Hello Zen. You have a couple of options.

#1, Check truncation is a system that processes the check electronically just like plastic payment at POS. When combined with Check Guarantee its an effective way of avoiding bad check losses. It requires a compatible processing terminal which you likely have already, plus a specialized imager, costs about the same as processing plastic. Caution: when comparison shopping, be sure you're comparing apples-with apples. Truncation and guarantee are NOT one in the same and NOT always offered together. Also, don't confuse check gurantee with check verification---two drastically diffferent animals.BTW this system is also known as 'check conversion'.

#2. There is a reputable outfit out of Houston that offers free NSF collection of checks. I know it sounds too good to be true, but it isn't--they make their money on NSF fees which different states allow in varying amounts.
Note this is ONLY for NSF--you get paid 100 cents on the dollar for every check successfully collected. When used properly, this is a wonderful alternative to check guarantee and verification for some (not all) merchants.

I'd be happy to share details if anyone is interested.
AMSPCS
amspcs@juno.com