LIN%MIT-ML@sri-unix.UUCP (11/06/83)
From: Herb Lin <LIN @ MIT-ML> My experience is that I never pay by check, always by credit card. In those cases, I can then withhold payment if/when I don't get the merchandise. It might also be worth noting some legal provisions: 1. If you don't get the merchandise, you can usually withhold payment on your credit card; most banks in my experience are pretty good about this. 2. The merchant is local (100 miles of your mailing address), you have the legal right to withhold payment if the merchandise proves defective. 3. If you do mail order business, and you submit your order by mail (NOT by phone), there are legal guidelines concerning refunds which must be followed if your merchandise is not available in a timely manner. For example, you are entitled to a refund if the goods aren't shipped in 60 days, they must notify you if they take more than 10 days. More precise details from the FTC office (on #2) or the Post Office (on mail order)