Balancing cash flow while providing customers with flexible payment options is a challenge every contractor and supplier faces. Waiting weeks for invoices to clear can slow down business, and credit card fees—often 2.5% to 4% per transaction—can take a big bite out of profits, especially on high-dollar sales. But turning down a sale because a customer needs more time to pay isn’t the answer.

Auto repair costs are climbing, putting both customers and dealerships in a tough spot. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Consumer Price Index, repair costs increased 5.9% year over year in January—continuing a trend of steady increases.

Running an HVAC business comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to payments. From managing high-dollar transactions to dealing with credit card fees, finding the right payment solutions can make a big difference in your bottom line. The good news? There are reliable options that help you get paid faster, reduce costs, and give customers more flexibility. Here’s a look at some common payment challenges HVAC businesses face—and how the right tools can help.

In a world of digital payments, mobile wallets, and contactless transactions, many businesses assume that checks are outdated—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While credit cards and digital payments dominate headlines, checks remain a crucial part of business transactions, especially for industries that rely on high-dollar purchases and cost-effective payment processing. According to the 2022 Federal Reserve Payments Study (most recent study), checks accounted for $26 trillion in processed payments. While check usage has declined over time, it remains a key payment method for businesses looking to reduce costs, improve cash flow, and offer customers flexible payment options. Accepting checks—especially with a check guarantee service—can be a smart financial decision in 2025 and beyond.

The building materials sector faces significant challenges in 2025, influenced by factors such as inflation, potential tariffs, and rising demand for sustainable products. As the economy remains unpredictable, suppliers must find ways to streamline operations and mitigate financial risks, with a focus on efficient payment processing.

In the world of B2B commerce, payments are the lifeline of strong partnerships. For businesses like auto parts suppliers, building materials suppliers, veterinary and medical equipment suppliers, office supply dealers, and more, accepting checks remains a cornerstone of business transactions. But with checks come inherent risks, like returned checks for insufficient funds or stop payments. CrossCheck, a leader in payment solutions, offers several tools to secure your transactions and streamline payment processes: Check Guarantee Check on Delivery (COD) Multiple Check

Returned checks have been a challenge for businesses since checks first appeared in the U.S. in 1681. Solutions for this issue vary widely, from promises of "free online check verification" to advice on "how to verify check funds before they bounce." But the truth remains: free check verification is as mythical as a free lunch.

In the competitive world of auto sales, a perfect Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) score is more than a badge of honor; it’s a crucial measure of success. CSI scores, derived from post-sale customer surveys, reflect the overall buying experience at a dealership. High scores signify excellent service, attracting new buyers and fostering customer loyalty, while low scores can harm both reputation and profitability. A 2024 J.D. Power Customer Service Index study on luxury and mass market brands outlines the most important areas of focus for dealers:

The furniture industry may have cause for optimism as we look ahead to 2025. Recent economic trends and evolving consumer behaviors suggest the potential for increased furniture sales, driven in part by improvements in the housing market. Here’s why:

In the fast-paced world of auto dealerships, the service department often finds itself caught in a challenging web of labor shortages and rising costs. The pressure to maintain profitability while ensuring operations run smoothly is a delicate balancing act. Amid this complexity, there lies an overlooked yet promising avenue for enhancing profitability: payment flexibility through check guarantee services.