Making a List, Checking it Twice: Business Owners’ Guide to Getting Paid This Holiday Season

1. Send invoices early: 

Be proactive in sending out invoices well in advance of the holidays. This gives clients and customers more time to process payments before they close for the holidays. 

2. Festive payment extensions:  

If the payment due date falls close to Christmas through to beginning of January, perhaps a great strategy could be to gift your clients and customers a festive payment extension? You know the likelihood of getting paid in this period is minimal, if you offer a gracious festive payment extension they may feel as equally as gracious and pay on time early January.  

3. Offer Early Payment Discounts: 

Encourage your clients and customers to pay their invoices early by offering discounts. For example, a 2% discount for payments made within 10 days can be an incentive for prompt payments. 

4. Communicate Payment Expectations: 

Clearly communicate your payment expectations to clients and customers, especially regarding any changes in payment schedules due to the holiday period. Send regular reminders about upcoming payments. 

5. Encourage Electronic Payments: 

Encourage the use of electronic payment methods, such as online transfers or credit card payments. These transactions are often faster and can be processed from anywhere, anytime.  

6. Follow Up Regularly: 

Actively follow up on outstanding invoices with friendly reminders. Consider using automated reminders or scheduling follow-up calls to ensure your requests are noticed. 

7. Provide Incentives for Prepayments: 

Offer additional discounts or perks for customers who make advance payments or prepayments for services or products they anticipate needing in the future. 

8. Diversify Payment Methods: 

Accept a variety of payment methods to make it convenient for your clients and customers. This may include credit cards, online payment platforms, and traditional bank transfers. Is your business eligible for fee funding or using payment platforms such as Afterpay or the many alternatives on offer. This could expedite clients and customers purchasing from you as they can pay off in instalments using these platforms.  

9. Set Clear Payment Terms: 

Clearly outline payment terms on your invoices, including due dates and any penalties for late payments. This helps manage expectations and encourages timely payments. 

10. Build Strong Relationships: 

Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with clients and customers is one of the cornerstones of successful business.  

Open lines of communication not only foster trust but also ease discussions about payment terms, paving the way for mutually beneficial solutions. In the realm of robust business relationships, there is a natural willingness to fulfill financial commitments, as people value and respect the partnership.  

If you are still struggling with cashflow after implementing the above strategies, could you explore your finance / refinancing options?  

If you find yourself still grappling with cash flow challenges, it may be beneficial to explore your finance and refinancing options. Examining alternative financial solutions could provide the breathing room needed to navigate through periods of financial strain. Whether it’s renegotiating terms with existing lenders, considering new financing arrangements, or exploring innovative options like invoice financing, taking a proactive approach to reassessing your financial strategy can pave the way for improved cash flow management and long-term financial stability.