We all have customers who love to make excuses for why their payment is late. Maybe the check is in the mail or maybe their customers are late paying them. Whatever the reason may be, it can be a tricky situation to deal with. Here are five things to always remember when dealing with these customers.

Try to get specifics

The best way to catch someone in a lie is to simply ask them to provide specifics. If they claim their customers are late on paying, ask how many customers and when are they expected to pay. If they say the check is in the mail, ask when it was mailed or for a tracking number. You do not want to come off aggressive, but forcing them to give you more than a basic excuse may foil their plans.

Listen

Do not dismiss what they are saying just because you believe it is an excuse. Listen to them and try to determine whether their reason is valid or not. In some cases, the check may actually be in the mail or their reason for late payment could be very legitimate. Your goal is to get paid as quickly as possible, not catch them in a lie.

Be Professional

Dealing with a customer who makes excuses can be a frustrating job, but at the end of the day yelling or
getting annoyed with them will accomplish nothing. In fact, losing your composure can actually delay the payment more than it already is.

Put yourself in their shoes

Very few customers enjoy making excuses. They are typically making these excuses because it is their only option. Clearly, you still need to get paid, but it is important to remember that very few customers make excuses because they want to be in this situation.

Give them a way out and agree on a solution.

This may seem like an odd thing to do, but people rarely like to admit they were lying. You are more likely to get what you need if you give them a way to save face. This not only gives you what you want, but it allows your business relationship with your customer to remain on good terms.

Sometimes customers are giving you an excuse because they have no intention of paying. You will figure this out quickly if you listen, maintain your professionalism and agree on a solution. If they fail to follow through on their promises then their actions have given you the answer.