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: Probably the most common type of business checks, the 3-per-page style is aptly named and easy to identify. But even within the 3-per-page format there are many variations. Some may be meant to print from your computer on your laser or inkjet printer, while others may be meant to be written manually. They also may come with additional options such as Voucher or Payroll, both discussed below.

* Voucher Checks: Voucher checks come in two different varieties. The first is a type of 3-per-page style that has a printed table right on the check for making notes, usually related to paying an invoice. You can put the dollar amount and date on these vouchers, and sometimes discount calculations as well. The other kind of voucher check is like the 3-per-page design, except there is only one check on the paper. The other two panels are blank except for usually your business name and the dollar amount of the check.

* 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.

Many businesses need checks that are compatible with whatever accounting software they are using. The most popular software programs are QuickBooks, Quicken and Microsoft Money. Any business check printers worth their salt will have business checks in stock for all of these 3 programs. Many check printers will also have numerous other software programs from which to choose.

The bottom line is this: if are looking to order "business checks," make sure you know what format you need. Also, know what type of accounting software (if any) you are using. Having these things in mind beforehand will help make your business check buying experience quick and easy.

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