American Nurseryman -Jan 2012

just not at the 11th hour Whats the worst a vendor can say no To vendors I suggest updating your credit applications if you havent done so in a while and be sure you have current signed apps on file There is nothing worse than calling a customer upon shipping to remind them their order is coming COD and hearing I didnt know it was COD This year call customers earlier than ever before so you can resolve any dispute prior to the truck being loaded and while you still have options Over the years one thing that absolutely got me were customers who acted like they were entitled to extended terms beyond reason If you choose to do business with customers like cities that will not pay for 120 days dont ass u me that your vendors will gladly wait especially if you dont ask for those extended terms beforehand Vendors are not your lending institution Look even normally good paying customers can have a hard time paying promptly But if for whatever reason you cant pay your bill then I cant emphasize enough how crucial communication between you and your vendor is Most people are willing to work with you if you just talk to them For some I think non communication is simply an issue of natural procrastination or perhaps pride they dont want to admit they need a little help We all need help at some time or another and we shouldnt be ashamed to ask for it If your vendor calls for payment even if you dont have a concrete answer or the answer you know theyll be looking for at least take the call or return their call promptly Dont avoid them They will respect you more for your honesty Everyone has different philosophies on business But in my experience which was learned the hard way when youre a vendor trying to collect money youre more likely to succeed with honey then you are with vinegar If the business owner isnt the one making the collection calls then you should really know what kind of impression your A R person is leaving with your customer When it comes to A R or A P or just business in general we may need to stop and think am I treating this customer the way Id like to be treated And if not consider this You may think you dont really need that customer today but will you need them tomorrow www amerinursery com American Nurseryman JANUARY 2012 13