The Four Biggest Check Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Any business owner knows that keeping on top of the finances and administration is one of the cornerstones of success. Some companies work with a couple of clients and bill them on a fixed basis, others take thousands of payments from customers and need to keep detailed records of each transaction.

Companies need good financial systems in place to keep them running smoothly and the most successful are often those that are proactive about adopting new technology. By accepting different payment types and embracing the latest security measures businesses can give their customers the reassurance they seek.

Financial management software can offer a range of different features to help you keep track of your finances and even automate some of your more time-consuming tasks. Managing your finances with this software can be an easy and effective way to improve accuracy and minimize the risk of mistakes being made.

Handling Checks

Most businesses make and receive payments in a variety of ways including:

• Online Payment Platform
• Automated Payment
• Wire transfer
• Credit card
• Debit card
• Automated Clearing House (ACH) Transfer
• Electronic Funds Transfer
• Checks

Although they have become less popular in recent years, technological advances have given checks a new lease of life. They have always been a popular choice in certain sectors, and there are many advantages to checks including:

• Checks can be used to make payments by mail
• There’s no need to carry cash when using checks
• Using checks doesn’t usually attract any charges
• Checks can be stopped or cancelled if they are lost or stolen

Businesses that use checks often want to ensure that they are using the most secure option available to them, and this can help reduce the risks that are associated with any payment method. Businesses that use checks need to be aware of the potential pitfalls of using checks so that they can mitigate the risks.

1. Incorrect data: a check that isn’t filled out correctly can be difficult to process, so many businesses implement additional checks to ensure that each element of the check has been completed correctly. Businesses can use printable checks to reduce the chances of mistakes, and these can include payment details and deductions to make record keeping as easy as possible.

2. Lack of security: check technology has moved far beyond simple pieces of paper, and you can now get checks that have in-built security measures. The most advanced checks now use security holograms that are tamper-resistant and impossible to counterfeit, so businesses can improve their financial security by choosing cutting-edge checks.

3. Ineffective record-keeping: maintaining an accurate record of income and expenses is an important part of running a successful business. Using checks for payroll can help keep track of deductions and invoices, and multiple stubs can be useful for keeping accurate and detailed records, both digitally and in hard copy.

4. Improper disposal: businesses that handle checks need to have an effective way of disposing of them. Checks should be destroyed in a confidential manner to avoid any personal data being accessible to anyone else.

Although checks are not quite as ubiquitous as they once were, they are still a popular choice among businesses and consumers who appreciate their convenience and versatility. Offering a wide range of payment options makes a business more accessible to customers who may have strong preferences when it comes to how they manage their money, so understanding checks can help businesses to widen their market.

By understanding how to handle checks effectively, any business can accept and use them with confidence, knowing that they can put measures in place to maximize their security. Most high-tech providers are combining new technology with traditional payment methods to ensure that those who want to use checks can do so in the knowledge that they are safe and secure.