Key Takeaways
- Over a fifth of SMEs and freelancers faced an increase in late payments last year, posing a significant risk to their financial stability.
- Small business owners can take proactive steps to protect their finances, including researching clients’ credit history, implementing deposit or staged payment structures, and having clear contracts in place.
- Seeking legal advice, engaging professional mediators, or considering legal action are options when faced with persistent late payments.
In today’s tumultuous economic landscape, where surging inflation, a cost-of-living crisis, and energy price hikes dominate headlines, there exists a silent but formidable adversary for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers – late payments. These seemingly innocuous delays can wreak havoc on the financial stability of businesses, leading to debt, insolvency, and even closure. Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct, a specialist insurer for freelancers and small businesses, reveals the dire consequences of late payments for SMEs and sole traders, while offering expert advice on protecting their financial well-being.
A Looming Threat to SMEs and Freelancers
Late payments might not make the front page, but their impact on SMEs and freelancers is profound. According to a recent survey of 560 freelancers and SME owners, 22% experienced an increase in late or non-payments last year. This data also reveals that nearly half of the respondents had payments overdue by more than 15 days, with 13% not receiving payment at all, ultimately having to write off the owed money. Late payments create a perfect storm of financial challenges for small business owners, affecting their ability to pay staff and suppliers, manage cash flow, and reinvest in their enterprises.
Key Takeaways
- Research New Clients and Their Credit History
- Prioritize vetting potential clients by examining their credit history and financial stability using credit reports and credit scoring services.
- Red flags can be identified through due diligence, helping you make informed decisions and avoid late-paying clients.
- Consider Asking for a Deposit or Staged Payments
- Request initial deposits or implement staged payment structures to secure your financial interests and establish client commitment.
- This approach ensures steady cash flow and builds transparency and trust between you and your clients.
- Ensure Clear Contracts from the Outset
- Establish clear contracts with payment milestones, invoicing terms, due dates, late payment interest or fees, and accepted payment methods.
- Clear contracts set expectations upfront and facilitate legal actions if necessary.
Protecting Your Finances from Late Payments: A Strategic Approach
Late payments can be detrimental to your business, but there are steps you can take to shield your finances from this menace.
Research New Clients and Their Credit History
Before engaging with a new client, conduct thorough research into their credit history and financial stability. Companies like Experian and Equifax offer credit reports and scoring services that can provide insights into a potential client’s payment track record and financial health. This upfront due diligence can help you identify clients with a history of late payments and make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the engagement.
Additionally, consider other checks like verifying the legitimacy and credibility of the prospect’s website, requesting references from their suppliers and banks, and conducting a search of the official Register of County Court Judgements. These measures can help you avoid problematic clients and the financial strain associated with late payments.
Consider Asking for a Deposit or Staged Payments
To reduce the risk of late or non-payment, consider requesting an initial deposit or implementing staged payments for your projects. By doing so, you not only secure your financial interests but also commit your clients to the project. This approach ensures a steady cash flow throughout the project’s duration, allowing you to allocate resources efficiently.
Moreover, deposit and staged payment structures align your clients’ payment obligations with the delivery of agreed-upon results. This transparency fosters trust between you and your clients and creates a mutually beneficial situation.
Ensure Contracts Are Clear from the Outset
Before commencing any work, ensure that a clear contract is in place between your business and the client. Without a contract, pursuing non-paying clients becomes legally challenging. Your contract should specify payment milestones, invoicing terms, due dates, late payment interest or fees (if applicable), and accepted payment methods. These details set clear expectations from the beginning and provide a legal foundation for resolving payment disputes.
Having a well-defined contract in place not only protects your financial interests but also prevents misunderstandings that can lead to late payments.
Have a System in Place for Chasing Late Payments
Efficiently managing late payments requires a systematic approach. On the day a payment becomes overdue, initiate direct contact with the client via phone. Maintain a friendly and professional tone during the conversation, as there may be valid reasons for the delay. Confirm the outstanding balance and request a specific payment date. Follow up with a dated email to create a paper trail.
If payment remains elusive after initial contact, continue sending email reminders and make follow-up phone calls. Many accounting software packages can automate email reminders, reducing administrative burdens. Be firm but professional, and press the client for a definite payment date.
If all else fails, explain the consequences of non-payment to the client, such as exercising your statutory right to claim interest (usually 8% over the Bank of England base rate) and seeking compensation for debt recovery costs.
Speak to Your Insurer for Help
Review your insurance policy to determine if it includes legal assistance for late payment issues. Markel Direct, for example, provides business insurance policyholders access to a 24-hour legal advice helpline and legal document templates through Business Hub. Consulting experienced legal professionals can help you navigate complex situations and improve your chances of receiving prompt payments.
Reach Out to a Professional Mediator or Small Business Commissioner
Surprisingly, many small business owners are unaware of their options for addressing late payments. In our study, only 4% of respondents consulted organizations like the Small Business Commissioner or Citizens Advice about late or non-payments, while 56% were unaware of this possibility.
If late payments result from disagreements over service or product quality or the client’s inability to pay the full amount at once, consider hiring a professional mediator. Mediation can be a cost-effective and flexible alternative to legal action and may help resolve disputes more amicably.
If mediation proves ineffective, or if you face persistent late payments, consider making a complaint to the Small Business Commissioner. They may investigate your case and offer potential solutions.
Consider Taking Legal Action as a Last Resort
When all other efforts fail, and late payments persist, legal action may be your last resort to protect your financial interests. While not a decision to be taken lightly, it can be necessary to recover owed payments. If you have legal expenses insurance, your insurance provider may be able to assist you. Alternatively, consult with a solicitor specializing in debt recovery.
Remember that pursuing legal action should be a last resort, preceded by attempts to resolve the issue amicably. However, it’s crucial to recognize your right to take this step when necessary.
Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of freelancers and small
businesses, shares the effect late payments can have on SMEs and sole traders, while providing expert
advice on how they can protect their finances
In Conclusion
Although there is no foolproof method to shield your business from late payments, taking these precautions can empower SMEs and freelancers to strengthen their financial positions and mitigate risks. Protecting your finances from late payments requires proactive measures and a clear understanding of your rights and options.
For additional information and advice on handling late payments, visit the Markel Direct website.
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