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Getting paid: outsourcing a headache

Outsourcing is once again redefining the way we do business in ways that were unthinkable just a decade ago. It enables your company to focus on what it does best while potentially reducing costs. Lower costs mean a stronger bottom line. But how does outsourcing fit with accounts receivable?

Outsourcing can create lower in-house head count and free up workspace while allowing your team to pursue new, potentially lucrative, projects. A recent study found that 68% of companies surveyed engaged in some form of business outsourcing. This movement has been a primary mover in economic success in today’s markets.

You might ask, “How does outsourcing work with accounts receivable?” In the EU alone, outstanding invoices total 74.3 billion euros. Roughly a third, 22.3 billion, are late! Late payments and poor payers can trigger a ripple effect that turns into a tidal wave of wasted time and increase costs in recuperating late payments. This can create serious cash flow problems. Ultimately, unpaid invoices lead to loss of value.

The assignment of this most critical, non-core, function to a reputable outsourcing firm can foster:

  • increased cash flow
  • reduced operating and administration costs
  • improved control over accounts receivable management
  • increased sales to slow paying clients
  • fewer delinquencies resulting in lower collection costs
  • improved customer service

There are hundreds of outsourcing firms out there. It’s a big issue. A search on Google revealed 1.3 million entries! Work hard to find a firm that provides a comprehensive service: collections, credit, insurance, processing, escrow services and chasing down deadbeat debtors. Sometimes the easiest thing to do is to contact your bank.

Fortis Commercial Finance for example, offers a full line of solutions for the management of most risks related to receivable collection. They can take on the day-to-day burdens of managing the whole process.

Getting paid
Late payments and poor payers can trigger a ripple effect that turns into a tidal wave of wasted time and increase costs

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Your comments and questions [2]

Harvey (18 interest)

venturecapUK writes: "I highly advise it if you can afford it!"
It strikes me that you should offcourse only do it when you can afford it/when it pays. However what I found over the years is that may bussiness men are against it because they feel that are giving easy money away. When you are in the position that cash-in falters I suggest to stop and seriously consider the possiblity of debt collection without preconceived ideas.
 

 

7/21/2007 
venturecapUK (1 interest)

Recently, we contracted with a firm to take care of all our billing issues. It is the best thing we have ever done. At first, during the changeover, there were a few snags and difficulties. Now that things are rolling, our cash flow has improved. We did this after a breakdown late last year that put the squeeze on our receivables. I highly advise it if you can afford it!  

 

7/6/2007 
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