Field Service Payments Comparison (Check vs. Cash vs. Card) 

There’s a lot more to managing your field service payment options than, well, getting paid. 

It’s about efficiency and security. It’s about making sure your payment process reflects the kind of five-star customer experience you hope to deliver. 

It should be convenient and easy to access. It should also be flexible. Your clients are all different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all way to pay. 

The thing is, running a business is hard enough as it is. Payments shouldn’t add to your stress. 

To help you overcome any doubts and set up a field service payment system that works for you and your customers, we’ve put together this guide. 

We’ll give you a quick overview of field service payments. Then, we’ll list the pros and cons of three of the most common payment options: check, cash, and card. 

We’ll look at some considerations to make when choosing the best-fit payment methods. Finally, we’ll share some practical tips you can use to make a decision. 

Whether you want to streamline workflows, cut costs, or just make life easier for your team in the field, this article can help. Let’s get going now! 

Overview of Field Service Payments 

Jobs, customers, staff, scheduling—your to-do list goes on and on. To handle all the moving parts, you use software and systems. With the right strategy, everything hums like a well-oiled machine. 

But what about payments? Even the most organized field service business can run into trouble with complicated or haphazard payment systems. 

Choosing the right payment method (or two or three) can make a huge difference. Your team is happier. Your customers pay the way they prefer. And you benefit from predictable cash flow. 

What are your options? The most common in the field service industry include: 

• Checks 

• Cash 

• Card payments 

The EverCommerce State of the Service Economy Report asked service-based small business owners how their customers usually pay for their services. The accompanying chart offers some insights.  

The right choice really depends on your business, the jobs you do, and the types of customers you service. 

Let’s investigate each option in more detail. 

RELATED ARTICLE: How Field Service Companies Can Improve Cashflow with Digital Payments 

Payment Option #1: Check 

Checks are a traditional payment method that many businesses still accept. 

A check is a written, dated, and signed document. It directs a bank to pay a specific amount of money to the person who holds it. 

Pros of Accepting Checks 

Here are some advantages of accepting checks: 

• Low processing fees: Checks usually have lower processing fees compared to credit cards. This means you keep more of your money. 

• Record-keeping: Checks give you a paper trail, which can be useful for bookkeeping and tracking payments. 

• Customer preference: Some customers—especially older ones—prefer to pay by check. 

Cons of Accepting Checks 

There are also drawbacks to accepting checks: 

• Risk of bounced checks: If a customer’s account doesn’t have enough funds, the check can bounce. This means you don’t get paid right away. You might have to deal with unexpected bank fees. 

• Slower processing: Checks take time to deposit and clear. This can slow down your cash flow. 

• Manual handling: Accepting checks requires manual work. You need to deposit them at the bank. 

Best Use Cases for Check Payments 

Sometimes, using checks is the best option. Here are a few possible scenarios where that might be the case: 

• If you’re dealing with large amounts, checks might be a better option. Customers might not want to use cash or a credit card for big sums. 

• You might have regular customers who prefer checks. They have a history of this type of payment. There’s no need to fix what isn’t broken. 

• Some older customers might feel more secure using checks. In fact, about 75% of retirement-age Americans still use checks. In contrast, less than one in 10 college-age people use checks. 

RELATED ARTICLE: What Is Payment Processing? 

Payment Option #2: Cash 

Cash couldn’t be much simpler. You complete the job, and your customer hands you physical currency. 

Sure, it seems a little old-fashioned. But it might still have a place in your business. 

Pros of Accepting Cash 

Here are some of the key benefits of accepting cash: 

• Immediate payment: Cash payments are instant. There’s no waiting around for funds to clear or process. 

• No processing fees: Unlike credit cards or checks, cash doesn’t involve any processing fees. More money stays in your pocket. 

• Simplicity: Cash transactions are simple and quick. There’s no need for special equipment or software to handle payments. 

Cons of Accepting Cash 

Cash payments come with their own set of challenges. Here are some of the drawbacks you should be aware of: 

• Security risks: Carrying large amounts of cash can be risky. There’s a higher chance of theft or loss, both in the field and when transporting cash to the bank. 

• No paper trail: Cash transactions don’t automatically create a record. 

• Change management: You need to give your customers change. Lugging around coins and notes can be inconvenient. 

