"Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings"

midasman09 · 17th Sep 2011, 07:44 PM

I'm putting together a "Monthly" program and I thought I'd share what I found for any of you who are doing or would like to do...."Monthly" billings.

Let's say you'd like to have your accounts pay a Set Up fee and a Monthly Fee...every month.

1) Sending monthly Invoices is NOT the way to go. It's up to YOUR Customers to send in payment...WHEN they want to send it it.

2) Asking customers to give you a Credit Card. Many businesses don't have a "Business CC" and they DON'T want to use their Personal CC for Business payments.

3) Use "Check-Writing" software program. Your client gives you his Business Check when he orders. You log in the info on the check into the special program that's ON your puter. Then....you just PRINT out the checks...each month at the appointed time (1st of Mo)....endorse the back and ....deposit in your bank acct just as if you had received the checks in the mail. You can then send them a "Paid Invoice".

Now....this is PERFECTLY LEGAL in the Banking System and their are some pretty godd software programs you can buy which ususually cost around $200....however...if you just want to Test out how this works...you can geta Free 30 Day Trial and see how it works for you.

It's called "Q-Check". You'll have to Google it. They'll give you a Free (no money) TRrial for 30 days.

Take a look. (I am NOT affiliated with them in ANY way)

Don Alm

mikeyman120 · 21st Sep 2011, 04:04 AM

Great idea Don. I used a check template I had in ms word but it is on my windows 98 pc and it won't boot up until I get another hard drive and install win98 on it. But anyway I used it to accept checks online. The person had to submit their account number and routing number and I would put it on the bottom of the check template and fill in the amount. I then printed it on Check stock paper I got from some online company. This is at least 6 years ago. I then signed the back of the printed check and bring it in to the bank.

The bank thought I was some scammer trying to print fake checks on my home computer and deposit other peoples money in my account illegally. They said you can't do that. I said yes I can its the future. They called over the bank manager and in a split second she said thats fine it is a perfectly legal way to accept payments ecspecially online.

I'll check out the company q-check to see what they have to offer.

midasman09 · 21st Sep 2011, 09:13 AM

Yup....I think it was around 1995 when "accepting Facsimile check" was OKayed by the Banking Industry. I bought a "Check Template Software program" and printed out a check from a customer (on the Signature Line was the words, "Signature on File")

There were 4 banks in my town at the time so I brought my "Fax Check" to all 4 and at 3 banks they told me this "wasn't Legal" (until they checked with the VP)....and...when I brought the check to MY bank....no problemo, no questions...that's why I stayed with my bank and am still with them.

The REALLY COOL thing about using this "Check Writing" software is that...your customers/clients DON'T have to move a muscle or even think about doing anything to get your Monthly Check to you. You print out their check....sign on back and deposit it...just as if you had received it in person.

The ONLY thing your customers/clients have to do is....open your "Paid Invoice" envelopes.

Actually....I don't really know if you have to send "Paid Invoices".

One of my buddies doesn't send Paid Invoice envelopes and the owner of a restaurant phoned him and asked, "I'm getting ready to sell my biz and my accountant told me I've been paying you $150 a Month for the last 5 yrs. WHAT the heck is this for?"

He forgot that he had agreed to a Monthly Advertising Program that was to be paid by "Regular Monthly Automatic Deductions".

So....I'd rather be "up Front" with clients so that when they receive my "Paid Invoice" each mo...they have a chance to "RE-Consider" staying with the program.

Don Alm....making it EASY to collect Monthlies

Also....I don't have to explain how to go to PayPal...Log In...and make pmts. And, most small biz owners would rather not use their Personal Credit Card for "Business" transactions. We just collect their 1st check....enter the Info into the Check Program and when it comes time for the next check....just hit 'Print". All customer/client has to do is hand you the 1st check.

kenmichaels · 21st Sep 2011, 10:51 AM

You will be hard pressed to find banks in florida that accept those any more,
the scams were rampant in the late 90's.

Suntrust, is only bank in florida i know of that still allows it, and that's only if
you have been with them a long time.

keliix06 · 21st Sep 2011, 09:04 PM

How about putting some money into your "business" and getting a merchant account with echeck processing. It's seriously inexpensive.

limecellular · 22nd Sep 2011, 12:36 PM

This sounds interesting. Is there some sort of processing fee with this program? Or a monthly access charge?

warehouselarry · 22nd Sep 2011, 02:48 PM

Great ideas for automating payments of smaller amounts, but I've found when the amounts are large - like $15,000 per month and up - clients prefer to get an invoice with a time frame to pay...like a net 15 days.

midasman09 · 22nd Sep 2011, 04:23 PM

Fine! For $15,000 a Month....many people will hop in their vehicle and COLLECT the Check ....IN-PERSON!

