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According to the Accounting Coach – the term bad debts usually refers to accounts receivable (or trade accounts receivable) that will not be collected. However, bad debts can also refer to notes receivable that will not be collected.
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Introduction • According to the Accounting Coach– the term bad debts usually refers to accounts receivable (or trade accounts receivable) that will not be collected. However, bad debts can also refer to notes receivable that will not be collected. • The bad debts associated with accounts receivable is reported on the income statement as Bad Debts Expense or Uncollectible Accounts Expense. • When the allowance method is used, the journal entry to Bad Debts Expense will include a credit to Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, a contra account and valuation account to the asset Accounts Receivable. The allowance method anticipates the losses and therefore requires the use of estimates. • Under the direct write-off method, the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts is not used. Rather, Bad Debts Expense will be debited when an account receivable is actually written off. The credit in this entry will be to the asset Accounts Receivable.
Why Are Bad Debts Harmful? • As they are called, bad debts are not good for your business. If you have a large number of bad debts, then you really need to take quick action and ensure that your accounts receivable process is being managed effectively. • To say the least, bad debts are poisonous to your business.
Take Calculated Risks • Every time you work with a new client you need to ensure that you decide on the payment terms, well in advance. Work with clients who are financially stable and are capable of making payments in a timely manner. • This is extremely crucial to reduce the payment risk that your run with each of your clients. Don’t run after every client – always choose your clients wisely.
Define Your Payment Terms • Creating standardized payment terms document is an essential for your business. Giving early payment discounts is a useful way to get paid quicker for your sale. A late fee that is payable upon late payments must also be a part of the terms and conditions. • Make sure that your customers sign the acceptance of the terms and conditions.
Reason Out • Every time a client delays a payment, look for reasons: • One reason behind delaying a payment could be dissatisfaction at the client’s end. This may be because of delayed or sub-standard products or services. • Find out problems if any in the invoicing workflow. This needs to checked at the client’s end and at your end as well. • There are times when your client is facing a temporary cash flow problem. Consider their problem but ensure they are paying you at a later date that is mutually agreed upon.
Use A Collection Service • You can also hire a debt collection agency to ensure that the receivables are being collected on time. • In case of situations where nothing else is working, you can take the help of your lawyer to help you recover the payment.
Be Assertive • You need to clearly communicate the expectations you have from your client – as far as payments are concerned. This will always keep them alert about your payments. • The more assertive you are about the importance of payments, the better will it be.
Be Stringent • As a business owner, you really need to be stringent about your payments. If a certain client consistently defaulting on the payments front, then you need to stop supplying products and services to that client. • You might lose some business in the short run but this will be really rewarding for long term business success.
Treat Each Case As Separate • It is not always important to be rigid with your terms and condition. A little bit of flexibility always helps in maintaining happy client relationships. • If you feel that the client has some genuine problem, then allowing him some extra time to make the payment is quite harmless.
Dispute Resolution • As a business owner you must ensure that the products and services delivered to the client are of desired quality. One of the key reasons for disputes between a buyer and a seller is quality or the delivery. • If these are in order, there will be lesser reasons for a dispute or a delayed payment.
Analyse Reports • Generating financial reports and analysing which of the clients are paying late, consistently, can help you take corrective action. • Reports of outstanding, invoice ageing and payments can be really helpful.
