Business Checks - Getting it Right
Alan Plastin
When it comes time to order business checks, to simply say you have options is a gross understatement. What might seem like a simple task, ordering business checks, can easily turn into a confusing ordeal when faced with the myriad of styles and formats that all fall under the category of "business checks."
Coming across various check styles (laser, payroll, voucher, 3-per-page, manual, draft, etc.) it might make you question exactly what type of business checks you really need. You thought you knew what you were searching for, but now you have pause for thought. Let us describe a few of the more common styles of business checks and hopefully it will help simplify your check buying experience.
* 3-Per-Page Checks: 3-per-page checks are immediately identifiable (and aptly named) due to there being 3 checks on one sheet of paper. They probably serve as the most common type of business checks. But, there are different types of 3-per-page checks. For example, some might be checks you write by hand while others are supposed to be printed on your inkjet or laser printer. 3-per-page checks also may have further options, including Payroll and Voucher, mentioned below
* Voucher Checks: Voucher checks come in two different varieties. The first is a type of 3-per-page style that has a printed table right on the check for making notes, usually related to paying an invoice. You can put the dollar amount and date on these vouchers, and sometimes discount calculations as well. The other kind of voucher check is like the 3-per-page design, except there is only one check on the paper. The other two panels are blank except for usually your business name and the dollar amount of the check.
* Laser Checks: Laser checks aren't difficult to understand. They are what they say they are: checks designed to be printed on a laser printer. They come in the single check voucher format mentioned above or in your standard 3-per-page type. To make use of laser checks you will need some type of software on your computer, usually an accounting program.
* Payroll Checks: Payroll checks are used, not surprisingly, to pay employees. Payroll checks come with a detachable stub. The stub has lines to put your typical payroll deductions: F.I.C.A., Medicare, State Income Tax, etc. As you might expect, there are different types of payroll checks, these typically being in either a salary or hourly format.
Perhaps you need to order checks that are compatible with your accounting program you use. Most likely that will be QuickBooks, Quicken or Microsoft Money. Don't worry. Any business check printer who wants to stay in business will have checks available for all of these software programs. Not every check company makes business checks for some of the other accounting programs out there, but enough do that they're not hard to find.
The bottom line is this: if are looking to order "business checks," make sure you know what format you need. Also, know what type of accounting software (if any) you are using. Having these things in mind beforehand will help make your business check buying experience quick and easy.
Before ordering business checks online, check out the http://www.cheapbankchecks.net/businesschecks.asp) business checks at CheapBankChecks.net to learn how you can save nearly 50% off.
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