However....we're talking here about "numbers" in the $500/mo or less area.

Don Alm....who discovered it's MUCH easier to collect 90 checks for $500/mo than 3 checks for $15,000 ea.

ConradDeas · 22nd Sep 2011, 07:02 PM

There's also a similar service called "Check Composer". I think their price is $0.20 per check printed.

Rocket Media · 23rd Sep 2011, 01:14 AM

Originally Posted by mikeyman120

Great idea Don. I used a check template I had in ms word but it is on my windows 98 pc and it won't boot up until I get another hard drive and install win98 on it. But anyway I used it to accept checks online. The person had to submit their account number and routing number and I would put it on the bottom of the check template and fill in the amount. I then printed it on Check stock paper I got from some online company. This is at least 6 years ago. I then signed the back of the printed check and bring it in to the bank.

The bank thought I was some scammer trying to print fake checks on my home computer and deposit other peoples money in my account illegally. They said you can't do that. I said yes I can its the future. They called over the bank manager and in a split second she said thats fine it is a perfectly legal way to accept payments ecspecially online.

I'll check out the company q-check to see what they have to offer.

What the hell is windows 98?

No but seriously why don't you just upgrade lol

sharp · 26th Sep 2011, 03:57 PM

CheckComposer.com ...I've been using them for years. It's a great thing.
Do realize there are rules about electronic or printing checks for the clients.

eCheck options would be good with Authorize.net if you're going to get a lot of them (or CheckComposer if you have an assistant).

I also suggest you help them open a Dwolla.com account if you can. Easy, super cheap, and great reporting. (This may be 'too much work' for some of you, but we use it with affiliates and everyone loves it.)

BrandyM · 29th Sep 2011, 12:01 AM

I've been wondering about this myself. I've seen some stuff floating around WF on how to do this. I think it was WarriorBen who said he goes to into the initial appointment with them and then scans their credit card using some kind of iPhone app.

I didn't think about the fact that some people don't have a credit card tied to their business account. I've been using paypal's merchant services to send invoices and/or their subscribe button to automatically setup a billing agreement. I just hate their fees!

My husband and I were just talking about the "check writing" thing the other day. He said something to the effect that as long as you have their routing # and checking acct # that banks have to accept it even if its hand written. I don't know about all that but at least this option appears more legit.

So if I'm understanding correctly, you get a check from the business the first time and then when their next billing statement comes up you just print a check with all the info and fill in the amount and deposit it? Then send them a receipt? Very interesting!

midasman09 · 29th Sep 2011, 06:06 PM

So if I'm understanding correctly, you get a check from the business the first time and then when their next billing statement comes up you just print a check with all the info and fill in the amount and deposit it? Then send them a receipt? Very interesting!

Yup! Easy-Peasy! Many biz owners do NOT have a "Business CC" and they don't like to pay for Business Services with a "Personal CC".

Also....for me....to have to explain to a customer how to "Go Up To PayPal...do this...then do that....click here, etc"!

They either just GIVE me a Business Check or Fax me one....or....I've taken these over the Phone. All you need are the Numbers off their check and then tell them to "Void" the check.

When billing time comes around...I just go up to the Q-Check program and tell it to "Print". I print these out on "Check Paper" I get at Staples. Looks great!

Don Alm....No Fuss-No Muss

bobludeman · 12th Oct 2011, 06:53 PM

If you have quickbooks, you can process credit cards, send email invoices and accept echecks. You will need to be approved for merchant services. I pay $44.95 for taking credit cards and $14.95 for email billing. Some transaction fees apply also. I invoice from quickbooks and can invoice 4-5 jobs a day in 15 minutes. Running a check is $.50 each. Each client either runs their own CC from the email, runs an ACH from the email or gives me permission to do it for them. The invoice also comes up in PDF so they can have a hard copy and receipt. If I had a deal like Dons motel thing I could run 100 CC or ACH transactions in about 5 hours once a month. Net billing $7500 to $15,000 according to his figures! Total fees for $7500 would be under $300, probably $250 if the were mostly CC. About $125 if all ACH checks.
Thanks guys.

felborfm88 · 14th Oct 2011, 07:33 PM

I haven't use this before but maybe you might want to investigate this?

Recurly : Subscription Billing Made Simple

From what I've seen it looks pretty solid and I think it would be a decent alternative to the crappy Paypal option.

