Does a Postal Money order need to "clear"?

Good to know, as I've just received one. I checked it out under the light, and ran through the surface with my fingers, and everything looked legit. I had just deposited it at the bank. Next time I'll know to just take it to the post office and cash it.

FrankC

I would not make a buyer wait if a postal money order was used unless it looked suspect. I was ripped off once back when you could leave negative feedback. The fact that Agon feedback means so little now really stinks.

there are fake bank check or money order out there, so this is what I do.

ask for certified bank check along with bank contact info. when you receive the check, call the bank and read them the check number; they can tell you right at the spot if the check is legit so you don't need to take any risk.

another good option but does not always work is to ask buyer to deposit cash into your account directly, assuming your bank has a branch in his area. giving out your bank account has no risk, you do that every time you write someone a check anyway.

that's why Paypal has become the most popular choice of payment method here.

Yes- People counterfeit M.O.s and also put Stop-Payments on Certified Bank Checks as well. If I received a Postal M.O., I'd take it to the Post Office. A Certified Check or Bank Money Order would have to clear before I'd ship an item.

I always send money order checks.Some people ship right after they receive my check,some others wait until it clears.I am OK both ways.What pisses me off,is the broken DOA sft-1 transport I received back in Oct 07,that I am STILL waiting for the seller to forward to me the money to cover the cost of the repair.USPS turned the claim down,even though the damage was done during shipping,BUT packaging was very poor IMO .Seller claims he is broke!
I am stuck with the broken transport for 9 months now.
On the other end we got some good members in our community,
I need to say this.Timrhu above is a first class gentleman.
I bought vinyl from him,and he shipped the records to me BEFORE receiving my check!!!Tim you got my respect.
Regards to all
George