The Check Is In The Mail

If you have looked at your billing statements, many companies are now asking you to sign up for auto billing, which allows them to withdraw the amount of your bill from your checking account, or automatic payment by credit card. The push for such payment plans reduces postage and processing costs for the companies, but as importantly, also means that the company gets the cash quicker. On the other side, companies like to pay as slowly as possible. Cox Communications has a unique way of accomplishing the delay in payments to customers. As a customer reports, Cox accepted a deposit to set up an account on a credit card. However, when the account was closed, Cox insisted on mailing a check. Although Cox denied that a delay was the reason for the paper check, this allows Cox time for processing and mailing, which keeps the money in Cox's cash account longer. And, since many people who cancel an account are moving, the mailing time is likely doubled.