Checks and financial documents: A steady, dependable line of business if you can get it, but also one that can be stressful and complicated due to everything from anti-fraud to overall speed of printing. Looking to take your financial document sales to the next level? See what some expert check and financial printers had to say below.
STACK YOUR SECURITY
There are a multitude of different security features for checks and financial documents—evaluating the pros and cons of all of them could fill up an entire issue of Print+Promo. But there is one simple, tried-and-true fact about security features you should know about: They work best in groups.
"We deal mostly with distributors selling to small and mid-size companies," said Bill Reid, vice president of marketing for Graphic Dimensions, Austell, Ga. "We've found that with these type of companies layering both built-in paper and printed security features is still the best way to deter fraud and provide due diligence."
Tommy Gillis, managing member and senior partner at CFC Print Solutions, Grand Prairie, Texas, agreed. "What is critical to the process of adding security/authentication to negotiable documents is equal overt and covert features that will deter fraud," he said.
PREPARE FOR THE WORST
Even the greatest printers can make mistakes, and printer error isn't the only thing you have to worry about with financial documents. All top-of-the-line security features will get cracked by thieves eventually, meaning that no financial document order is ever absolutely safe from harm. Because of this persistent risk, work with a financial printer who will partner with you and help you solve problems when they arise.
"Buyers also want to work with printers who will stand behind their product," said Reid. "Many discount printers provide a low price, but are hard to deal with when an issue arises. At the end of the day, if our distributor is not successful and their customers are unhappy, we are out of business," he continued. "It is a long-term relationship that we cultivate one order at a time."
SPEED SELLS
Security features are of course a primary concern on financial documents, but there are other details to consider. Financial forms are still forms after all, so standard printing concerns apply to them as they would any other product—sometimes even more so.
Take turnaround speed, for example. A fast turnaround is a valuable (and often critical) asset for most orders, but with financial documents, it's of especial importance.
"Checks are time-sensitive—at least in our world," said Gillis. "We ship our line of ECON-Digital Checks loaded with security and authentication features the same day we receive the order. A financial document printer should have a sense of urgency—and the ability to perform and meet expectations,"he explained.
Reid shared these sentiments. "We are very flexible and can turn check jobs around quickly," he said. "Some of our check products now ship in 24 hours. This is important in our fast-paced business environment. You just can't miss a shipment of payroll checks or A/P checks."