Payment Processing Feb10

Payment Processing

For managers, collections can be the most tedious part of the job. Skips, delinquencies, bounced checks, NSF alerts—there are few pleasantries surrounding the process. Fortunately, there are several tools in place to streamline collections, resulting in hands-free, automatic transactions. Say goodbye to the antiquated practice of depositing checks and say hello to the digital future of collections. Property managers have several options when selecting a check-free payment system, each with unique benefits and challenges. Many properties have the best success by offering a combination of payment options from which residents can choose. Rent from Payroll An NAA Education Conference and Exposition study suggests that rent from payroll can decrease delinquencies and rent-related evictions by 77 percent. For managers, withdrawing rent directly from payroll assures that rent funds won’t become discretionary income for renters. The process also minimizes human error and complications during the transaction. While those points may be enough motivation to explore this option, the benefits don’t stop there. For residents, rent from payroll can take the place of traditional credit qualifications. Some properties use rent from payroll in lieu of a cash deposit, which is appealing to many renters since cash can be tight during relocation periods. The downside is that some renters will not want to enroll. 65 percent of the time, rent from payroll holds 74 percent of the next month’s rent, reports Units Magazine. Not having access to those funds could be a deterrent for renters. Automated Clearing House (ACH) More than 22 billion ACH transactions are completed each year, making it one of the most popular options for electronic bill payments. As with rent from payroll, you’re still eliminating the human-to-payment interaction, decreasing the margin of human error and freeing up time for onsite staff. The greatest difference...