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Assume that most people are honest and want to pay you. Treat customers with respect during the collection process.
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Try to find out why a customer is not paying. Has he fallen on hard times—a lost job or ill health? Or, is he withholding payment because your product was faulty or your service was poor?
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Keep a customer’s total payment history in mind. If she has paid on time over the years, don’t jump on her with a collection call the first time she’s late.
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Be a good listener. When you understand the situation, you can come up with solutions that will help the customer get you paid.
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Remember that friendliness will help a customer want to pay you first.
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