Preventing late payments
Tips to help businesses avoid falling victim to the 'late payment culture'.
AVASK can help a business of any size with a range of financial planning issues. If late payment is a problem for your firm, why not read our handy tips below.
Managing and reducing the risk of late payment is essential. Indeed, small and medium-sized enterprises are particularly vulnerable to the effects that late payment can have on cash flow, profitability, and ultimately the viability of a business.
If you want to avoid falling victim to the 'late payment culture', consider the following strategies.
Credit check your customers
Failure to research the credit history of both new and potential customers could leave your business at risk of late or even non-payment. Minimise this threat by conducting the necessary checks with the customer's bank, a credit reference agency and some of their suppliers. Further financial information may be obtained from Companies House, the Institute of Credit Management and local media.
It is also advisable to monitor your customers' payment trends on an ongoing basis, as this may allow you to spot potential problems before they develop into something more damaging.
Publicise your terms and conditions
Clearly print your terms and conditions for payment on all relevant documentation that is sent to new and potential customers. Terms should clearly state the payment period for any invoice - settlement is often expected within 30 days, although this may vary depending on the type of business.
Promote a positive payment culture
To encourage customers to pay on time, you could consider offering small discounts for the early settlement of bills. If a customer is having problems with their payment, you may want to negotiate a deal with them.
However, be wary of excuses - if the client has paid by cheque and they tell you the cheque is in the post, ask for further details, such as the cheque number and the date of posting.
Invoice on time
Distribute invoices in a timely manner to ensure the payment process remains as efficient as possible, and prevent unnecessary delays by addressing the invoice to the correct contact and department. If a client has not paid on time, it is essential to pursue payment.
Know your rights
Amended late payment legislation came into force on 16 March 2013, implementing European Directive 2011/7/EU on combating late payment in commercial transactions. The rules are simple - debtors will be forced to pay interest and reimburse the reasonable recovery costs of the creditor, if they do not pay for the goods and services on time.
Summary of measures
What is meant by Late Payment Legislation?
The term Late Payment legislation refers to the Late Payments of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2002 and the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2013.
The statutory right to claim interest and other compensation recovery costs and entitlements being made from 16 March 2013, are not compulsory and it is for the supplier to decide whether or not to use rights made available.
Remember: customers who fail to pay their bills could jeopardise your business. Enforcing a fair but strict payment policy will protect your client relationships and your business in the long term.
We can work with you to help improve your debt collection and cash flow management procedures. Please contact us for more information.
New payment reporting procedures for large businesses
From April 2017, large businesses and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are required to publish details on how quickly they pay their suppliers. The new measures require large firms to publicly report twice a year on both their payment practices and their performance, including the average time taken to pay supplier invoices.
The government hopes the new measures will help to 'increase transparency' and assist small businesses in making 'informed decisions' as to who they do business with.