Not sure how they do it where you are, but in Nevada if you are writing bad checks, they can be turned over to the DA and they will prosecute(I think they are extremely strict because we have gambling here)
They in turn, collect the money and make the person attend a class on responsible finance.
Perhaps that is an option for you.
It's one thing if it's 20$ but $1000!!!!
I would double check your contract with Market Day to make sure this obligation is spelled out there; it should be, if in fact you are responsible for 50%. Just like any other fundraising company, there are good reps and bad ones, and you want to make sure you don't just have a rep feeding you a line.
If that arrangement is correct, I would start questioning the wisdom of taking checks for Market Day. All you need is one large bad check to wipe out a significant portion of the profits. Given that Market Day is so labor intensive (IMHO), it just adds insult to injury to lose so much so quickly.
Name of School
Parents & Teachers Association
school address and phone neumber
Date
person's name
&
Address
Subject: Returned Check
JUST CHANGE THE WORDING TO FIT YOUR SITUATION
To: Name
Recently you wrote a check to the _______________ PTO in the amount of $______.
This check has been returned unpaid due to non sufficient funds. Please pay the amount of the check plus $20.00 for bank fees which were charged to us.
Payment of $_______ can be made in cash, money order, or cashiers check payable to Incirlik Elementary PTO. Please send by local mail or bring the payment to the school and place in the PTO box located in the front office.
Check Number: ______
Amount:_____________
Our fee__________
Total Due__________
_________________________________________________
Please keep the upper portion for your records.
Return the lower portion with payment for accurate processing.
Check Number: ______
Amount:_____________
Our fee__________
Total Due__________
_____________Elementary Parents & Teachers Association
First step I would do would be to write a note to the parent(s) and tell them that the MD checks bounced and a collection agency will be contacting them. Then tell them about how your school will be held accountable and what your profit margin is, i.e., that your school only makes 10 - 15% profit on each sale so that you will lose the profits from
(that many sales) if you have to pay. I think that MD will give you the check after they have tried to make it good, but having the check in hand doesn't really matter when you write the parents. Most people want to make good on bounced checks BEFORE a collection agency calls them and you will be doing them a favor if you give them a heads up.
A fun ps would be that you would feel compelled to post that information in the next school newsletter.
Did she spend $1,000 on Market Day products? Yikes! Where did she put it?
Have you tried to collect the monies from her (even if its in payments)? If no luck there, do you have a local magistrate (court that handles small claims in your local community) that you can file charges? You may have to file WITH Market Day. Speak to your Market Day rep about how to handle this.
