Business checks are an essential tool for managing a company’s financial transactions, whether for paying vendors, employees, or utility bills. However, the cost of ordering business checks can quickly add up, especially for small businesses that operate on tight budgets. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to save money without sacrificing quality or professionalism.
In this article, we’ll explore various ways to reduce the cost of ordering business checks and help you make smart financial decisions for your company.
1. Order Checks in Bulk
One of the most effective ways to save money on business checks is to order in bulk. Like many other products, checks become cheaper when purchased in larger quantities. If your business issues checks frequently, ordering a larger batch will reduce the cost per check, saving you money in the long run.
Why Bulk Ordering Helps:
- Lower Cost per Check: When you order checks in bulk, many suppliers offer discounted rates, resulting in significant savings.
- Fewer Orders Over Time: By ordering a larger quantity upfront, you’ll reduce the frequency of reorders, which can lower shipping costs and prevent price increases from affecting your future purchases.
How to Implement:
- Estimate Usage: Calculate how many checks your business typically uses in a year and order accordingly. This ensures you don’t run out of checks while maximizing your bulk savings.
- Shop Around for Deals: Different suppliers offer various bulk discount packages, so compare pricing from multiple vendors to find the best deal.
Bulk ordering is ideal for businesses that consistently issue checks, as it allows you to stock up and reduce your overall spending.
2. Compare Prices from Different Suppliers
Business check suppliers vary widely in terms of pricing, quality, and services. Before making a purchase, it’s important to shop around and compare prices from multiple providers. Doing some research can help you find the best combination of affordability and quality.
Where to Compare:
- Online Suppliers: Many online retailers offer business checks at lower prices than traditional banks. Check websites like Checks Unlimited, Deluxe, and Costco for competitive pricing.
- Local Print Shops: Local printing businesses may offer personalized deals or discounts, especially if you’re a returning customer.
- Bank vs. Third-Party Suppliers: While ordering checks directly from your bank may seem convenient, third-party suppliers often provide more affordable options without compromising on security or customization.
When comparing suppliers, be sure to factor in shipping costs and any additional fees that could affect the total price.
3. Use Coupons and Promotions
Many check printing companies offer discounts, coupons, or promotional codes for new customers or bulk orders. Keep an eye out for these deals when ordering business checks to maximize your savings.
How to Find Discounts:
- Check Supplier Websites: Before placing an order, visit the supplier’s website to see if they offer discounts or promotions. Some suppliers offer seasonal sales, such as back-to-business deals or holiday discounts.
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Many check providers offer discounts for signing up for their newsletters or loyalty programs. These newsletters often include exclusive promotions and discounts.
- Search for Coupon Codes: Websites like RetailMeNot or Honey can help you find valid coupon codes for check suppliers. Enter these codes at checkout to save a percentage off your total order.
Using coupons and promotions is a simple yet effective way to lower the cost of business checks.
4. Opt for Standard Check Designs
While it can be tempting to choose elaborate designs with custom features for your business checks, these enhancements can significantly increase the cost. To save money, consider sticking to a standard design that includes your logo and essential information but avoids expensive customizations.
Why Standard Designs Are More Affordable:
- Lower Printing Costs: Standard designs are easier and quicker to produce, which lowers the printing cost for the supplier.
- Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons: Features like premium paper, additional security layers, or intricate color schemes can increase the overall price of the checks. Opting for a basic design will keep costs down.
You can still maintain a professional image with standard designs while saving on printing costs.
5. Reuse Check Templates
If you’ve previously ordered custom checks with your company’s branding, consider reusing the same template for future orders. Customizing a new design each time you place an order can incur additional setup fees. By reordering from the same supplier with an existing design, you can avoid these extra costs.
Benefits of Reusing Templates:
- No Setup Fees: Many suppliers charge a design or setup fee when creating a new check template. By reusing your old template, you can avoid these fees.
- Consistency: Using the same design ensures brand consistency across all financial documents, helping to maintain a professional image.
Reordering from a pre-existing template is a simple way to save money while ensuring brand continuity.
6. Consider Using Digital Payments for Smaller Transactions
While business checks are necessary for certain payments, you might find that some smaller transactions can be handled more efficiently through digital payment methods. By reducing the number of checks you issue, you can lower the frequency of orders, saving money in the long term.
Alternatives to Checks:
- ACH Transfers: Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers are a cost-effective and secure way to transfer funds electronically. Many banks offer low or no fees for ACH payments, making them a great alternative to checks.
- Online Payment Platforms: Services like PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle are suitable for small transactions and offer lower fees than the cost of printing and mailing checks.
By using electronic payment methods for smaller transactions, you’ll reduce the need for checks and cut down on ordering costs.
7. Negotiate with Suppliers for Better Rates
If your business regularly orders checks in large quantities, you may be able to negotiate better rates with suppliers. Building a long-term relationship with your check provider could lead to discounts or special pricing.
Tips for Negotiation:
- Ask for Volume Discounts: If you’re placing a large order, ask your supplier if they offer bulk pricing or discounts for repeat customers.
- Establish a Long-Term Partnership: By committing to a long-term partnership with a supplier, you may be able to secure lower prices over time.
Negotiating with your supplier can help you get the best possible price, especially if you’re a loyal customer.
8. Choose Generic Security Features
Security features are important when ordering business checks, as they help prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions. However, some high-end security options can be costly. To save money, opt for standard security features that still protect your checks but come at a lower price point.
Common Security Features:
- Watermarks: A basic but effective security measure that deters counterfeiters without adding significant cost.
- Microprinting: Tiny printed text that is hard to replicate and helps prevent fraud.
- Heat-Sensitive Ink: An affordable option that reveals tampering attempts but doesn’t drastically increase the check cost.
Stick with these basic security features to keep your business checks secure while avoiding high-end, unnecessary extras.
Conclusion
Ordering business checks doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. By ordering in bulk, comparing suppliers, using coupons, and opting for standard designs, you can significantly reduce costs while still maintaining professionalism. Additionally, leveraging digital payment alternatives for small transactions and reusing existing templates can further streamline expenses. With a bit of research and planning, you can save money on business checks and allocate those savings toward other critical areas of your business.
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