Wait for payment to clear and then ship.
Sam, W9KDX, is correct.
Any check, money order, etc can "clear" and not be PAID. There is a difference. Banks "clear" checks before payment
in a few days for convenience and to keep the wheels of
commerce turning. If you dig down deep enough into
bank legal boilerplate, we learn that your endorsement signature
on the back of that check is your promise to pay that check
(or whatever vehicle) to the bank if it proves to be forged,
fraudulent, insufficient funds, etc.
Banks have up to a year to come after you and demand
payment for a bad or forged check
even if it has "cleared".Doesn't happen a lot, but it can and does happen.
Re the original post, yes it's rewarding to help our brother
hams in Third World countries who do have a problem getting
equipment. I have helped hams in TA (Turkey) and 5R8
(Madagascar) get gear, including HF rigs. However, I was paid
fully in advance, and delivery to Turkey was by a relative of mine
travelling there, and to 5R8, travelling there myself.
But if you feel the slightest big uncomfortable about any
aspect of the deal, I would pass, but that's me.
73, Ken AD6KA
