Ways to Avoid an A/R Dispute

Wouldn’t you love it if you never had to experience an accounts receivable dispute?

While it may be unlikely that you’ll dodge that bullet 100% of the time, you can reduce the number of disputes by confirming a few pieces of information with every client right from the start.

Thoroughly discuss your policies with new clients making sure they understand your credit terms.

Make it a habit to call your customer after shipments are made to confirm that it arrived. Ask them if they received it in the condition they expected and if the invoice is correct. This is especially important for first time customers or for large balances. This way, you eliminate the possibility of a late dispute, which is likely nothing more than a stall tactic.

Be pro-active by requiring written purchase orders. POs help to keep the details straight while making it easier to match up paperwork and invoices. Since everything is spelled out on that one form, any disputes that arise may be more easily resolved.

In the event of a dispute …

When a dispute is brought to your attention early, it’s far more likely to be a valid one. Don’t respond to it until you’ve listened intently and gotten all the details. Your customer may have a legitimate issue, maybe not. But you won’t know if you don’t hear the entire story.

Certainly there are customers who will use a dispute as a stall tactic. If that appears to be the case, you may want to put your focus on getting the undisputed portion paid, especially if it appears you’ll have some significant sorting out to do for the disputed portion.

It may be your best option to make a payment modification if that works for you. Make sure you explain your accounts receivable policies again so you can avoid future disputes and past due invoices.

Most of the time, disputes can be avoided by a simple follow up phone call once the goods are delivered. Once your customer sees how seriously you take your business and your reputation for good service, he’ll likely fall in step and take paying just as seriously.

Avoid disputes with great communication. Touch base every step of the way!