Checks Unlimited - they print and send my checks quickly
Written: Jun 26 '08
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Writing out checks to pay bills just sucks. There’s nothing fun about it at all so to make it not so much drudgery I’m one of those people who likes to buy cutesy checks. Sure, I could get them from my bank but they’re like $30 a box which is just a huge waste of money. So being the internet shopping diva that I am I turn to the web to find the best bargain.
There are several online/mailorder companies from which I could purchase my checks and I’ve tried several of them. I have purchased from Checks Unlimited the last few times and they have been the most reliable and pain-free option I’ve found. I’ve heard good and bad about Checks Unlimited however I have been satisfied with the three purchases I have made.
The Checks Unlimited website is very well organized so it’s a snap to find whatever you are looking for. There are links along the left side of the screen to all of the major product categories. In addition, there are links to the company’s privacy policy, order tracking, and contact details.
What I like about Checks Unlimited is the huge selection of checks and that they offer one-part, duplicate, and side tear checks (I especially like these as they are super easy to tear from the book), and matching covers and labels for people who like to be all matchy matchy. It’s very easy to find the perfect checks using the categories listed. Each set of checks is accompanied by a small picture of the entire check and when that picture is clicked a new screen opens and displays a larger photo. A nice feature is that the screen cycles through to show all of the checks in that particular book along with a description. For example, the Harley set of checks displays all four designs and explains that each check features a current model Harley Davidson motorcycle. The description section also lists any coordinating items available, such as checkbook covers and address labels.
There are a few shipping options from which to choose. Standard shipping is $5.50 with a 7-14 business day shipping window. Trackable UPS is available for $13.45 which features a 3-6 timeframe and is the method recommended by Checks Unlimited. For an additional $5.95 you can get an in plant rush but I’m not sure how much more quickly orders are turned around. In all honestly, I’ve always used the standard method without any kind of upgrade or rush and I receive my checks within 10 days and usually within a week.
Checks Unlimited accepts the following methods of payment: Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Discover.
My experience
I have placed three orders with Checks Unlimited and all of them were good experiences. I was able to find checks that I like and that don’t annoy my husband too much. Best of all the checks are not ridiculously expensive and I always find a coupon code that allows me a discount or free shipping which brings the price down even more.
The first order I placed was a few years ago when I ran out of checks. I found some cute endangered animal checks for a good price, put them in my cart, and filled out all of my personal and banking details right on the screen. Thinking about entering personal data such as bank routing numbers and bank account numbers is a bit scary but the site uses secure transmittal methods and I’ve never been hacked or had my identity stolen by purchasing checks online (knock on wood).
Earlier this year I ran out or checks and needed to re-order so I again turned to Checks Unlimited. I just clicked the Personal Checks link along that left sidebar and it showed me a page featuring the check of the month, new designs, favorites, and special editions that feature popular brands, such as Garfield, Harley Davidson, Major League Baseball, and Looney Tunes.
Right off the bat the first set of checks in the Favorites section caught my eye. It is called Zen and features four different designs with a peaceful Asian theme. After selecting the type and quantity another screen displayed an actual size picture one of my selected checks along with instructions on how to fill in the form with my personal and banking details. For an additional $2.50 each I could have selected a custom font, a quote, or a symbol for my checks but found the expense unnecessary. Thankfully the checkboxes for the extra options on this site default to none so I didn’t have to deselect anything to proceed. The only exception is the option for EZShield Check Fraud Protection which defaults to yes. And even when I selected the No box, it kept adding it to my order until I was finally able to delete it.
When all check details are completed a preview of the check is displayed and the customer can accept it or go back and make changes. If one chooses to proceed the next screen in the process displays complementary products, such as matching checkbook covers, notecards, and address labels.
After I placed my order I received an email stating that my order was placed then another when the checks entered the printing process, and a third when they were shipped. My checks were delivered to my home within a week.
A few weeks after ordering and receiving my checks I decided that I had to have the matching checkbook cover so I ordered it as well. The process was slightly different in that a flat shipping rate of $2.75 was applied to my order and there was no option to upgrade it. And when the order was placed a note popped up on my screen stating that I should receive the item in 3 -4 weeks. I was surprised and slightly disappointed as my checkbook cover was literally falling apart and I needed the new one badly. I received the order about 2 weeks later and it arrived in a plain, white, padded envelope but the email communications were not quite as good as when I ordered checks. I did receive an email when my order was placed but received no further communication indicating that my order was processed or shipped.
Bottom Line
I am very happy with the orders I have placed with Checks Unlimited and would definitely order from them again. There are, however, those few issues with long shipping times and lack of communication on non-check items and the EZShield option that wouldn’t go away that annoyed me and caused me to knock a few stars off.
Recommended:
Yes
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