I was in a meeting today where Beth Deavila, HP UK Officejet Brand Manager was discussing printers. There was much talk of how businesses today need colour printing, what features could support small businesses and how modern high end inkjet printers are in some cases more economical to run than low end laser printers.
Whilst the printers available today are feature rich, Beth had one simple tip which all small businesses should be aware of regardless how old their printer may be:
When you print invoices highlight the due date and/or the amount outstanding in colour and your invoices will tend to get paid faster.
It’s such an obvious thing to do and yet it’s an idea I’d certainly never thought of. However I can promise the next person that gets an invoice from me will have the amount due highlighted in red.
17 Responses
Print them on yellow paper. They don’t get lost in the pile that way (and anyone who has had an HMRC yellow notice will know how much they stand out)
does anyone send paper invoices these days?
we send invoices by email
no colour here, just plain black and white abuse ,
It is a great tip, a better one is “Neither a borrower or lender be” as the Bard said.
If we don’t have the money to pay for something we wait to buy until we can. We own our stock, not our suppliers. Learned that lesson in the early 90’s and sleep a lot better because of it.
We are not a bank, we are a retail business. You want credit go see a bank. No credit, no invoices, just packing slips and receipts.
Hmm, so a manufacturer of colour printers is recommending …er… more colour printing!
Why ever would they say that?
Howdy,
How about sticking a lolly-pop to it, adds a completely different dynamic to the invoice and literally sweetens the deal?
Although, I like David’s suggestion, coloured paper would also stand out well.
Matthew
In my experience, the best way to get my invoices paid: invoices not paid ratio up is not to do any work for anyone who doesn’t pay up. Be that someone who hasn’t paid me or someone who someone else says doesn’t pay up.
I’m in a good position now, I can pick and choose my clients, so I do. Turned down a potential 3 k job just last week because I got the impression the client might not cough up without being overly prompted. Better things to do than chase money.
I like the lollipop idea alot though.