The biggest cause of disputes over payments relate to payment terms that are either unclear or they weren’t visible at all during the sales process.
Even the smallest details can give customers the opportunity to wriggle out of their payment obligations or delay making those payments. Common mistakes include failing to add payment deadlines to invoices, missing payment terms and incorrect dates.
Payment terms should be added to all correspondence with customers to make sure all parties are clear about their obligations.
All to often a sales person in their eagerness to close a deal will allow the customer to dictate terms which is another problem encountered by credit controllers who are then left to pick up the pieces.
Staff should always be in control of payment terms and have the last say when it comes to payment terms. If a dispute escalates to a court of law then presenting evidence that payment terms were clearly stated will reduce the risk of rogue customers ending up on the winning side.
One thing you should never be afraid of, is making sure your customers and clients are 100% clear about payment terms. The only people who will think this is unreasonable are probably exactly the type of customers who will cause you problems.