17th Sep 2011, 07:44 PM	#1
midasman09 Banned Join Date: 2009 Posts: 1,279 Thanks: 7 Thanked 1,525 Times in 531 Posts	"Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: I'm putting together a "Monthly" program and I thought I'd share what I found for any of you who are doing or would like to do...."Monthly" billings. Let's say you'd like to have your accounts pay a Set Up fee and a Monthly Fee...every month. 1) Sending monthly Invoices is NOT the way to go. It's up to YOUR Customers to send in payment...WHEN they want to send it it. 2) Asking customers to give you a Credit Card. Many businesses don't have a "Business CC" and they DON'T want to use their Personal CC for Business payments. 3) Use "Check-Writing" software program. Your client gives you his Business Check when he orders. You log in the info on the check into the special program that's ON your puter. Then....you just PRINT out the checks...each month at the appointed time (1st of Mo)....endorse the back and ....deposit in your bank acct just as if you had received the checks in the mail. You can then send them a "Paid Invoice". Now....this is PERFECTLY LEGAL in the Banking System and their are some pretty godd software programs you can buy which ususually cost around $200....however...if you just want to Test out how this works...you can geta Free 30 Day Trial and see how it works for you. It's called "Q-Check". You'll have to Google it. They'll give you a Free (no money) TRrial for 30 days. Take a look. (I am NOT affiliated with them in ANY way) Don Alm

21st Sep 2011, 04:04 AM	#2
mikeyman120 VIP Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2008 Location: NY, USA Posts: 1,738 Thanks: 384 Thanked 515 Times in 245 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: Great idea Don. I used a check template I had in ms word but it is on my windows 98 pc and it won't boot up until I get another hard drive and install win98 on it. But anyway I used it to accept checks online. The person had to submit their account number and routing number and I would put it on the bottom of the check template and fill in the amount. I then printed it on Check stock paper I got from some online company. This is at least 6 years ago. I then signed the back of the printed check and bring it in to the bank. The bank thought I was some scammer trying to print fake checks on my home computer and deposit other peoples money in my account illegally. They said you can't do that. I said yes I can its the future. They called over the bank manager and in a split second she said thats fine it is a perfectly legal way to accept payments ecspecially online. I'll check out the company q-check to see what they have to offer.
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21st Sep 2011, 09:13 AM	#3
midasman09 Banned Join Date: 2009 Posts: 1,279 Thanks: 7 Thanked 1,525 Times in 531 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: Yup....I think it was around 1995 when "accepting Facsimile check" was OKayed by the Banking Industry. I bought a "Check Template Software program" and printed out a check from a customer (on the Signature Line was the words, "Signature on File") There were 4 banks in my town at the time so I brought my "Fax Check" to all 4 and at 3 banks they told me this "wasn't Legal" (until they checked with the VP)....and...when I brought the check to MY bank....no problemo, no questions...that's why I stayed with my bank and am still with them. The REALLY COOL thing about using this "Check Writing" software is that...your customers/clients DON'T have to move a muscle or even think about doing anything to get your Monthly Check to you. You print out their check....sign on back and deposit it...just as if you had received it in person. The ONLY thing your customers/clients have to do is....open your "Paid Invoice" envelopes. Actually....I don't really know if you have to send "Paid Invoices". One of my buddies doesn't send Paid Invoice envelopes and the owner of a restaurant phoned him and asked, "I'm getting ready to sell my biz and my accountant told me I've been paying you $150 a Month for the last 5 yrs. WHAT the heck is this for?" He forgot that he had agreed to a Monthly Advertising Program that was to be paid by "Regular Monthly Automatic Deductions". So....I'd rather be "up Front" with clients so that when they receive my "Paid Invoice" each mo...they have a chance to "RE-Consider" staying with the program. Don Alm....making it EASY to collect Monthlies Also....I don't have to explain how to go to PayPal...Log In...and make pmts. And, most small biz owners would rather not use their Personal Credit Card for "Business" transactions. We just collect their 1st check....enter the Info into the Check Program and when it comes time for the next check....just hit 'Print". All customer/client has to do is hand you the 1st check.

21st Sep 2011, 10:51 AM	#4
kenmichaels VIP Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Posts: 2,472 Thanks: 2,490 Thanked 3,878 Times in 1,840 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: You will be hard pressed to find banks in florida that accept those any more, the scams were rampant in the late 90's. Suntrust, is only bank in florida i know of that still allows it, and that's only if you have been with them a long time.
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21st Sep 2011, 09:04 PM	#5
keliix06 Active Warrior Join Date: 2010 Posts: 63 Thanks: 2 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: How about putting some money into your "business" and getting a merchant account with echeck processing. It's seriously inexpensive.
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22nd Sep 2011, 12:36 PM	#6
limecellular Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Posts: 49 Thanks: 16 Thanked 20 Times in 14 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: This sounds interesting. Is there some sort of processing fee with this program? Or a monthly access charge?
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22nd Sep 2011, 02:48 PM	#7
warehouselarry Warrior Member Join Date: 2011 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: Great ideas for automating payments of smaller amounts, but I've found when the amounts are large - like $15,000 per month and up - clients prefer to get an invoice with a time frame to pay...like a net 15 days.
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22nd Sep 2011, 04:23 PM	#8
midasman09 Banned Join Date: 2009 Posts: 1,279 Thanks: 7 Thanked 1,525 Times in 531 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: Fine! For $15,000 a Month....many people will hop in their vehicle and COLLECT the Check ....IN-PERSON! However....we're talking here about "numbers" in the $500/mo or less area. Don Alm....who discovered it's MUCH easier to collect 90 checks for $500/mo than 3 checks for $15,000 ea.

