Ordering business checks online is a smart and easy way to get checks for your company. It saves time, offers customization, and is often cheaper than ordering from a bank. But, there are some common mistakes people make when ordering checks online. These mistakes can lead to delays, errors, or even fraud.
In this blog, we’ll look at the common mistakes businesses make when ordering business checks online and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Checking for Security Features
One of the biggest mistakes is not checking if the checks have security features. Business checks can be a target for fraud, so your checks must be secure. When ordering online, make sure your checks have these features:
- Watermarks
- Security screens
- Holograms
- Heat-sensitive ink
These features help keep your checks safe from being copied or altered. Always choose a provider that offers these security features to protect your business.
2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Check
There are different types of business checks, and choosing the wrong one can cause problems. The most common types are:
- Laser checks: These are used with accounting software.
- Manual checks: These are handwritten and are good for small businesses.
- Voucher checks: These have extra space for record-keeping.
Make sure you pick the right type of check for your business. For example, if you use accounting software like QuickBooks, you’ll need laser checks. If you write checks by hand, manual checks are the better option.
3. Not Double-Checking Your Bank Details
Mistakes with your bank details can cause big problems. If you enter the wrong account number or routing number, your checks might not work. Before placing your order, double-check that all your details are correct. This includes:
- Bank account number
- Routing number
- Company name and address
- Starting check number
Taking a few minutes to check these details can save you a lot of trouble later.
4. Not Researching the Check Provider
Not all online check providers are the same. Some might have lower prices, but they might also have poor quality checks or bad customer service. It’s important to choose a reliable provider.
Before ordering, check:
- Customer reviews
- If the provider is BBB accredited
- How long the company has been in business
- Their return policy
By choosing a trustworthy provider, you can avoid low-quality checks and other problems.
5. Not Ordering Enough Checks
Some businesses only order a few checks at a time. This can lead to frequent reorders, which wastes time and money. Many online check providers offer discounts for bulk orders, so it’s often cheaper to order more checks at once.
Before you place an order, think about how many checks you use each month. Then, order enough to last for several months. This will save you money and prevent you from running out of checks too soon.
6. Not Adding Custom Branding to Your Checks
Your business checks are more than just a way to pay bills—they can also help promote your brand. Many businesses forget to customize their checks with their logo, colors, or other branding details.
Adding your logo or business name to your checks makes them look professional. Most online check providers offer customization options, so take advantage of this feature to create checks that represent your business.
7. Waiting Until You Run Out of Checks to Reorder
Another common mistake is waiting until you run out of checks before reordering. If you wait too long, you might run out of checks when you need them most. This can slow down your business and cause stress.
Keep an eye on your check supply and reorder before you run out. A good tip is to place a new order when you have about 25% of your checks left.
8. Not Making Sure Checks Work with Your Software
If you use accounting software, it’s important to make sure your checks are compatible with it. Some businesses order checks that don’t work with their software, causing printing problems and wasted checks.
Check with the check provider or your software provider to make sure the checks you order will work with your system. This will help you avoid any issues when printing your checks.
9. Forgetting About Extra Costs
When ordering business checks online, there may be extra costs you didn’t think about, like:
- Shipping fees
- Rush processing fees
- Customization charges
Make sure to check for these costs before placing your order. Some companies offer free shipping or discounts, so look for deals to save money.
10. Not Following Legal Requirements
There are legal requirements for business checks that you need to follow. For example, some states require your business address or tax ID number to be printed on the checks. If you don’t include this information, you might have trouble using the checks.
Check the legal requirements in your state before placing your order to make sure your checks meet all the rules.
11. Not Reviewing the Proof Before Printing
Most check providers will show you a proof (a preview of what your checks will look like) before they print them. Some businesses skip this step, which can lead to mistakes in the final checks.
Always take the time to review the proof carefully. Look for mistakes in your company details, bank information, and any custom designs. Catching errors early will save you from having to reorder and wait for new checks.
12. Picking the Cheapest Option Without Checking Quality
Choosing the cheapest checks available is tempting, but low prices often mean low quality. Cheap checks might be printed on poor-quality paper, lack security features, or contain errors.
Instead of going for the lowest price, look for a provider that offers a good balance between cost and quality. This way, you’ll get secure, professional-looking checks that protect your business from fraud.
Conclusion
Ordering business checks online is a quick and easy way to get the checks you need for your business. But, it’s important to avoid common mistakes like not checking for security features, ordering the wrong type of check, or not double-checking your details.
You can avoid delays, errors, and extra costs by being careful and paying attention to these details. This will help ensure that your business checks are safe, reliable, and ready when needed.
Take the time to choose a trusted provider, check your details, and customize your checks. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll have a smooth experience ordering business checks online.
