I mark the statement that I hand my customer with THEIR check number, or if they pay cash, I sign it and tell them with a smile that I do that so that I can't come after them. I also mark my worksheet with the check number, which I then enter into my record-keeping system. Paul Bruesch Stillwater, MN <div class="gmail_quote">On Sun, Jun 19, 2011 at 3:10 PM, Gerald Groot <<a href="mailto:tunerboy3@comcast.net">tunerboy3@comcast.net</a>> wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;"> Whatever David.... It was only another suggestion. Why blow it out of proportion into being $5,000 which turns it into a whole different ball game. One of my main problems and concerns in all of this is that Wally doesn't seem to be 100 % sure that he is ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that he did NOT cash the check but, more importantly, he doesn't appear certain that he did NOT receive CASH instead of a check? At least, that's the impression I received from reading it. Thus, my suggestion to just forget it. It's only $200, not $5,000! The fact is this: She "apparently" DID pay him. He lost the money, not her. If I were the client, would I issue another check to that person? You bet I would! Provided I hadn't paid them in cash. How much time is being wasted for nothing on this so far? Go tune an extra piano instead then and make up the difference. On the other hand if we were talking an organization that has in fact sent a check, which I have had happen many times over, and still do have this happen on occasion, (just had another one get lost in the mail last month again that I had to call on) and the check never arrived to my house, most certainly contact that place to see if a check was issued or not. They will verify that it has or has not been cashed. If the check has not cleared then I find that they always re-issue the check promptly. If you prefer, stop over to her house some evening when you think she might be home... Otherwise, I still say, just forget it and move on. Jer Groot </blockquote></div>