Let’s face it, we’re all thrilled to get new business and we try our best to satisfy our customers. After we finish giving them what they want, now we have to “beg” for what we deserve? (lol). Today, I am looking at 5 invoices that are 6 weeks or more past due. Don’t get me wrong, I love my clients but it is hard as hell to collect. As many of you know, in the black entrepreneur game this is not uncommon.
One must wonder, do people in Accounts Payable or Vendors think we have so much money that we can afford to wait as long as possible to be paid? As we all know mortgage companies, landlords and utility company bills come ON TIME each month and they expect you to pay them. So truth be told NO, WE CAN’T WAIT. When invoices are not paid it kicks off a myriad of phone calls to those we owe money to and it seems the more we try to postphone, the more you need the money…that you have earned. I’m sure you know what I mean.
What vendors fail to realize is the checks that we get from them is no different than the checks they collect every 2 weeks like clockwork. Have you ever wondered how they would feel if they looked at their bank statement and discovered the company has not paid them? Then when they go to accounting they are told “We handed your time sheet in, it should be taken care of next week” then next week comes and they are still not paid and they go to accounting again and the woman behind the desk is irritated… now their job is at risk and they have to walk on eggshells and at the same time figure out a way to rob Peter to pay Paul until they finally get their check… this is the EXACT way it is for black entrepreneurs. As one friend pointed out, we have done the work… now pay us.
There is no reason that we should have to explain our financial situation to our clients when all we are asking is to be paid for services rendered. Comments?
