If you use a computer software program, you will probably get "laser" checks of the size of a standard sheet of paper. They fit in your printer. The printed check is stuffed into a double window envelope so both the address and return show. If you use three-to-a-page checks, partial sheets will either fit in the printer like envelopes do, or can be inserted using a slightly tacky sheet such as a "Laser Taxi" that holds the partial sheet in place. They're around $5 for five at Wal-Mart. That's expensive, but they can be reused many times. You can also make your own. Just fold over the top third of an inch of a piece of copy paper. You may need to use rubber cement to make it tacky, but if you are careful, and if your printer is agreeable, it may well work even without it. There's nothing wrong with hand-writing a laser check. Those are just as easy to post in your program.

Supplies are available from many vendors. I don't buy checks from the bank nor any software vendor. For example, on QuickBooks' website, checks seem expensive (as I write this, they are $74.99 for 250, $9.99 for a logo, $49.99 for 250 envelopes). I have bought checks from them in the past. They seemed more of medium quality, and their envelopes were inconsistent in size and often glued messily so you couldn't insert the check. On Peachtree's website, checks are $109.90 for 500 checks with envelopes (one check per sheet).

You can buy supplies from many vendors. I sure would like to see some ratings. Some banks use Harland Clarke, but it is probable that Harland's web site will only refer you to their phone number, and then their phone system will refer you to your bank. They identify you because they ask for your routing and account numbers right off the bat. (These numbers are at the bottom of your checks). They often seem to have an exclusive arrangement with the bank. You have to go to your bank and talk to a teller who probably doesn't know much about the available options. Harland's prices are high. You do NOT have to go to your bank nor the software producer for your checks. Checks Unlimited runs $62.95 for 500 checks. You can choose a symbol but cannot upload a logo. You have a wider choice of styles. Their laser checks are thinner and really do not look as good, but they seem to work, and the envelopes are of a notably better quality than QuickBooks'. I'm sure not pushing them. Other suppliers will let you upload a logo for free. I do the books for a small church. We have to stay on the lookout for bargains.

The least expensive supplier I have found so far is WalMartChecks.com. They currently offer a good selection of three per page and one per page laser business checks for QuickBooks and Peachtree. I haven't ordered any Peachtree checks, but their price for 500 checks with one check per page is the same as 500 QuickBooks checks with three checks per page. (Odd.) I got 500 Quickbooks checks (their minimum) in buff and 500 envelopes from Wal-Mart. This cost $27.96 for the envelopes, $43.96 for the checks, and $16.07 shipping. The Wal-Mart checks came from Clarke American. Wait a minute, that IS Harland Clarke, same as if I went to the bank. So what does the bank charge? $113.50 for the checks and $69.95 for the envelopes. I understand that at the bank shipping is included. I was convinced the bank must be taking a huge cut. A bank president I know and trust said they just break even on checks. Go figure.

For one entity, I made a minimum order from Wal-Mart of 500 checks, four duplicate deposit slip books, an endorsement stamp, and put it on rush. This cost right at $100. It actually arrived a day or two later than the prior order for which I used the least expensive shipping. The entity was only temporary. We discarded deposit slips and checks. (Guess what? You need to shred those.) It was less expensive than ordering from the bank, but other companies have smaller minimums. I could have done without the deposit books, and adding a rush shipment was a waste.