We take CC deposits. Have never seen a check..
I would only take a check from truly repeat customers, or in rare circumstances if I think it is the only way I would get paid. For example, if they paid online with echeck, at least 2-3 weeks ahead so I know it clears.
I have had significant problems with tenants and checks occasionally. Only take money orders, and they do it happily. Hard to prove a bad check, in spite of what people might tell you.
Try using a check to rent a car!!!
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One and a half months left in our fourth season managing this business, and we have only had two checks bounce during our tenure, and both guests made good. Our guests generally are making their reservations (with a 25% deposit) many months in advance, so plenty of time for their first check to clear.
Before we took over, the previous managers
only accepted cash or checks. We are now using the Square (and PayPal for online reservations), so we can process a credit card if necessary, but we still express a preference for payment in cash or by check (and we don't take cards over the phone, only online invoices or in person).
But more and more of our guests are choosing to use their credit card, so we are thinking of upping our rates to cover the fees, and offering a discount for cash or check payments (our state doesn't allow us to charge a credit-card surcharge, even though government offices themselves do!)
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