new(er) phone, one that records checks as well as utilizes that new device, The "Cube" which facilitates taking credit cards. However, the recent perennial thread (now locked) complaining about TCA rules prohibiting cell phone usage seemed to suggest such a practical convenience as the Cube would not be afforded me.
Have you contacted ED about their policy on this type of smart-phone use? I can understand them not wanting people blocking the aisles while talking on cell phones (and probably talking very loudly at that), but for a vendor to use one to make transactions (using it as a business tool rather than as a phone), I would think that would be a reasonable exception to the rule.
And even if they don't allow it in the hall, if you have someone to watch your booth, you and the buyer could always step outside of the hall (where cell use is allowed) to conduct the transaction.
Andy
If you are using a smart phone to make a Paypal transfer you are not using the cell phone function, you are using a "mobile computer."
I see nothing in the ED rules to prevent or restrict this.
All references, in writing, and via announcements say to answer a call and go outside to talk. Using a "mobile computer" does not require verbal conversation.
quote:Who say's you can't dicker with a check?
Nobody said you can't dicker with a check.
I wrote that I am more likely to dicker with cash because I can go spend the money right away. While not everybody behaves that way, I don't think I am alone.
Ever watch any of the "treasure hunting" shows? When folks are buying cash seems to be king.
Hey Burf, Are we going to meet at noon Friday at jeff & Alans table?????????
Thanks guys. I guess I just need to remember to head to the bank the day before I go to get cash out.
Originally Posted by CarGuyZM10:
Thanks guys. I guess I just need to remember to head to the bank the day before I go to get cash out.
Depending on your banking establishment, there are a few regular branches near the fairgrounds for banks that are prevalent in quite a bit of the country.
The one with the stagecoach is the next intersection to the East on route 30. I don't wait until I'm there normally, but it's my backup plan if I need to grab some extra cash.
While leeaving the fairgounds during the meet is not ideal, it's a workable option. (In the "old days" (for me!) like late 90's I would have been afraid I'd never get a parking spot upon my return, but that seems to not be a huge issue most days now)
-Dave
