Cash Flow Tip 16 - 5/10/15 Collection Process

Use the 5/10/15 Collection Process to ensure faster payments.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

Don’t let the marginal gains achieved so far with Cash Flow Tips 1-15 get squandered by poor collection practices. Using this rhythm or something similar will:

Cash Flow: Tip 16 The 5/10/15 Collection Process - Keep Cash Flowing
  • Provide a good double check on your internal processes to identify improvements
  • Build stronger relationships with your customer
  • Improve the speed at which you get paid

Here is the basic rhythm that should be systematically followed and managed by someone who is NOT directly involved in the billing process to provide a good check-and-balance:

  • Five (5) Days after the billing is submitted, make contact with their Accounts Payable and verify that the billing amounts and all backup are OK. Ensure that it is entered to their accounting system and there is nothing holding up payment on your end. Preferably do this via phone so you can “hear” things that may not be said. 
  • Ten (10) Days before you expect to be paid, check in again just to confirm that everything is still good to go and that there are no issues on their end.  
  • At intervals of no more than 15 Days, follow-up with all past-due receivables until you get confirmed communication in return.   

You have the opportunity at each stage to fix the problem, including escalations where necessary. Remember that just sending an email IS NOT communication unless they respond back and are clearly moving things forward.


Cash Flow Tip 16 - 5/10/15 Collection Process
Great cash flow is a key driver of valuation and successful successions. Running out of cash is is the #1 reason contractors fail. Improving cash flow improves your Return on Equity. Protect yourself and never let cash flow be the limitation to your profitable growth....

Cash Flow Tip 16 - 5/10/15 Collection Process
Great cash flow is a key driver of valuation and successful successions. Running out of cash is is the #1 reason contractors fail. Improving cash flow improves your Return on Equity. Protect yourself and never let cash flow be the limitation to your profitable growth....

From Financial Management to Business Management
As contractors go through different stages of growth it often makes sense to expand the financial management role into more comprehensive business management role. At exactly what stage a contractor starts to expand this role depends on.
Creating Potential and Delivered Value for Contractors
We are contractors and the contract is a tangible representation of potential value. That value is delivered when the right information, materials, and equipment come together at the right time in the hands of the right craftsperson for installation.
Accurate Projections - The Tale of Two Project Managers
Few things will improve operational execution for contractors faster than a rigorous project review and projection process. Projections are really just continuous planning, learning, refining and adjusting.