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Onboarding Large Merchants with Electronic Check Processing

Posted by Joe Gargiulo | Sat, Nov 04, 2017 @ 07:00 AM
electronic check processingBefore the ink even dries on new merchant contracts, CrossCheck shifts into high gear to setup the accounts and ensure they are operational. The heavy lifting is carried out by the Account Implementation and Retail Systems Support departments with help from the Sales or Partner Relations departments as needed. The goal, of course, is for merchants to start processing checks as soon as possible in order to increase sales, mitigate risk and simplify transactions.

The onboarding process varies as a function of the services chosen by the merchant, the size of the merchant and whether or not it has multiple locations processing checks.

  • Standard accounts approve checks via the CrossCheck website, phone (interactive voice response aka “IVR”) or credit/debit card terminal, and do not need special equipment.
  • Conversion accounts process checks electronically with check imagers via the web or terminals.

Convenience and speed are the major differences between Standard and Conversion accounts. Merchants using the Standard service make their own bank deposits and mail returned checks to CrossCheck for reimbursement while Conversion accounts receive guaranteed funding within 24 – 48 hours without leaving their establishment.

electronic check processing

Furthermore, specific electronic check processing services such as Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) are extremely beneficial to large merchants with multiple locations: retail chains in furniture, auto parts, building materials or flooring; medical, dental or veterinary offices; and auto dealerships. Beyond the peace of mind offered by guaranteed check processing, RDC includes advanced transaction reporting while eliminating claims submissions, waiting periods and bank visits to make deposits. RDC may be enhanced with premium services such as Multiple Check, Check on Delivery (COD) or Stop Payment to address merchant needs.

Large or small, new merchants receive first-class treatment and CrossCheck’s undivided attention.

Account Implementation

electronic check processingAccount Implementation (AI) is responsible for onboarding new accounts, ensuring they are operational, and conducting merchant training. New merchants receive a Welcome Letter, Merchant Kit (instructions, Tip Cards, etc), equipment (if needed), and an Executed Service Agreement.

The onboarding process begins by entering merchant data into the system and assigning a store number followed by a New Account Call. During the call, AI representatives confirm that merchants have received loaner equipment (or their existing equipment has been programmed by CrossCheck) and know how to use the service. All training calls are documented, including merchant questions or special needs that require follow-up.

New Account Call Merchant Training (NAC) covers all aspects of service to ensure the proper start. NAC has six goals:

  1. Welcome new merchants to the services
  2. Review the services
  3. Provide training on how to use the services
  4. Confirm their equipment is properly programmed
  5. Provide the Customer Service number to contact us in the future
  6. Answer questions

Retail Systems Support

electronic check processingRetail Systems Support (RSS) became a CrossCheck necessity after Congress passed the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21) in 2003 (effective October 28, 2004), thus allowing banks and other institutions to process checks electronically. Before Check 21, paper checks were physically moved from bank to bank via trucks and airliners for processing after the close of business each day.

The RSS team (aka “Tech Support”) ensures smooth merchant operations by remotely programming their existing equipment or providing them with loaner equipment. It also provides tech support to merchants having equipment issues. Equipment training is provided by AI, but RSS is always available to help merchants with future equipment issues.

RSS coordinates with large accounts having dedicated IT departments to develop comprehensive installation plans for electronic check processing at multiple locations.

Activating Large Accounts with Electronic Check Processing

Accounts are generally activated upon completion of the New Account Call Merchant Training for each location.

Next, a test transaction is executed for each account whether merchants are using terminals, the CrossCheck Merchant Check Center or IVR. In most cases, merchant test transactions are supervised by members of RSS. Two tests are conducted on Conversion accounts and confirmation is made verifying that an image is received. All web portal links and transaction types are tested to ensure proper functionality of equipment and services.

Several test transactions may be carried out with merchants using services such as Remote Deposit Capture (RDC), CrossCheck’s Auto Industry RDC Solution (C.A.R.S.) or Multiple Check.

CrossCheck has the resources to deploy service to merchants with multiple locations quickly and smoothly without harm to merchant operations. Download our free guide to learn how CrossCheck’s electronic check processing solutions can help your large organization increase sales and mitigate risk while saving time and money.

Electronic Check Processing Insider's Guide

Topics: Electronic Check Processing

Written by Joe Gargiulo

Marketing Specialist Joe Gargiulo has 25-plus years in marketing, communications and copy writing. As a writer, he enjoys connecting story leads to all aspects of the human experience.