AchNow.com™

AchNow.com™. An Internet ASP (Application Service Provider) ACH Processing System Website that serves as a single operator ACH Processing System site for merchants or multi-location business wanting to consolidate transactions and reporting over the Internet.

Contact Affirmative today to set up a demo for your organization.

AchNow.com™ Internet Check Applications

Affirmative's online Internet Check web site (AchNow.com) product is available as a substitute for ACH Network processing software CheckExpressNow™. AchNow.com is an Internet ASP (Application Service Provider) cross platform (open operating system) data entry application.

There are three different Internet Check Application approaches-each of which serves different payment processes. They are as follows:

• Consumer initiated, low-risk of return, bill payment, and low-price retail product purchase.
• Consumer initiated, high-risk of fraud and return, high-price retail product purchase.
• Business to Business activated EFT (Debits and Credits), Check Conversion, and RCK-NSF Check Recovery.

• Check Conversion
• Pre-Authorized EFT Payments by consumers
• Checks by Phone
• Checks by Fax
• R-Check
• Re-presentment of NSF and Uncollected Checks

How it works: An approved Merchant is setup and access made available to AchNow.com with an Account I.D., User Name and Password. A user-friendly menu is available for the entry or importation of check information - Transactions are manually entered, or a file uploaded, verified and submitted to the ACH Network Processor - ODFI. AchNow.com provides real-time access for viewing transaction status, and comprehensive reporting capabilities.

The file containing the consumer's payment transaction information is then imported into ATI software or uploaded to Affirmative's Internet ACH Network processing site, AchNow.com, and sent to the ODFI for ACH Network processing.

Returned Unpaid - Uncollected Items As with paper checks, Internet payments via the ACH Network can be returned as NSF items or uncollected funds. With proper disclosure, Check Writers can be charged a return fee (typically $20 - $25 depending on state statue) the same as paper checks returned as NSF items.

Internet payments are processed as WEB items. If returned uncollected, they are resubmitted as PPD items a second time, and if need be, a third resubmission. Return fees are submitted as separate PPD transactions.

Electronic Payments - The Future of eCommerce Americans love to write checks because they are convenient. They provide spending records, provide a payment alternative to credit card limits, and are universally accepted. Despite the introduction and growth of alternative payment methods, the number of checks written continues to grow at 1 - 2 percent annually. The Federal Reserve estimates checks represent $75 trillion in annual payments. U.S. consumers and merchants issue and receive more than 166 million checks daily or 66 billion annually. In 1999, check fraud loss was $15 billion, with retailers paying over 90% of the total loss. There is currently over 6 million check accepting merchants in the United States.

It is clear that those Merchants that embrace new technology, and offer customers more payment options, have a better chance of succeeding in today's fast paced economy and competitive environment. Implementing an electronic check processing strategy will help your business succeed.

AchNow.com™ utilizes speed and other advantages of electronic processing--automatically debiting the Customer's bank account and crediting the Merchant's account.

AchNow.com™ is designed to facilitate check acceptance and increase customer payments options--broadening the Customer base and increasing sales. The software is specifically designed to reduce the risk associated with check acceptance through faster processing and settlement, while providing lower costs.

The Outcomes You Expect

Reduced Banking Fees
Processing checks electronically dramatically reduces or eliminates bank deposit item fees and NSF return fees on those checks not clearing.

Electronic Check Conversion - ACH Network Advantages
There are many advantages that electronic payment transactions bring to traditional payment and settlement systems. Electronic transactions allow merchants to receive payments from customers electronically. A one-time authorization enables the software to debit the specified amount from the Customer's account and deposit payment to the Merchant's account for a one-time charge or recurring payment schedule.

Eliminate NSF Return Fees
Bank return fees range from $5 - $20 for each NSF paper check processed manually. Checks processed and returned electronically only incur a nominal transaction charge.

Faster Settlements-Notification
Most electronic ACH Network transactions are processed in 24 - 48 hours. Faster processing means faster NSF notification and more efficient check recovery. In addition, faster processing translates in to increased cash availability and the potential to earn higher interest through better cash management.

Ease Of Use
The software is user-friendly--entry-level personnel become familiar with its operation very quickly.

Consumers Benefit Too
Today, consumers want payment options to choose from. Over 200 million consumers write checks while only 80 million carry credit cards.

Customer Service-Convenience
More and more consumers are opting for electronic solutions for recurring payments and direct deposits. They are looking for convenience and ways to eliminate mundane tasks such as writing the same checks every month. Electronic check processing increases customer service, no need for writing checks and mailing. Give them what they want, your business will benefit at the same time.

Check Amount Doesn't Matter
Since there are no deposit item fees or NSF return fees with electronic transactions, the size of the check doesn't matter. Now you won't have to worry about taking a $10 check and risking a much higher bank return fee if the check bounces.

COD - Customer Service
Electronic check processing increases customer service on COD shipments--no need for expensive money orders or cashier's checks. CheckExpressNow™ software enables your business to offer a hassle-free product delivery service that's convenient for customers. Don't pay for check verification or guarantee--save your money. Delaying shipments just a day or two, waiting until the check clears, takes the expense and risk out of COD shipments.

Multiple Order Channels
Checks by telephone, by fax, or over the Internet, broaden your businesses' marketing reach, increasing the potential customer base.

Cost Advantage
Electronic transactions are less costly--flat fee per transaction versus a percentage of the total sale with credit cards.

Competitive Advantage Having access to the latest electronic check processing technology will provide your business an advantage over competitors.

Take Checks With Confidence
Now you can take checks with confidence. Adding check acceptance as a form of payment adds convenience, which increases customer options, leading to increased sales and revenues.

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