All companies that use business checks need supplies for business checks. Some business check supplies are vital while others save time and increase security. These supplies are designed to make using business checks easier.

There are three basic supplies used for business checks: deposit slip books, stamps and envelopes. Every company that receives checks or cash needs a deposit slip book for their business checks. Deposit slip books are small tables with deposit slips printed for your business. Endorsement and signature stamps are a major time-saving device for companies that deal with paper business checks. Check envelopes are used to prevent information on the check from being seen. Review the list below and choose the supplies for business checks your company needs.

1. Purchase deposit slip books for business checks.

2. Save time with business checks stamps.

3. Secure business checks information in envelopes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate deposit slip books for your company's business checks

Business blank checks are not normally printed with a register or deposit slips. Ordering a deposit slip book allows you an ample amount of deposit slips for your checking account.

I recommend: Find deposit slips, bags and other business check supplies at Checks In The Mail. Order business checks, deposit slips and covers for your printable business checks at Deluxe Enterprise Operations. Purchase check paper stock, deposit slip books and many other supplies for business checks at compuchecks.net.

Purchase endorsement and signature stamps for business checks

Many companies utilize endorsement checks to make sure that no one misuses the check. Companies that print a large amount of checks at one time can use a signature stamp on the checks to prevent hand cramps and save time.

I recommend: Find endorsement and signature stamps for your business received and printable checks at EiPrinting. Best Value Checks has custom self-inking stamps for business check paper. Buy a wide variety of supplies for business checks at Rapidforms.

Find envelopes for business checks

Business check envelopes are designed to conceal the information on the check. These envelopes come in all sizes and with or without windows.

I recommend: Buy envelopes for many different check sizes at one of the country's leading business check suppliers, PennyWisePrinting.com. Smart Resolution carries a wide variety of envelopes for business check paper. Find business checks envelopes and other supplies for business checks at Check O matic.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Review the size of your checks before purchasing business checks envelopes. Most check printing companies will have the size of the envelope needed available.

When you open a business checking account, it's customary to order your first set of checks through the bank. However, on subsequent orders, your bank may not be the best bet for checks. Independent check printers generally offer a wider selection at a lower cost. They usually offer faster service, too.

Although business checks are relatively inexpensive, they serve a number of functions. Choose business checks that:

1. Look professional
2. Reflect the image of your business
3. Include security measures to avoid fraud
4. Fit properly with your software, printer and mailing envelopes

Action Steps
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Manual three-up checks

Manual business checks are typically arranged three-up on a page with a stub for reference. With this method, you fill in the check and then record the information a second time on the stub.

I recommend: Choose from several three-up designs at CheckCrafters.com or CheckWorks.com.

Manual one-write checks

One-write checks have a carbon strip on the back that captures the information you write for future reference. With this method, you don't need to re-enter information for recordkeeping.

I recommend: One-write checks are just some of the many business checking products available from NEBS.

Computer-generated checks

With an accounting software program and a laser or dot-matrix printer, you can print your own checks. Computer-generated checks can be pre-printed or blank. Blank check stock costs less than pre-printed checks and allows you to update information, such as your address, without having to order new checks.

I recommend: At DeluxeForms.com and ChecksUnlimited.com, you can select your accounting program to view compatible pre-printed laser checks and blank laser check stock. Find checks for continuous printing on dot-matrix printers at BusinessChecksUSA.com.

Select custom check designs

Many check printers can put your logo on your check, but if you want a unique graphic design, you'll have to find a printer who offers customization.

I recommend: CheckCrafters.com offers custom photo checks, and DMI Business Printing at ChecksForms.com provides services to help you design your own custom checks.

Starter kits

Many check printers offer starter kits that include everything you need for check writing, including the checks, a register, deposit slips, endorsement stamp and more.

I recommend: Choose from several starter kits from EiPrinting at ChecksForLess.com or try one from CheckAdvantage.com.

Avoid check fraud

Choose checks that use proven security measures to minimize your risk, such as background patterns that are difficult to duplicate and chemically sensitive paper that changes color when chemically altered.

I recommend: View some of the security features commonly used to reduce the chances of check fraud at ChecksInTheMail.com.

Invest in a check register

Sorting through check stubs is inefficient and time-consuming. With a bound check register, you can track transactions as you go and maintain a record by date.

