Overdue Customers

Collecting payments from overdue customers can be a challenging task, especially in this economy. But if you have completed the work you deserve to be paid! Of course the goal is to avoid all overdue customers….an attainable goal with the right software. Here are some tips just in case you’re not there yet-

1. Send reminders: Send polite reminders to the customer via email and/or text. This will serve as a gentle nudge and may prompt them to make payment.
2. Offer payment plans: If the customer is unable to pay the full amount owed, offer them a payment plan. This will show that you are willing to work with them to find a solution.
3. Consider using a collection agency: If all else fails, consider using a collection agency. This may be the most effective way to collect overdue payments, but it should be a last resort.
4. Document everything: Keep a detailed record of all communication with the customer, including emails, letters, and phone calls. This will be useful if you need to take legal action.
5. Have clear payment terms: Make sure that your payment terms are clear from the start. Do you have contracts that customers sign when they start service with your company? This includes the due date, late fees, and consequences for non-payment and all your terms as their pool service company?

Overall, the key to collecting payments from overdue customers is to be persistent and firm, but polite and professional. Automate as much as you can. You still have to run your business and provide excellent service for your loyal and paying customers. At the end of the day – you, as the business owner, have to find a system that works the way you need it to. Finding a solution to track and persistently pursue overdue customers without losing precious time from your day is key.

Does your business management software includes these features?

1. Automated tracking system to alert you to who is overdue?
2. Provide multiple ways to contact customer for payment?
3. Allow for breaking up of payments to recover larger overdue debt?
4. Allow you to add late fees easily to past due invoices?
5. Track Bad Debt so you aren’t being taxed on revenue not collected?
6. Track all communications so if legal action is taken you are protected.
7. File Cabinet that maintains contracts on customer account?
8. Customer facing app that allows customer to track their pool service history and view all invoices. And pay invoices in app?

Only one company out there provides all of these services to their customers -www.paythepoolman.com