[quote name='tdphillips']I think it's possible that the bank may determine at a later time if the MO is a fake and doesn't pay up. I think I'd call my bank first to see what their MO policies are, and make sure it's cleared before sending the game(s).[/QUOTE]
This is exactly correct. Banks will pre advance you the cash then they send it on to be paid. Then they send it on for verification. If it comes back NSF, then your bank charges you for the amount of the check.
But its not a doomsday thing. There is a banking law called the "Midnight Deadline". Basically it says depositors are protected by a law that says checks cannot be returned after 10 business days. So after 10 business days, if your bank hasnt returned the check, the money is yours.
Two weeks is a long time to have to wait for your money to be cleared thats why most of us despise M.Os. Look at it this way.
Deal is made, payment agreed on
Takes homeboy a couple days to get the check (2 days)
Mails to you, takes about 5-7 days to get there (7 days)
Takes you 2 days to cash it lets say (2 day)
Then 2 weeks to clear for sure (14 days)
Then 5 more days for you to send him his stuff (5 days)
Add it all up... 30 days... and this assumes promptness on both parties parts AND the USPS. Anybody gets lazy and it drags on even longer.
M.Os are a necessairy evil but I dont deal with them unless I have prior history with the person or its worth my time (Im tied up in the deal for 30 days mind you) Make your own decision on the matter but this is basically how the process goes.