Billing issues with a recent event.

I have a policy of only accepting checks when they are provided at least a week ahead of time so they will clear before the event.  

Recently a client wanted to receive and invoice for services performed once we were done.  The next day I sent an invoice by email for payment.  My mistake was that I didn't set up the invoice for online credit card payment.  I later went back in and activated this function and resent the invoice.

The client however decided to mail a check.  Since this was my mistake I decide that would be fine.  However after a week, the check hadn't arrived as expected.  

I later contacted the client for credit card payment which he did without issue.

Lessons from this experience.  

1. Do not provide services unless payment has been received in full.
2. Be extra careful that invoices sent are completely set up as expected. 

Waiting a week or more for payment can cause cashflow issues if you are a lean small business.  Luckily I keep a good margin to prevent issues of purchases.



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Email me at vince@bartendervince.com