How to take checks over the PHONE?

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I searched this forum and for some reason I couldnt find the advice to take a clients check over the phone.

DO i need a special Ink for printer?
DO i need special PAPER?

i know what info to ask for just would like to here some feedback and possible real experience or pros and cons of doing so.... and lastly can i set up re occuring payments?

ya ya i know i cant spell a few things sorry............
#offline marketing #checks #phone
  • I would not recommend a check by phone. If you really must take a check, you can do it a few ways simply to protect yourself from scams/bad checks. First would be my mail (then allow it to clear your bank), or Paypal allows them to pay by check. At this point, it's a very slow way to pay, and most businesses have the capability to pay other ways. We do not accept checks.
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    • Im surprised that you said that. Checks are safer than credit cards, it is illegal if it bounces, and you have less compliance regulations as well as less expenses with outrageous fees.

      Get a laser printer, not an inkjet. I use a Canon imageclass. Get some check stock, and some software. I use EZcheckprinter I think.

      Taking a check by phone is no different than waiting for a check to arrive by mail except you can deposit it the same day. For the signature line all you have to put is, This check is authorized by your depositor. No signature required.

      People say you need MICR ink but you don't. Most banks use an optical instead of the old school MICR readers, you just need the MICR font and information in the MICR area.

      Accepting checks will save you money. It will also save you a lot of hassle. I've had tens of thousands locked up not only in paypal, but also my merchant account. Printing checks is easy, and safe. No risk of chargebacks later on. More fraudulent activity happens with credit cards than check. We do not accept paypal, credit cards, or any of that. ONLY check.
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  • internetpro


    funny how people all have different ways of doing the same thing

    check by fax/phone is the only way I accept business. no credit cards, no paypal.

    after a few hundred brick and mortar clients check by fax is the only way

    Electronic Check Payment Processing, Check By Phone Services

    the check draft get deposited into my account automatically
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    • the link you gave for a provider to do the processing seems great to avoid the printer, paper, and labor. outsource it!

      any thoughts on their reliability? good company???
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  • I'd also like to add.... It doesn't take a long time. In fact, credit card processing takes longer to hit your bank than accepting checks by phone. If I get a sale right this second, I print the check, deposit it in my bank and its available by midnight.
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    • what bank do you use? i use suntrust, and it takes 7-10 days for out of state checks to clear.
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  • I've been meaning to set my check system up and cut PayPal loose as well as cut my merchant account lose and this thread was just the ember needed to get me going, NOW.

    I've got a few questions for those IN THE KNOW!

    (a). Does anybody use a system whereby they take checks online? In other words, the client goes to your website, puts in their: name, routing number, checking account number and clicks submit and presto; it's a done deal? Or, is it really needed?

    (b). How are you receiving these payments by check? Are you sending the clients invoices? Or, are you acquiring the client's name, routing number and checking account number over the phone on every order?

    Thanks for the responses!
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    • \


      Vcheck systems will allow you to accept check via website and or phone . they are using by several US cities to process payments We have used them for about 2 years. you can also set up recurring payments and it will send a notice to the client. They are slightly more expensive them other systems but saves on time and labor if that concern.
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    • After looking at the options, I concur with IamNameless. Using ANY check processing company is really not much different than using a merchant account.

      I looked at the remote deposit option and its a time saver. Although, most banks charge a monthly fee for that option. If you are in scenario such as Bluecoyotemedia, that option is will save you time and unnecessary hassles.

      Can anyone answer this question:

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  • The problem when using check processors is the strict ACH regulations and other internet based transactions. Almost every check processing company charges percentages and can cause problems just like credit card processors.

    The absolute safest and most beneficial way of doing things, is doing this yourself.

    BlueCoyote has a special circumstance where it makes sense for him, but for most living in the US, do it yourself!

    And for bluecoyote, I would recommend getting a bank that allows electronic deposits from your desk! Whether you're in costa rica, or all the way in China, you would be able to deposit your check without leaving or mailing them off.
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    • I am nameless ( one day you will have to share the story of your handle

      I am not familiar with what your saying??

      from my desktop to deposit to my bank account???

      thanks always on the lookout to improve the control

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  • What about Q check any one use those .....
  • Nameless,

    Two questions

    1. For that quick deposit do they require a special scanner? I have a laser printer with scanner and copier and wondered if that would work.

    2. How do you handle accounts with a monthly bill? Do you just print the checks each month?
  • Very important points to handle checks
  • I use Check By Phone / Check By Fax / Check By Web
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