• Decreasing popularity: Around four out of 10 Americans say they don’t use cash for any of their weekly purchases. This is up from 29% in 2018 and 24% in 2015. 

Best Use Cases for Cash Payments 

Simple and straightforward, cash still has its place. Here are some use cases: 

• For smaller jobs or services, cash is often the quickest and easiest way to get paid. 

• If you work in areas where mobile or card readers may not function well, cash can be a reliable alternative. 

• Some customers prefer to pay in cash for privacy reasons. 

Payment Option #3: Card (Credit/Debit) 

A notable 82% of US adults have a credit card. It’s no wonder they’ve become a must-have payment option for businesses. 

Pros of Accepting Credit and Debit Cards 

Here are some of the reasons you should accept credit and debit cards: 

• Convenience for customers: Card payments are quick and easy for customers. They don’t need to worry about carrying cash or writing checks. It’s a quick swipe or tap, and they’re done. 

• Faster payments: Card transactions are processed quickly. You get paid faster. This boosts your cash flow and cuts the time you spend chasing overdue payments. 

• Security: Card payments are secure. They also reduce the risk of handling large amounts of cash. Many systems also include fraud protection. Think of this as an extra layer of security for both you and your customers. 

• Integration with field service software: Many field service payment software solutions integrate with card payments. You can easily track payments and invoices. Plus, the software becomes a single source of truth. You can rely on your records to be accurate. 

Cons of Accepting Credit and Debit Cards 

There are also drawbacks to accepting card payments. Here are the challenges you might face: 

• Processing fees: Card payments come with processing fees, which can eat into your profits. 

• Charge-backs: Customers can dispute card payments, leading to charge-backs. This can result in lost revenue. 

• Equipment and software costs: Sometimes, accepting card payments requires specific equipment, like mobile or card readers. It also relies on a stable internet connection. 

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: How Does Mobile Payment Processing Work? 

Best Use Cases for Card Payments 

Here are some scenarios where card payments might be the best option: 

• For higher-value jobs, customers are more likely to pay by card. This provides them with the convenience of not carrying large sums of cash. It also gives them the option to finance their payment through credit. 

• Have customers who regularly use your services? Offering card payments can make their experience more consistent and convenient. 

• In urban or suburban areas with reliable internet access, card payments are quick and efficient. It’s what your customers expect. 

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Payment Methods 

Payment methods are like tools in a toolbox. Everyone has their preferences, and the right tool for one job might not be the best for another. 

The smartest approach? Offer several payment methods. 

That way, you can cater to all of your customers’ preferences and keep them happy and loyal. You won’t miss out on a job because you lack a specific option. Everyone wins. 

That being said, before you adopt every payment method out there, ask yourself these questions: 

Is Speed of the Transaction Important to Your Business? 

How quickly do you need to receive payments? 

If you’re looking for fast transactions, card payments are often the best option. They process almost instantly, which means you get your money faster. 

Cash is also immediate, but handling and depositing it takes time. Checks can take days to clear, slowing down your cash flow. 

Consider how transaction speed impacts your ability to collect payments. How might delays affect your business and service quality? 

How Important Is Customer Convenience? 

Do your customers value convenience? If so, card payments might be their top choice. 

Some customers like the simplicity of cash, while others may still prefer writing checks. 

What Are Your Customers’ Payment Preferences? 

Are they more comfortable with traditional methods like cash and checks? Or do they prefer modern solutions like card payments and online payments? 

Gathering feedback from your customers can help you decide which options to prioritize. 

How Does Integration with Field Service Software Benefit Your Operations? 

Are you using field service payment software to manage your business? 

If so, integrating your payment methods with this software can save you time. It can also reduce human error. 

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3 Tips to Choose the Best Payment Options for Your Field Service Business 

You can optimize every facet of your business to make it a competitive advantage. Payments are no different. Here are three tips to follow: 

• Think about your business needs. How big are your transactions? How much do you depend on steady cash flow? Do you have time to manage payments manually? Your payment options should align with your requirements. 

• Find out about integration. One system is a whole lot easier to handle than many. Investigate how your current software supports payments. 

• Protect your profit. A payment method that destroys your profit margin is no good for business. Factor in things like processing fees to green-light or veto payment methods.