I hate banks

[robinbloke]

I've won an item on Ebay, but fool that I am I forgot to check the payment methods the person accepts, they only accept bank transfer.
This isn't normally much of a problem, except that they live in Germany and the bank will charge me 25 quid to transfer 16.90 euros, or approximately 8 quid to them.
Bloody hell.
Any advice anyone? Apart from checking payment method next time...

Comments

[borusa.livejournal.com]

They only allow bank transfers? How odd.

Why not see if they'll accept cash at your risk?

[davefish.livejournal.com]

I think that its a cultural thing, as in Germany bank transfers are the regular way to move money around, and cheques are less common.

robinbloke, I guess you could try nicely asking any friends you have in Germany at the minute, or from Gremany who might have an account still open over there, as that my well get you around the rather hefty charges for international transfers.

[robinbloke.livejournal.com]

My only German friend karohemd doesn't have an account over there sadly, he normally uses cash he says.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Exactly, cheques are basically not used at all anymore. There used to be eurocheques but they have been replaced by Chip&PIN cards.
I was very surprised how much cheques are used over here when I came over, not only by individuals but also by companies. Bank transfers are the norm, no faffing about with sending cheques and having to wait three days or more for them to clear.
Most standard bills are paid by bank transfer, utilities etc. usually by direct debit (something used in Germany for as long as I can remember and only introduced here recently).
Obviously, nowadays you can do online transfers as well but that doesn't change the principle, just the method (clicking instead of filling in a form).

Right, I stop here or I'll rant all day about this backward country. ;o)

[robinbloke.livejournal.com]

I've asked them if I can post cash (I'll probably end up sending them more anyway as coins are dodgey to send)

Bleh.