Checks

Use an affordable checks printer for your small business
By Andrea Townsley Although checks are gradually being replaced by debit cards and ACH technology, they still have their place in the business world. Small businesses, for the most part, still write checks for payroll. Whenever a business of any size needs to pay a bill, like rental fees or advertising costs, the accounts payable department just cuts a check and mails it out.

Believe it or not, business checks also help develop your brand. Your checks should say something about your company, so choose a design that matches the image you want to portray. Here are a few tips to help you get started when you're shopping for checks:

1. Think about how many things you write checks for. This will help you choose the right quantity to buy.

2. Consider what size checks you'd like to use. There are the standard wallet checks as well as longer business-size checks.

3. Customize your checks with your company's logo. Custom checks can help you brand your business.

Get professional-looking business checks

Traditionally, business owners would buy a binder and keep pages of business-size checks in it. These checks are longer than regular checks and look better when you're writing paychecks. In many cases, checks are three to a page and each check is attached to a perforated slip, used for recording your transactions. Simply buy another book of checks to reload your binder when you run out.
Try:  Check Crafters offers three types of business draft checks, which are printed on recycled paper and available in multiple designs. Check out the desktop checks from CheckAdvantage Business Checks.

Locate a standard-size checks provider

Wallet checks are much easier to carry around since you can just slip one into your billfold, like the name implies. If you travel a lot or make impromptu purchases, wallet checks might be your best option. You can still write paychecks using these checks as well.
Try:  Check out the designs available from Checks in the Mail. You can also find multiple designs at Checks Unlimited.

Buy software and print out your own checks

An alternative to buying pre-printed checks is printing your own. There are several software programs that allow you to design the checks you like, print them out and sign them. Every business needs checks; printing them yourself can save you time and money. Don't forget to buy special MICR toner for your printer, since checks are read by magnetic ink.
Try:  Select one of the check-printing systems from Relyco. Compare and buy one of the software programs available at TopTenREVIEWS. Buy blank checks for your printer at EiPrinting.

• Don't write blank checks and give them to your employees so they can pay bills. For example, if you run out of a product during a rush period but can get it from a nearby retailer, don't just sign a check and hand it to an employee. At least write out the "Pay to" line and write a note on the bottom left corner, stating what the purchase is for. This helps minimize your risk of theft.