I recommend: Order ring books or desk books from EiPrinting.com at ChecksForLess.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Verify the bank routing code on your checks before ordering a new set.
• •  Checks designed for laser printers are usually arranged with one or three checks per page — choose one per page if you only write a few checks at a time.
• •  Most check printers offer discounts when you order large quantities, say 5,000 checks. However, if you think you may change locations in the near future, hold off on ordering large numbers of pre-printed checks.
• •  Choose a company that keeps track of previous orders so you don't have to waste time providing specs every time you reorder.
• •  Ask the check vendor for a fraud insurance policy in case someone hacks into your account to order checks in your name or steals your checks.

Every company uses some form of business checks. Most companies use accounting software for payroll and accounts payable. Business checks are designed to work with your software, to make business accounting easier. Business checks basics begins with learning the different types of checks and the different ways to write a check.

There are two different types of business checks: voucher and non-voucher. Voucher checks have small check stubs that the company can keep for records. Non-voucher checks do not have any vouchers--only the check and register. Once you have chosen a type of check, your company will need to choose how the check is written. There are three ways to write a business check: manually, ink jet or laser-printed. Select an option from the list below to locate the checks your business needs.

1. Hand write your business checks.

2. Use an ink jet printer for business checks.

3. Print your business checks with a laser printer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start business checks basics with hand-written checks

Hand-written or manual checks are good choices for small companies or new companies. Manual checks do not require a printer and can be written on location or in the office. Business checks starter kits are good for small businesses learning the business checks basics.

I recommend: BankChecksPlus.com has accounts payable, payroll and multi-purpose manual business checks. Order manual check supplies, desktop sets, three on one page checks and business checks starter kits at CheckAdvantage Business Checks. Purchase new and small business blank checks at Checks Unlimited.

Purchase ink jet blank checks for businesses

Ink jet checks are printed from a computer using accounting software. These checks can smear if they are touched before they dry; however, it takes less than a minute for the ink to dry. These are great for companies that write more than 10 payroll checks and more than 20 accounts payable checks at a time.

I recommend: Order business checks for ink jet printers at Buy-Cheap-Checks.com. Print your company's logo on your blank business checks at Checks America. TechChecks has business check paper and computer printable checks for all business sizes.

Order business checks for laser printers

Laser printers print high volumes of checks quicker than ink jet printers. These checks are good for companies that write more than 40 checks at a time.

I recommend: Search by accounting software at Form-Masters, to locate computer printable checks. Checks.org has business check paper and check paper stock for laser printers. Check Crafters carries a wide variety of business checks products for laser printed checks.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always review any check printing company with the better business bureau before providing banking account information.

Most businesses use some form of business checks, be they printed or handwritten. Business checks are available in an array of styles to fit any business need. There are some terms that companies may come across when shopping for business checks that they may not be aware of. Reviewing the definitions of business checks key terms allows companies to find exactly what they need with less hassle.

Action Steps
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MICR numbers

MICR numbers, or magnetic ink character recognition numbers, are numbers such as the routing and account numbers that are printed on the check with magnetic ink so that check readers can scan the check. MICR numbers are printed with specific ink and printers.

I recommend: Learn more about MICR numbers at Hardware Central.

Voucher check

A voucher check is a check with an attached form for information about the purchase made with the check, invoices paid or payroll information. These forms are available in generic types for all types of checks or for specific checks, such as payroll or invoice payments. Voucher checks are available in printed and handwritten checks.

I recommend: Visit Stats sheet for information about voucher checks.

Continuous checks

Continuous checks, or dot matrix checks, are designed specifically for dot matrix printers. These checks do not have vouchers and print out continuously, one check after another.

I recommend: Learn how to align checks at Intuit. Property Automation also has information about dot matrix checks. Specialty Graphics explains more about continuous checks.

Blank-check stock

Blank-check stock is the paper used to print checks. Blank-check stock does not have any information printed on it and is sold mainly to companies that make checks for resale.

I recommend: Cheap Checks has more information about blank-check stock.

Warning borders

Warning borders or bands are printed labels on the check that inform others that the check contains watermarks or micro-printing. These warning bands were created to deter counterfeiters.

I recommend: Better Business Forms & Products provides information about warning borders. The TROY Group also has information on what warning bands look like.

Watermark

A watermark is a printed pattern or word that does not appear on the paper until it is held up to light. Watermarking fluid is used to print the image on the paper. Watermarks also appear on paper when it is copied.

I recommend: Visit wiseGeek to learn more about watermarks. Audio English also has more information about watermarks.