{"id":2591,"date":"2024-12-05T10:15:45","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T09:15:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chodigital.agency\/how-to-manage-unpaid-customer-bills-our-tips-for-vses-and-smes\/"},"modified":"2025-02-05T18:24:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T17:24:18","slug":"how-to-manage-unpaid-customer-bills-our-tips-for-vses-and-smes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chodigital.agency\/en\/how-to-manage-unpaid-customer-bills-our-tips-for-vses-and-smes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to manage unpaid bills in business: our advice for VSEs and SMEs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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12.6 days late<\/a>: that’s the average payment delay between businesses in France. A worrying figure for VSEs and SMEs, where each day’s delay can jeopardize cash flow and hamper growth. So how can you manage unpaid invoices<\/strong> and avoid disastrous consequences? Find out in this article how to reduce late payments and protect<\/strong> your company’s financial health<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

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Keeping track of overdue payments through rigorous accounting<\/h2>\n\n

Accurate, up-to-date accounts<\/strong> receivable management is essential if you are to keep on top of your receivables. It enables you toquickly identify bad payers<\/strong> and take immediate action. <\/p>\n\n

If you have the resources in-house, make sure you carry out a daily accounting pre-lettering<\/strong>. This good practice will help you avoid unnecessary reminders to customers who have already paid their invoices. In this way, you’ll be able to maintain smooth business relations. <\/p>\n\n

What’s more, to simplify your financial management, you can also turn to digital tools<\/strong>. Software such as Sellsy<\/a>, Tiime<\/a>, Qonto<\/a> or Pennylane<\/a> offer a clear, centralized view of your accounting. What’s more, with shared access to your chartered accountant<\/strong>, you can transfer your supporting documents in just a few clicks. This saves time and improves communication with your partner. <\/p>\n\n

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Keeping track of your accounts to limit problems of overdue payments <\/em>\u00a9 Freepik<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Anticipate unpaid bills with solid payment terms<\/h2>\n\n

To prevent unpaid bills, make sure you communicate your payment terms<\/strong> with your customer before any commitment is made. To get off to a good start, it’s essential to draw up clear and precise General Terms and Conditions<\/strong>. They should specify your invoicing terms<\/strong> (between 30 and 60 days from invoice date), the expected payment terms<\/strong>, and the amount of any penalties<\/strong> applied in the event of late payment. <\/p>\n\n

Before launching a project, it’s essential to have your terms and conditions signed. We also recommend that you include your payment terms on your quotation or order form<\/strong>. In the event of a dispute or collection procedure<\/strong>, these documents will become tangible proof to counter the bad faith of certain partners. <\/p>\n\n

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How to handle customer overdue payments out of court?<\/h2>\n\n

Rigorous monitoring of your accounts enables you to remind your customers even before<\/strong> their payment is due. In this case, a simple reminder e-mail may be enough to avoid a delay. <\/p>\n\n

You realize that the due date has passed and the invoice remains unpaid? Contact your debtor quickly to find out why. Remain patient and courteous: it could be a simple oversight<\/strong> or temporary financial difficulties<\/strong>. This dialogue will preserve your business relationship while ensuring that your customer settles his debts promptly. <\/p>\n\n

On the other hand, if you don’t receive a reply, the situation may become more complicated. In this case, you’ll need to send a reminder letter<\/strong>, in which you can propose a new payment deadline<\/strong> to your customer. <\/p>\n\n

Still not receiving payment for your bill? The final step is to send a letter of formal notice to pay<\/strong>. In this registered letter<\/strong>, you specify that if payment is not received by the due date, you will be obliged to take legal<\/strong> action to collect the invoices. <\/p>\n\n

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Delegate collection of customer receivables<\/h2>\n\n

If your amicable collection attempts fail, it’s time to turn to the professionals. Contact a court commissioner<\/strong> or a collection company<\/strong> to take over and initiate legal proceedings<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

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What legal procedures are needed to deal with unpaid customers?<\/h3>\n\n

For small businesses, there are faster and less costly alternatives<\/strong> to traditional legal proceedings such as summons for payment. These include : <\/p>\n\n