Monday, November 15, 2010

How to Order Business Checks Online


The savings that can be recognized when you order business checks online has caused many company owners to make the switch. Web-based printers typically charge ten to thirty percent less than most financial institutions. This translates into a significant annual savings in overhead for many companies.

Business checks come in three major types. Many company owners aren't aware that the same ones are available on the Web as at the bank. In fact, you can purchase all of the same types as you can buy at your local financial institution. The three major types include:

1) Continuous: Continuous business checks are designed for dot matrix printers. Each separate one is connected by a perforation so that they can be fed into the printer. This allows them to be printed "continuously", as they are so-called.

This variety is not as popular as they once were. Dot matrix printers have been largely replaced by other types of printers (namely laser ones). However, some businesses still use and prefer this type of printer.

2) Laser: This type is the "modern" version of its continuous cousin. This type can be printed from a laser printer.

Laser business checks must be used with check-printing accounting software. Two of the most popular software programs include Quickbooks and Quicken.

However, literally dozens of accounting software programs exist. Make sure that the laser business checks that you order are compatible with the kind of program that your company uses.

3) Manual: Continuous and laser are both types of "computer" business checks. That is, they are filled in by a computer and printed on your office printer. Manual ones, on the other hand, must be filled out by hand (as the name implies).

A few factors will influence your decision whether to purchase manual or computer business checks, or some of both. If your company writes a lot of them, particularly to vendors that are paid on a monthly basis, filling out numerous manual ones at once can be onerous. It's wise to choose computer versions in these circumstances.

You may not write many business checks in a month if your company is very small. It may be better, in this case, to purchase manual ones, particularly if they're cheaper than computer versions.

Many companies purchase a mix of both. Computer versions are often used to pay monthly accounts or payroll. Manual ones are used for incidental purchases or purchases made off-site. Having manual ones on hand in addition to computer business checks is usually the most convenient and practical option for many companies.

No matter what kind you buy when you order business checks online, they come in different formats. Some of these include three-on-a-page or smaller-sized documents for traveling. Make sure that you know exactly what style you need before you purchase.

Besides choosing the right style, it's also imperative that you have all of the correct information for printing. You'll have to supply your printer with all of your business info, including name and physical address. You must also provide your bank's info, your account number, and a MICR Specification Sheet (available from your financial institution).

Be sure that all of this information is accurate and correctly-spelled when you order business checks online. Many printers will not re-print if there are errors in information that are a result of inaccurately-supplied information.

Once you order business checks online, your information is usually stored in your file. The next time you order, you won't have to fill out this information again. You can simply visit the site, input your password, and click on a "re-order" link. Your stored information will automatically be printed on your documents.

Brian Greenberg is a cost conscience consumer advocate. Learn how to save money with cheap checks and how to order business checks online here.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Good Reasons to Order Business Checks Online


These days it is commonplace for businesses of varying sizes to order business checks online. Some of the most common reasons are no-brainers.

The first and most compelling reason, especially in tight economic conditions is cost. When companies order online it costs much less than ordering through a financial institution. This happens primarily because there is no intermediary between the company that needs them and the printing establishment.

When it is ordered through a financial institution such as a bank or credit union, they have to get a fee for handling the order request. This automatically increases the cost.

Apart from the cost saving factor choosing to order business checks online usually results in quicker delivery. The entire process of placing the order is done online at any time of the day. If done offline via telephone, mail or by walking into an office, there will be time constraints due to opening hours.

The convenience of anytime shopping in our fast paced world is very important especially to small businesses. This is a good way to increase efficiency.

Depending on need, some companies may have to get their checks quickly. Many online printers will deliver within a day by priority shipping using a courier service.

Granted this may result in a higher shipping cost, but the increase tends to be minimal. Plus some printers will not charge even for rush delivery depending on the quantities purchased.

In some cases, it is possible to print the leaves yourself after you have had them designed. The check printing company will ensure that security features are included and that all the requirements by financial institutions are met.

The template will then be emailed to you so you can print when needed. You will need to purchase have special printing paper to print them on.

There are many ways to brand a business. With competition being what it is in many sectors, using all potential marketing tools is a good idea. When you order business checks online, this is the perfect opportunity to highlight your brand.

Using your company's logo on your check is a good way to do this. In fact, it is possible to include your company's name, address, telephone number, slogan and website when you order business checks online.

Confirm with your financial institutions what they accept and which printers they recognize. Once armed with this information, turn this important piece of paper into the ideal marketing tool.

Apart from logos, there are a wide variety of other images that may be selected when you order online. In fact, innovation in design is the order of the day when it comes to online ordering and printing these. Buyers can be sure that they will never run out of options.

There are concerns when discussions turn to ordering financial documents online. This is understandable as there are many scammers lurking online to prey on the unsuspecting.

Nonetheless, ordering business checks online can be quite safe once certain measures are taken. One word of caution is to avoid ordering from just about any company. Ask for recommendations from other business owners or go to the Better Business Bureau or similar agencies for the names of reputable printing companies.

Brian Greenberg is a cost conscience consumer advocate. Learn how to save money with cheap checks and how to order business checks online here.

Monday, November 1, 2010

How to Order Business Checks Online Safely


It is a simple process to order business checks online. The biggest hurdles will be what design to choose, which company to buy from and how to do it securely.

The major steps involved in the process need to be understood so as to make the process seamless. The first step is to open a business checking account at a bank or financial institution.

How to Choose Your Design

With the number of designs to choose from, this might not be simple for many small business owners to. The easiest decision is whether or not to use the company’s logo as the design. In this case, all that is needed is to have the logo created if there is none. This can then be sent to the printing company to be used.

Some companies may even create these logos for their customers if asked. Other custom designs can also be submitted to be used where needed.

Before going wild with designs, talk to your bank. Not all designs may be accepted by all financial institutions. While this is rare, it is better to avoid spending money then finding they can’t be used.

Also keep in mind, not all designs are appropriate for business purposes. When you order business checks online they can be used as a branding tool, and you want to make the right impression.

Finding a Reputable Company

There are many companies on the internet offering check printing services. Not all are reputable and some will not provide quality products.

So, when you want to order business checks online do not just use the first name that pops up in a search. Some tips to follow when include:

* Do not use companies that send spam advertising their services

* Do not use companies that have received poor reviews from former customers

* Do not buy from company that has no contact information on their website


How to Buy Securely

These days buying anything online is generally quite safe. Most internet shoppers have become savvy at using the technology, but there are still rules to follow to minimize the risk of online scams.

The first rule of online shopping is to buy from a secure website. Secure sites frequently have a URL starting with 'https' instead of just 'http'. They also have a closed padlock located at the bottom right side of your browser window.

Even sites that seem to be secure may not be, so do further research. This may include looking for reviews. When it comes to your financial security and avoiding identity theft, it pays to be careful.

When it comes time to place your order, follow your gut feeling about the company. There are so many companies to choose from that passing on one with seemingly great deals may save you in the long run. Scams are aplenty and it is important to know how to shop safely.

Once all the above details are observed, it is safe, easy and convenient to order business checks online. Just make sure your bank accepts financial instruments from the company you have selected.

Brian Greenberg is a cost conscience consumer advocate. Learn how to save money with cheap checks and how to order business checks online here.