Although many people seem to be using credit cards exclusively for the purchase of accessories these days, the truth is that the controls remain a preferred payment method for a lot of people.

It makes no sense not to accept checks, since most people expect to have that option, but certainly there are some things to worry about when accepting checks. There is always the danger that someone has stolen the checks from their rightful owner or simply do not have the money to pay for what you are writing the check.

There is always a risk in accepting checks, but these days technology makes life a little easier with an invention known as a check reader.

A check reader is basically a scanner that feeds the check. It automatically reads the check and account debits the check writer at the time of purchase.

The money is deposited into your account within 24 hours - do not even have to physically drive to the bank and deposit the check.

Using a check reader means that you will know before the customer leaves the store if he or she has written a bad check. They also get paid much faster than if you used the traditional method of accepting a check, deposit it in your account and wait for it to clear.

A check reader can make many of the guesswork out of accepting checks and will make you feel more confident in accepting the checks for high-cost items. Posting a sign that you have a check reader that customers know the system and prevent people from writing bad checks in the first place.

Check readers are commonly available from the same companies that provide payment processing credit card and merchant accounts. Some companies even offer this equipment for free to people who are interested in their use.

You no longer have to be limited only to accept checks from the area in case you have to try to track down someone who wrote a hot check. The reader will do all the work for you and tell you in seconds if payment has suffered, no matter where the customer's bank is located.

There is no reason not to get a check reader. You will get paid faster and know immediately if someone is writing a check. At the end of the day, you know that the money he made today will be in your account tomorrow. What could be better?