With enough chocolate in the shops to sink a battleship and hosts of daffodils lining the roadsides, it occurred to us there might be a very tenuous link between Easter symbols and debtor behaviour. So here goes. Four symbols, the traits that go with them, and some tips about how to stay on top.
The Easter egg
Can roll away if you’re not careful, cash hidden inside and hard to extract, only melts once the heat is on.
Tip: Pay extra attention to relationship building. A few friendly conversations can break the shell and put your invoices on top of the pile.
The Easter bunny
Bounces around and can be hard to pin down, lots of excuses. Nibbles away at your cash flow, pays eventually but rarely on time.
Tip: Be persistent. Call to check the invoice is received; call to check that payment is set up. Make it hard for the customer to find excuses.
The Easter chick
Brand new customer, an unknown quantity. Will they be easy to handle, or will they wriggle out of your grasp?
Tip: Get credit checks done; read annual accounts. Set any credit terms based on what you find.
The daffodil
Appears on cue and bursts into life. Gives you what you’re expecting without delay.
Tip: Say thank you! Show you appreciate the prompt payment. Once people know they’re recognised as being good payers, they’ll want to keep it up.
Happy cash collecting, and Happy Easter!
Chris, Rachel, Elain, Kat and Graeme
P.S. If you’re short on daffodils and could do with help to get the cash in, just call us on 01625 878198. www.querymanagement.co.uk chris@querymanagement.co.uk
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