How do check/ACH payment processing options benefit a retailer?
Bacon: For processing, checks must first be converted to ACH transactions. There are two types of check-to-ACH conversions: POP (point of purchase) and BOC (back office conversion), the latter becoming available in March 2007. There are significant differences between POP and BOC. POP requires scanning (and, thus a separate scanner) at every checkout lane, a receipt to be printed and signed, and the check and a copy of the receipt to be given back to the consumer. With BOC, the need for a scanner at each checkout lane is eliminated, as is the need for a signature (authorization is considered complete by posting a sign at the POS stating that checks may be converted, and consumers have the right to opt out, but transactions do not require authorization and/or a copy of the notice presented to the consumer). BOC allows the retailer to scan checks in the back office for bank transmission, hence the name BOC. While POP slows the checkout process and is limited to consumer checks only, reta
