Billing & Receivables

The online backlash against the carrier's plan to charge for online payments illustrates for small businesses the real power of social media feedback.

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Protect Your Business Against a Customer Bankruptcy

By Rieva Lesonsky | Filed In: Finance

It's a fact of life: customers and suppliers sometimes go belly up without warning. Learn how to protect your business against other companies' failures.

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5 Half-Truths You May Have to Tell Your Banker

Filed In: Financing & Credit and Finance

When the going gets tough, even the tough dread banking. That's why these five phrases are indispensible -- even if they're not always 100 percent accurate.

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If I Factor, Will I Lose Customers?

By Tom Klausen | Filed In: Financing & Credit and Finance

It's a common myth that factoring will lose a business customers. Here's the real scoop.

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Why You Should Check Your Customers' Credit

By Don Sadler | Filed In: Financing & Credit and Finance

Learn why it's critical that you establish sound policies and procedures for checking the credit quality of customers before granting them payment terms.

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How to Check Your Customers' Credit

By Don Sadler | Filed In: Financing & Credit and Finance

Before you grant credit, it's vital that you minimize the risk of nonpayment or slow payment, which can throw a wrench in your cash flow cycle.

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The Difference Between Working Capital and Equity Financing

By Tom Klausen | Filed In: Financing & Credit and Finance

It is crucial that small business owners take the time to look at all financing options available to them, and make sure they understand how each works.

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What Businesses Should Know About Merchant Cash Advances

By Tim Devaney and Tom Stein | Filed In: Financing & Credit and Finance

The merchant cash advance industry is growing fast, but small business owners who consider the option need to know the downsides.

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Note to Merchants: Like It or Not, Chip Cards Are Coming

By Tim Devaney and Tom Stein | Filed In: Security and Technology

Merchants that don't want to pay for an expensive chip-card reader could end up paying a lot more if a fraud is committed.

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Gridlock in Washington, Progress on Main Street

By Tim Devaney and Tom Stein | Filed In: Financing & Credit and Finance

While our elected 'leaders' drive nation to the brink, small-business owners start putting people back to work.

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Collecting Payment from International Customers

By David Worrell | Filed In: Accounting & Budgeting and Finance

There are seven smart tactics that can help your small business manage the financial risk of international accounts receivable.

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5 Steps to Help Your Business Prevent Overdue Accounts

Filed In: Operations

Most businesses deal with customers that have less-than-perfect credit records. Here's how to manage the risk while still building good business relationships.

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What to Do When a Customer's Check Bounces

Filed In: Operations

Many customers still pay for goods and services by check, and it's important to understand your options when a customers check fails to clear.

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Crafting a Late-Fee Policy for Your Small Business

Filed In: Operations

It's important to have a late-fee policy for collecting on past-due invoices. Here are some tips for crafing a fair and effective policy.

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How to Optimize Your Merchant Services

Filed In: Business Planning and Finance

Offering your customers several payment options is a necessity in today’s business world. Here’s how to do so while still saving on merchant account fees.

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