If you hear yourself saying, “we’re an auto parts store, not a savings and loan,” more often than you like, then perhaps you’ll stick around long enough to discover five tools to increase sales.
It’s no wonder you feel that way given the cost of card-terminal certifications in relation to time and money. Then there’s the problem with independent garages taking an extra 60 days to pay their monthly balances or even bouncing those checks. You’re in the business of moving auto parts to legitimate wholesale and retail customers, and you want to keep it that way.
First, it is assumed that your business is an independent auto parts store or a multi-store operator with several locations. Either way, the reputation of your organization is built on a high level of customer service in conjunction with fair prices. For example, you may find the right set of shocks for an off-road enthusiast, know that a particular vehicle can accommodate a slightly larger battery, or go out of your way to make special deliveries to independent garages needing fast turnaround times.
What you may not know, however, is that versatile payment options exist without costing an arm and a leg, and that these options can help close more deals. CrossCheck has been designing guaranteed payment options for organizations just like yours since 1983. Here are a few of our favorites, starting with the most basic level of service.
1. Standard Check Guarantee
Standard Check Guarantee is a cost-effective approach for mitigating risk at stores receiving a small number of check payments per month or those without computer systems. Here’s how it works.
Merchants receive an approval number for checks via phone, POS terminal or CrossCheck’s online Merchant Check Center, then deposit them in their bank accounts. If one is ever returned from the bank unpaid, then it is simply mailed to CrossCheck for compensation in claims processing envelopes.
2. Conversion Plus
For stores wanting the convenience of electronic check processing, we offer Conversion Plus. Merchants scan checks with desktop images and send the data to CrossCheck via its online Merchant Check Center or POS terminals. Merchants receive guaranteed funding (generally within 72 hours) without trips to the bank, deposit slips, or service fees.
If checks are returned unpaid, then banks notify CrossCheck instead of the auto parts store and CrossCheck handles the collecting.
3. Remote Deposit Capture
CrossCheck’s Remote Deposit Capture Plus (RDC) is an excellent choice for stores wanting even greater convenience, speed, and versatility. Merchants scan checks with desktop imagers and send the data to CrossCheck via its online Merchant Check Center where merchants choose single check processing, the Multiple Check premium, or the Check on Delivery premium.
For a single check, merchants receive guaranteed funding (generally within 72 hours) without trips to the bank, deposit slips, or service fees.
4. Multiple Check
Multiple Check helps complete sales that might not otherwise happen because it provides customers with a little extra time to pay for expensive items or special orders without lines of credit.
Customers write 2 – 4 checks for a single transaction, all bearing the same issue date.
Merchants scan checks with desktop imagers and send the data to CrossCheck via its online Merchant Check Center for instant approval. Funding is guaranteed as each check is deposited by CrossCheck on future dates designated by customers over a 30-day period.
5. Check on Delivery
In addition, Check on Delivery (COD) simplifies sales to wholesale customers like auto repair, body and transmission shops because checks are approved before delivery:
- Stores receive an approval number after entering the estimated amount of the sale and the customer’s phone number on CrossCheck’s online Merchant Check Center.
- The driver picks up a check payment for the sale after delivering the order.
- Checks are scanned with desktop imagers and the data is sent to CrossCheck via its online Merchant Check Center where merchants enter the final amount and the check number.
- CrossCheck handles the rest.
Other Advantages for the Auto Parts Store
CrossCheck provides payment services that collectively mitigate risks, increase sales and simplify transactions for retailers. CrossCheck never charges for account setup and training, loaner equipment, or 24/7 customer service and tech support (even on major holidays).
Download our free guide, “How to a Check Service for Your Business,” to learn how CrossCheck can deliver peace of mind to your auto parts store.
