Final answer:
Wait five to ten minutes after presenting a check before checking back on the payment. This provides a balance between giving the customer privacy and attending to payment issues like overdrafts efficiently.
Step-by-step explanation:
After presenting the check to the table, it is typically advisable to check back within five to ten minutes to see if the payment has been made. This allows customers ample time to complete the payment without feeling rushed but is also a short enough interval to respond promptly to any needs or to correct any issues such as an overdraft, which is a deficiency in a bank account caused by withdrawing more money than the account holds.
When using a check for payment for goods and services, the payer must have sufficient funds in their account. The store or establishment will process the check to receive the money from the payer's bank account. If a payer issues a check without having enough funds in their account, the check may bounce, leading to an overdraft situation if the account does not have overdraft protection.