Get the most out of your Inc. online experience by registering and joining the Inc. community today. Get access to all Inc.com content and priority invites to free Inc. networking events in your area.

Login using:


Or login directly through Inc.com

Collection Techniques

Two guides on how to collect receivables.

By Jill Andresky Fraser | 
 

As interest rates rise, it gets tougher to collect receivables from cash-strapped customers. So here are two timely guides:

· The Complete Book of Collection Letters, Telephone Scripts, and Faxes (McGraw-Hill, 1994, $69.95), by Cecil J. Bond, a credit consultant, comes with an IBM-compatible disk that allows readers to tailor its 400-plus documents for their own collection problems. It's pricey but useful, especially for companies without a full-time accounts-receivable clerk.

· Collection Techniques for a Small Business (Oasis Press, 800-228-2275, 1994, $19.95), by Gini Graham Scott and John J. Harrison, offers suggestions to upgrade your accounts receivable. For example, the authors advise adding collection-cost clauses to contracts, and they offer tips for motivating prompt payment.

* * *

Read more:

  • Meet the New Masters of Cash Flow
  • When It's OK to Ignore Costs
  • Why You Should Pay More Taxes

    • Sign-up for our Finance Newsletter