In an industry where speed and trust are everything, it might surprise some that auto dealerships still rely heavily on paper checks for many financial transactions. Whether it’s paying vendors, auction houses, or floor plan providers, checks continue to be a staple in the dealership back office. But as the industry modernizes, so should its financial workflows.
That’s where check payment software like Checkrun comes in—bridging the gap between traditional processes and modern efficiency, without disrupting how dealerships already work.
Why Checks Are Still Common in Auto Dealerships
Despite the rise of digital payments, many car dealerships continue to issue checks daily. Here’s why:
Vendor Expectations: Many parts suppliers, detailing services, and auction houses still prefer or require checks—especially for large or recurring payments.
Control and Visibility: With checks, dealership controllers and managers maintain visibility into payment approvals and cash flow.
Security and Traceability: A physical check offers a clear audit trail and proof of payment, which is crucial in high-value industries like automotive sales.
Legacy Systems: Many dealerships use older accounting systems or workflows where checks are already built in—changing that isn’t always easy or cost-effective.
The Problem with Manual Check Processes
While checks offer benefits, manual check writing creates inefficiencies and risks:
- Time-Consuming Approvals: Chasing down signatures and manually entering payment data slows down vendor payments.
- Risk of Fraud and Error: Blank check stock and hand-signed checks can increase fraud risk.
- Lack of Remote Access: When managers are off-site, payment approvals are delayed or impossible.
- Inefficient Recordkeeping: Without automation, it’s easy to misplace records or miss key audit trails.
How Checkrun Modernizes Check Payments for Dealerships
Checkrun is a cloud-based check printing and approval platform that integrates seamlessly with accounting systems like QuickBooks Online. It’s designed to keep the core check process dealerships already use—just with more control, security, and speed.
Key benefits for auto dealerships:
- Automated Approval Workflows: Eliminate bottlenecks with mobile and remote approval for check signers and managers.
- Bank-Level Security: Includes Positive Pay, user role permissions, and check printing audit trails.
- Remote Check Printing: Approve and print checks from anywhere—perfect for dealerships with multiple locations or offsite staff.
- QuickBooks Online Integration: Automatically syncs payments, vendors, and accounts—no duplicate entry needed.
- Better Vendor Relationships: Pay vendors faster and on time, keeping your parts, services, and inventory flowing smoothly.
A Dealership Controller’s Perspective
Imagine a controller managing multiple dealership locations. Instead of driving between rooftops to collect physical signatures—or mailing out checks—they log into Checkrun, review payments queued in QuickBooks Online, approve them remotely, and initiate printing with just a few clicks.
What used to take hours (or days) now takes minutes—without sacrificing control.
Conclusion
Auto dealerships aren’t getting rid of checks anytime soon—but they can make the process smarter. With Checkrun, dealerships get the best of both worlds: the familiarity and traceability of checks with the power of modern automation. It’s time to leave manual check runs in the rearview and drive toward better payment workflows.