22nd Sep 2011, 07:02 PM	#9
ConradDeas Nerd Join Date: 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 84 Thanks: 96 Thanked 68 Times in 34 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: There's also a similar service called "Check Composer". I think their price is $0.20 per check printed.

26th Sep 2011, 03:57 PM	#11
sharp Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2009 Posts: 99 Thanks: 180 Thanked 38 Times in 20 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: CheckComposer.com ...I've been using them for years. It's a great thing. Do realize there are rules about electronic or printing checks for the clients. eCheck options would be good with Authorize.net if you're going to get a lot of them (or CheckComposer if you have an assistant). I also suggest you help them open a Dwolla.com account if you can. Easy, super cheap, and great reporting. (This may be 'too much work' for some of you, but we use it with affiliates and everyone loves it.)

29th Sep 2011, 12:01 AM	#12
BrandyM Really?? REALLY?? Join Date: 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 94 Thanks: 91 Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: I've been wondering about this myself. I've seen some stuff floating around WF on how to do this. I think it was WarriorBen who said he goes to into the initial appointment with them and then scans their credit card using some kind of iPhone app. I didn't think about the fact that some people don't have a credit card tied to their business account. I've been using paypal's merchant services to send invoices and/or their subscribe button to automatically setup a billing agreement. I just hate their fees! My husband and I were just talking about the "check writing" thing the other day. He said something to the effect that as long as you have their routing # and checking acct # that banks have to accept it even if its hand written. I don't know about all that but at least this option appears more legit. So if I'm understanding correctly, you get a check from the business the first time and then when their next billing statement comes up you just print a check with all the info and fill in the amount and deposit it? Then send them a receipt? Very interesting!

29th Sep 2011, 06:06 PM	#13
midasman09 Banned Join Date: 2009 Posts: 1,279 Thanks: 7 Thanked 1,525 Times in 531 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: So if I'm understanding correctly, you get a check from the business the first time and then when their next billing statement comes up you just print a check with all the info and fill in the amount and deposit it? Then send them a receipt? Very interesting! Yup! Easy-Peasy! Many biz owners do NOT have a "Business CC" and they don't like to pay for Business Services with a "Personal CC". Also....for me....to have to explain to a customer how to "Go Up To PayPal...do this...then do that....click here, etc"! They either just GIVE me a Business Check or Fax me one....or....I've taken these over the Phone. All you need are the Numbers off their check and then tell them to "Void" the check. When billing time comes around...I just go up to the Q-Check program and tell it to "Print". I print these out on "Check Paper" I get at Staples. Looks great! Don Alm....No Fuss-No Muss

12th Oct 2011, 06:53 PM	#14
bobludeman Active Warrior Join Date: 2010 Location: Kansas City Posts: 80 Thanks: 123 Thanked 52 Times in 41 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: If you have quickbooks, you can process credit cards, send email invoices and accept echecks. You will need to be approved for merchant services. I pay $44.95 for taking credit cards and $14.95 for email billing. Some transaction fees apply also. I invoice from quickbooks and can invoice 4-5 jobs a day in 15 minutes. Running a check is $.50 each. Each client either runs their own CC from the email, runs an ACH from the email or gives me permission to do it for them. The invoice also comes up in PDF so they can have a hard copy and receipt. If I had a deal like Dons motel thing I could run 100 CC or ACH transactions in about 5 hours once a month. Net billing $7500 to $15,000 according to his figures! Total fees for $7500 would be under $300, probably $250 if the were mostly CC. About $125 if all ACH checks. Thanks guys.

14th Oct 2011, 07:33 PM	#15
felborfm88 Warrior Member Join Date: 2011 Posts: 19 Thanks: 5 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: "Best" way to collect "Monthly Billings" Share on: I haven't use this before but maybe you might want to investigate this? Recurly : Subscription Billing Made Simple From what I've seen it looks pretty solid and I think it would be a decent alternative to the crappy Paypal option.
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