Why does nobody talk about how a grocery store run taught me to chase payments faster

I was at the Publix on Main Street last Tuesday, grabbing milk and bread, when I saw my client from three months ago. The one who owes me $800 for that website copy. He was loading up his cart with steaks and fancy cheese, laughing on his phone. Right there, I realized I was being too nice about waiting for payments. I used to send a polite reminder and then wait another two weeks like a fool. Now I have a system where I send the invoice, then a 7 day notice, then a late fee email automatically. Has anyone else had a run-in with a slow payer in public and felt that switch flip in your brain?

2 comments

2 Comments

paulnguyen7d ago

Did you ever notice how seeing a client living it up while they owe you money just hits different than any email reminder? I once spotted a guy who was 60 days late on a payment buying a ridiculously expensive espresso machine at Target, and I swear I felt my whole approach to invoicing change in that aisle. Funny how a grocery store trip can teach you more about business than any seminar or book ever could.

lee.cora6d ago

Charge a late fee on day 31, no excuses.