| Yup to what Peter said, Call them the first day it's late. I am very sales oriented and always assume the sale. In this case I might ask them what time they plan to stop in my office to drop it off, or if I should meet them at a job site later today?
I'd be assuming they are paying me today. I am giving them an option to pay me today one way or the other.
If I don't get my money by the due date, the next day I send out a letter politely explaining my position and briefly explaining my collection policy, I explain there will be late charges fees at 21 days past due. At that 21 days past due, they get a more serious letter. This second letter explains in greater detail that they must pay within 10 days or I will persue further action, and I state very clearly what that action is. (I have seen further collection letters that are generic and say "to avoid further action".)
All the while I call them AT LEAST once a week asking for my money. I might even go ring their door bell and hold out my hand very politely. It's harder to say no to someone's face than it is to their phone call and letter.
At 31 days past due my lawyer gets a call, and since I am in the construction business I place a lien on the customer's house. You should have this same right, since you are in the business of selling construction materials. |