Although checks are gradually being replaced by debit cards and ACH technology, they still have their place in the business world. Small businesses, for the most part, still write checks for payroll. Whenever a business of any size needs to pay a bill, like rental fees or advertising costs, the accounts payable department just cuts a check and mails it out.

Believe it or not, business checks also help develop your brand. Your checks should say something about your company, so choose a design that matches the image you want to portray. Here are a few tips to help you get started when you're shopping for checks:

1. Think about how many things you write checks for. This will help you choose the right quantity to buy.

2. Consider what size checks you'd like to use. There are the standard wallet checks as well as longer business-size checks.

3. Customize your checks with your company's logo. Custom checks can help you brand your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get professional-looking business checks

Traditionally, business owners would buy a binder and keep pages of business-size checks in it. These checks are longer than regular checks and look better when you're writing paychecks. In many cases, checks are three to a page and each check is attached to a perforated slip, used for recording your transactions. Simply buy another book of checks to reload your binder when you run out.

I recommend: Check Crafters offers three types of business draft checks, which are printed on recycled paper and available in multiple designs. Check out the desktop checks from CheckAdvantage Business Checks.

Locate a standard-size checks provider

Wallet checks are much easier to carry around since you can just slip one into your billfold, like the name implies. If you travel a lot or make impromptu purchases, wallet checks might be your best option. You can still write paychecks using these checks as well.

I recommend: Check out the designs available from Checks in the Mail. You can also find multiple designs at Checks Unlimited.

Buy software and print out your own checks

An alternative to buying pre-printed checks is printing your own. There are several software programs that allow you to design the checks you like, print them out and sign them. Every business needs checks; printing them yourself can save you time and money. Don't forget to buy special MICR toner for your printer, since checks are read by magnetic ink.

I recommend: Select one of the check-printing systems from Relyco. Compare and buy one of the software programs available at TopTenREVIEWS. Buy blank checks for your printer at EiPrinting.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't write blank checks and give them to your employees so they can pay bills. For example, if you run out of a product during a rush period but can get it from a nearby retailer, don't just sign a check and hand it to an employee. At least write out the 'Pay to' line and write a note on the bottom left corner, stating what the purchase is for. This helps minimize your risk of theft.

Bank checks are often overlooked as an important piece of your business or home transactions. Whether you rent or own your home or business, chances are you write out a few checks each month to pay for utilities, food, supplies and upkeep.

Though the increase of online bill pay, Internet payments and credit card debits have diminished the dependence on checks, you may find you still can't get along without them. Choosing the right checks for your business and personal accounts shows a piece of your personality and announces to the world whether you cheer for the Longhorns, snuggle with Pomeranians or swoon for James Dean.

Consider the type, style and accessories that go with ordering checks, as well as the following:

1. Add your company logo to your business checks.

2. Choose whether to order checks online or through your bank.

3. Pick the style and design that works best for your account.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose the right business checks for your company accounts

When considering business checks, you want to make sure anything you order shows the professionalism and personality of your company. Choose something on the plain side with a simple business logo or colored border.

I recommend: Visit VistaPrint, Check Advantage, NEBS and CheckWorks.com to order or reorder checks online. Also read the Work.com Guide to Choosing and Buying Business Checks for more information on this subject.

Customize personal checks

When looking for personal checks, you can find almost anything you could ever want. Order checks with your favorite sports team, television show, recording artist or animal. Show your spirit with American flags and military seals or be playful with retro art and bright colors.

I recommend: Find a variety of colors, styles and designs from your local bank or online. Order or reorder personal checks from Bradford Exchange Checks, 4checks.com, Wal-Mart or Disney Personal Checks to find options that fit your personality.

Order travelers checks or cashiers checks

Take vacations without having to worry about carrying cash or exchanging funds by using travelers checks. Introduced by American Express in 1891, these checks are often used when traveling internationally on vacation. The great part is that each check has a number attached to it, so if your check gets lost or stolen you can simply cancel the check and order a new one--something you can't do with cash.

I recommend: Consider ordering travelers checks the next time you travel out of the country. Both American Express and AAA offer this service for paper checks. The Visa TravelMoney card is an electronic version, used like a debit card.

Choose extra options when ordering business or personal checks

Picking the design is only a piece of the process in check writing. You can also order accessories and various types of checks to make your spending easier. Consider top versus side perforation, check covers or wallets, duplicate checks and top registers versus separate ones.

I recommend: Browse check ordering websites to find accessories. Look at Deluxe and Image Checks for storage boxes, registers, binders, checkbook covers and corresponding address labels. Search Checks in the Mail for top register checks and Checks Unlimited for side tear versions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure all your information is correct on your bank checks before ordering or using them. Look at your name, address, account and routing number and the style to make sure it's what you meant to order.