Payroll service buying tips from other BuyerZone users

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Multiple options are always helpful

"Always check on the amount of insurance coverage the company carries as well as which company is their insurance carrier. Also, it's always really convenient if they have different options of sending in your paperwork, via web, fax, or phone. And last, I chose my vendor because they have all the options above as well as enabling me the option of printing checks myself for free so I don't have to pay shipping fees every time. Good luck!!"

- Spa Service, Health Care, Orlando, FL

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Plan in advance

"Have an idea of the plan you want and draw it as best as you can so that you can expedite the understanding of your poject."

- Eddie Pedrozo, Non-profit, Salinas, CA

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Look for hidden charges before you sign a contract

"When searching for a payroll provider, watch for quotes that may have hidden charges in them that may not stand out very easily. These extra charges may end up costing you a lot more money if you end up using that company."

- Bekki Hackenmiller, Manufacturing, Tualatin, OR

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Read the fine print

"We almost signed a contract with a payroll service that had very good prices or so we thought. They were going to charge us extra for taking out taxes, for direct deposits, (should be cheaper, it's less work for them!) add-on fees for delivery and insurance and more charges every time we added an employee or changed a pay rate. The one we chose had a higher rate per employee but included almost everything in one fee. We know exactly how much we are paying every month and don't worry about surprises."

- ZRichard, Information Services, Ocean View, Delaware

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Compare big and small payroll companies

"I would say, compare the big and small players. The well-known brands are good but in some places you can find smaller players who give the same services but have a more personal touch. For a small business like mine that can be a big help."

- Christopher Martin, Construction, Elgin, Illinois

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Look carefully before signing a long contract

"Don't sign a long term contract at first. See how they do on the first 2 - 3 pay periods. Be picky. Double and triple check everything. Make sure it's right down to the last detail before you commit to a year or longer contract."

- CNCBob, Manufacturing, Jackson Heights, New York

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Sending information via modem

"It may seem old-fashioned (so 1999) but if the provider suggests using a dial-up modem you should consider it. It doesn't take too long and it's very secure since your information does not go over the public internet, it dials directly into the provider's servers."

- Stan G, Retail, San Diego, California

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Talk to a real person!

"We have an account manager at Paychex who is very good to us. When we have a problem, which happens sometimes with our 85 employees, they take care of it, quickly and professionally. She talks to us like we're their biggest customer!"

- Kate Crislow, Financial Services, Linconshire, Illinois

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