7 Smart Tips To Remember When Choosing An Echeck Processing System

By: Kay Fione

When you decide to accept electronic checks for your business, you would then seek the services of an e-check processing company or service provider. This company will facilitate the conversion of paper checks payments into electronic check format, process them, and then deposit the amount into your account. There are many companies that cater to this type of service. Some have built a good reputation with years of solid experience. Others are just starting out. This article gives you important tips to remember when choosing an echeck processing company.

1.)NO OUTRIGHT PURCHASE
To begin with, look for a an echeck processing company that does not require you to purchase costly software or equipment. You are a businessman and you want to avoid any unnecessary capital outlay. Shop around and look for a service provider that caters to the needs of your business without shelling out much-needed money. Stay away from companies that require you to purchase equipments.

2.)WATCH OUT FOR PERCENTAGE FEE
Don't be hoodwinked into accepting any percentage fee charge for each processed check from your echeck processing provider. Legitimate companies charge a flat transaction fee each month, and not on a per check basis As soon an echeck processing company personnel mentions this fee to you, leave the company's office immediately.

3.)NEGOTIATE FOR COMPETITIVE PRICING PACKAGE
Converting paper checks into echecks and processing them electronically is fast, secure and convenient. However, this service comes with a price. Electronic check processing companies charge transaction fees, monthly fees, and other pertinent fees. Since all of them compete for your patronage, why not negotiate for a competitive package? If you are play fair and honest about it, these processing companies will reconsider and will trim down their fees to fit your budget.

4.)ENSURE THAT THE ECHECK PROCESSING COMPANY ALLOWS DIRECT DEBIT TRANSACTIONS
In short, if a particular company owes you a monthly recurring payment, you can perform direct-debit transactions from their accounts without the need for them to send you the paper check. A personnel will accomplish this through phone-based transactions. Remember to negotiate for the same flat transaction fees for this service.

5.)SETTLE FOR A COMPANY WITH AN ECHECK PROCESSING SYSTEM THAT CAN EXPORT DATA
It would be a plus factor for your business if your echeck processing company can export your transaction data so you can integrate those data into your current Customer Records Management software smoothly. This type of service is generally available from well-established echeck processing companies.

6.)BE A STICKLER FOR SECURE INTERNET TRANSACTION
Financial transactions sent through the Internet carry great risks of being intercepted or hacked. Therefore it is necessary that your echeck processing company implements the strongest encryption protocol to protect sensitive customer information. Make sure your service provider adheres to 128-bit, SSL, secure encryption technology.

7.)TECHNICAL SUPPORT
When things go wrong, be sure you know beforehand where and who to call for help. This is oftentimes referred to as technical support. And it is imperative that your echeck processing company maintains a 24/7 helpdesk that can dispense the necessary assistance you need at any given time.