When it comes time to order business checks, to simply say you have options is a gross understatement. What might seem like a simple task, ordering business checks, can easily turn into a confusing ordeal when faced with the myriad of styles and formats that all fall under the category of "business checks."

Coming across various check styles (laser, payroll, voucher, 3-per-page, manual, draft, etc.) it might make you question exactly what type of business checks you really need. You thought you knew what you were searching for, but now you have pause for thought. Let us describe a few of the more common styles of business checks and hopefully it will help simplify your check buying experience.

* 3-Per-Page Checks: 3-per-page checks are immediately identifiable (and aptly named) due to there being 3 checks on one sheet of paper. They probably serve as the most common type of business checks. But, there are different types of 3-per-page checks. For example, some might be checks you write by hand while others are supposed to be printed on your inkjet or laser printer. 3-per-page checks also may have further options, including Payroll and Voucher, mentioned below

* Voucher Checks: There exist two basic types of voucher checks. One is similar to a 3-per-page design in the way it looks except it actually only has one check on the sheet of paper. The two other panels are almost blank, save for the amount of the check and your business name. The second type of voucher check is a 3-per-page format but has a small table printed on the left side of the check. This table is used to record the date and amount of an invoice being paid, and at times can also allow for discount calculations.

* Laser Checks: Laser checks aren't difficult to understand. They are what they say they are: checks designed to be printed on a laser printer. They come in the single check voucher format mentioned above or in your standard 3-per-page type. To make use of laser checks you will need some type of software on your computer, usually an accounting program.

* Payroll Checks: There's nothing difficult to understand about payroll checks: they are used to pay employees. You can use payroll checks to record standard (and not so standard) deductions, such as Medicare, F.I.C.A. and State Income Tax. These items are recorded on a detachable stub. There are traditionally two different options for the stubs: salary or hourly.

Perhaps you need to order checks that are compatible with your accounting program you use. Most likely that will be QuickBooks, Quicken or Microsoft Money. Don't worry. Any business check printer who wants to stay in business will have checks available for all of these software programs. Not every check company makes business checks for some of the other accounting programs out there, but enough do that they're not hard to find.

So it comes down to this: if you are searching for "business checks" you have a lot to choose from, so make sure you know exactly what type you need. Keep in mind what type of accounting program (if any) you use as well. Knowing these things ahead of time will contribute towards an quick and painless check buying experience.