The Cost of Doing Business

July 26, 2017 2:22pm CST
I'm curious for some outside opinions on something. I was supposed to receive a paycheck nearly 2 weeks ago. Because I work so sporadically, I didn't realize that I was missing the check until I didn't get it last Friday/Saturday, by which point, I was already about 9 days from when I should have received it. I waited until Monday to talk to the payroll people. They told me to reissue me a check that I would have to eat the $30 stop payment fee. Me, the small guy. The guy whose measly little $150 check is now going to be $120.... The guy who worked hard standing on my feet for many hours. Not the business. Not the ones that this should be just a "cost of doing business." (In my opinion, of course). Shouldn't it be a cost of doing business? I suppose since they look at us little guys as independent contractors that they can think of it is OUR cost of doing business... However, if they are the ones issuing the checks, shouldn't they be the ones to be responsible for getting them to us? It's no skin off their backs if they get lost in the mail. When I go pick up the check tomorrow, I'm going to ask if it is possible for me to just pick up my own check from now on. I don't want to risk this happening again. I hope they say yes. It's a small enough business that it's not some huge payroll coming off a machine. Surely, they could pull my check aside. The office is only about 12-15 blocks from my house. Worth it, definitely. What do you think? Who should eat that $30? I know it is the fault of neither of us, it is the post office that lost the check. But who should eat the cost?
12 people like this
14 responses
@AmbiePam (84668)
• United States
26 Jul 17
It's definitely not you! They are responsible for getting it to you, not the other way around. Shame on them.
3 people like this
@dodo19 (47034)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
26 Jul 17
I would have to agree with you in this one. You shouldn't have to pay the 30 dollars.
3 people like this
@Blondie2222 (28613)
• United States
27 Jul 17
I would think the company would pay and not you as it's not your fault you didn't receive the check. I would fight that fee if you can.
2 people like this
@amadeo (111956)
• United States
26 Jul 17
The company
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (40184)
• United States
27 Jul 17
I don't know whose fault it is, but it would make me mad if it cost me $30 for something I didn't do.
2 people like this
@gilggg (2538)
• Israel
26 Jul 17
Of course this is the company that needs to eat it ... The company is the one who sent it and will sue the e post office t and this should not be your problem ...
2 people like this
26 Jul 17
yes, if they were paying a bill, they would not expect the power company to take 30 off.... yeah, it makes me mad
1 person likes this
@gilggg (2538)
• Israel
26 Jul 17
@jillybean1222 Maybe you can ask for a payment in advance next time?
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28719)
• United States
29 Jul 17
My husband as a side job as a bouncer at a bar. He used to get paper checks he would pick up every other week when he was at work. A month or so ago he left the check on the table when he went off to his regular job, and the kids who are supposed to straighten up during the day accidentally threw the check in the trash, not knowing any better. It was also only about $150 or so, and we fully expected to have to pay the stop payment fee. It was our own fault for losing the check, so we were fine with that. But they did not charge us the fee. They reissued the check, and hubby signed up for direct deposit to ensure that never happened again. I'd probably be a bit more stern over this, as it's not your fault that you didn't receive the check, so you shouldn't have to pay any fees.
@eagletrek2 (5499)
• Kingston, New York
8 Aug 17
Hi I say the company should Take the 30.00 loss. If you are a independent contracted Next time charge them a extra 30.00 fee. If they are telling you what they pay check state law on what a employee and independent contracter.
@LadyDuck (455039)
• Switzerland
27 Jul 17
It's not up to you to stop the check, it's the issuer the only one who can stop a check and the fees are at the issuer charges.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64363)
• United Kingdom
26 Jul 17
That's very unfair to expect you to pay for something which isn't your fault.
2 people like this
@mom210 (9023)
• United States
28 Jul 17
I think they should have eaten it, most people use direct deposit now days, do they not give you that option? I would not want to risk it again either and just pick it up as well.
@moffittjc (118221)
• Gainesville, Florida
30 Jul 17
I think the company should eat the cost. Do they offer the option of direct deposit? Many companies are going away from manual checks and switching to electronic deposit of funds into your bank account. There is less cost to the employer, and you get your money deposited faster than having to go cash a check. Both of my employers offer direct deposit, and as a result I have peace of mind that money is going to be there without fail. I also get my money deposited a day earlier than people who are issued manual checks.
@Courtlynn (67002)
• United States
26 Jul 17
You shouldnt have to pay
2 people like this
@Happy2BeMe (99426)
• Canada
26 Jul 17
The company should be responsible for the cost not you.
2 people like this