In these difficult times the “hard nose” approach has merit

As funding issues continue to bite more and more Customers are actively employing various tactics to delay payment to Suppliers. Credit control and the monitoring of payments is an increasingly critical element of every business.

 

When a Customer exceeds the agreed payment terms, they are in reality using the Supplier as an alternate (unsecured overdraft).

 

This situation if left unchecked can spiral out of control. In a worst case scenario the Supplier is in reality forced to keep “trading” with the errant Customer for fear of realising a bad debt.

 

Think of the parallel to the ongoing Greek situation – it is a slippery path.

 

Slack policing of accounts receivable will have serious consequences. At best tardy payments damage cash-flow and at worst can often be the precursor of a company failing with the end result of a total write off.

 

Take a long hard look at your accounts receivable – are you happy to see 30 days drift into 60 and beyond?

 

Consider the damage that is being done to your company’s financial position.

 

Ask yourself “who is taking advantage of us?”