Cloud-Based Platforms for Solving Payment Challenges of Car Wash Businesses

One common misconception that most people have about the car wash business is that it is just rinsing and waxing. But the truth is it’s more than that; it is a delicate balance between managing operations, maintaining costly equipment, and navigating unpredictable customer demand. One issue that concerns them a lot is the pressure of managing payments.

The following are the common challenges that they may have to overcome while making payments.

• Car wash businesses need expensive equipment like pressure washers, conveyor belts, water recycling systems, etc. Any damage to this equipment needs immediate attention, asdelays can lead to significant operational setbacks.
• Car wash businesses hugely depend on water and electricity. Timely payment of these utility bills is crucial, as delays can lead to service interruptions.
• As we all know, employees are the backbone of every business, and it is no different for the car wash business. They must be paid accurately and on time.

Are Traditional Checks the Solution?

Checks are the best for making all the above-mentioned payments as they offer a physical record of the transaction.But the problem with traditional checks is that they cannot solve the major challenge faced by car washing businesses, which is delays in payments, as it involves multiple steps. 

When using traditional checks, first, you may have to give your data to the third-party provider and then order pre-printed checks from them. After weeks, when it reaches you, you may have to label them, put them in an envelope, and then send themvia mail all by yourself. Basically, if you are using traditional check payment methods, you must understand the fact that you are getting the benefits of checks along with their drawbacks. 

Can Checks Be Sent on Time?

Making payments via check without delays is possible! Cloud-based platforms like Zil Money can help you with this. With these platforms, you can print checks instantly. That is, businesses no longer have to wait for pre-printed checks if they have access to these platforms. Moreover, since these platforms can be easily integrated with your accounting software, you don’t have to worry about entering data on your check manually. That is, details like the account number on check, payee details, and everything can be directly imported, saving a lot of time for the sender.These platforms also offer fast check mailing options such as FedEx overnight mailing, USPS express mailing, FedEx Saturday mailing, etc. 

As far as a car wash business is concerned, the check printing and check mailing options offered by cloud-based platform allows them to make their payments quickly. They can repair their expensive equipment quickly as technicians can be paid promptly. Important bills like water bills and electricity bills can also be paid on time, eliminating service interruptions.

Is Check Printing and Mailing Online Cost-Effective?

The answer is yes. Cloud-based platforms like Zil Money allow you to print checks on blank stock papers. Printing checks on blank stock papers is one of the most cost-effective ways of using checks. It will save you around 80% of check printing costs compared to ordering pre-printed checks. These platforms also allow you to print checks using any printer. 

Mailing checks online is also cost-effective, as you can complete the entire process with a single subscription, which is better than paying separately for each step. Cloud-based platforms will print your checks, label them, stuff them in an envelope, and send them via USPS/FedEx on your behalf.

Is Making Check Payments Using Cloud-Based Platforms Safe?

You can send your check without worrying about its safety if you have a subscription to cloud-based platforms like Zil Money. These platforms offer multiple features that keep your checks away from fraudsters. The customization feature is one among them. Though this feature is primarily seen as a marketing tool, it is also a security provider as it allows you to add elements like watermarks and signatures. These elements make your checks hard to copy for fraudsters.

Another security measure offered by these platforms is positive pay. The feature pre-informs your bank about which checks are to be handled by giving them a list of approved checks. The bank will then cross reference each check presented for payment with this list. Only the checks that are on the list will be processed. If any other checks are submitted, they will be sent for further verification. This way, the feature prevents fake checks from being processed.

Conclusion 

Car wash businesses face significant challenges while making payments. Though traditional checks are useful for providing a physical record of transactions, they often come with delays and complexities. Cloud-based platforms like Zil Money offer online check printing and mailing features, which help car wash businesses make payments without any delay. Apart from being quick, making payments with these platforms is also safe and cost-effective.

(Zil Money is a financial technology company, not a bank or an FDIC member. Zil Money offers banking services through a partnership with FDIC member banks Silicon Valley Bank and Texas National Bank.)