Collection of Overdue Accounts

Collecting overdue accounts is important to the health of your business and to a steady cash flow. There are techniques to help with collection efforts.

1. Create policies and procedures that establish how you will extend credit, bill and follow up on past due services.
2. Obtain credit references on new clients prior to providing products or services.
3. Always send an accompanying invoice when performing a service or shipping merchandise.
4. Mail monthly statements communicating what is still owed, stamp past due and handwrite a friendly note requesting payment.
5. Aggressively manage your receivables after mailing the statement by politely asking when you may expect payment.
6. Keep steady, friendly contact with your client until paid.
7. After 60 days inquire why the client hasn’t paid and what can be done to speed payment.
8. Prevent a reputation for bargaining on your bills or you may end the year without full payment on invoices.