How do I stop invoices from piling up and going overdue?
By Tim White · How-to · Last updated
Invoices go overdue when they're scattered across inboxes and nobody sees the due dates in one place. Route every bill to one intake, capture the due date when it arrives, and work from one list sorted by what's due next, once a week.
1. One intake
Most late payments start with a bill nobody saw. Have every invoice forwarded to one address, including the ones vendors send to project managers or the owner.
2. Capture due dates on arrival
Record the due date the day the invoice lands. If the invoice only states terms, such as net 30, count from the invoice date. InvoiceJet reads the due date from each bill.
3. Work one list each week
Sort open bills by due date and pay everything due before your next session. InvoiceJet's Monday email lists what's overdue and what's due in the next two weeks, so the list is waiting when you sit down.
If cash is tight, call the vendor before the due date rather than after. Many will agree to a short extension if you ask in advance.
Common questions
Why do invoices go late even when I have the cash?
Usually because the bill wasn't in front of anyone before it was due. It's a visibility problem more than a cash problem.
Sources
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