If I am selling something and they pay by check (here only), I usually go ahead and mail the item the day I receive payment, or the next day the PO is open. I hate to pay anything by check. I don't like knowing I have a check out there. I prefer to pay with a money order or get a cashiers check from the bank. I had a check for only a couple dollars bounce, costing me over $30!! Since then, I have rarely written a check.