What if Your Clients Can’t Pay Because of the Government Shutdown

If your small business provides products and/or services to clients who are financially affected by the government shutdown, you may be wondering what your next step should be if your client cannot pay his or her bill. No matter what you choose to do (defer payment, cancel the contract, or set-up a new payment plan), consider following through on the five (5) steps below to protect your business; to maintain your customer care; and to keep the lines of communication open.

1. Determine what you are able to accept financially.  Before you speak with your client, speak with your advisors to determine what you are able to accept financially.  If you are in a position to allow your client to pay after the shutdown is over, consider that route first. (Especially if your client has been a good paying customer before the shutdown began.) If continuing services without pay presents a financial hardship to your small business, determine an alternative until you can resume services.

2. Reach out to your client(s). Keep all correspondence and redress professional and compassionate. Especially compassionate — This situation is beyond your client’s control.  And, your discussions with your client are still a part of your customer service.

3. Detail the new payment terms in a contract addendum.  If you make any changes to the payment terms, detail them in a contract addendum.  Then, you should sign it and get it signed by your client.

4. Discuss your updated accounts receivables with your accountant and your creditors.  If your client(s) lack of payment affects your ability to pay your creditors, contact them BEFORE your payment is due and notify them of the situation.  You don’t want this shutdown to affect your business’ credit.

5. Respect their privacy. Your client’s inability to pay is not a subject for Facebook groups or gossip.

Love and Soul Always, Kawania

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hey there trailblazer!

I’m Kawania (kuh won nee ah) and I own and lead two successful businesses in the creative industry.

When I started Howerton+Wooten Events in 2007, I found myself “googling” a bunch of business questions that aren’t always discussed in business books. You know what I’m talking about, right?!? Those “start up” challenges that keep you up until the wee hours in the morning.

Believe me, I’ve been there — That’s why I launched this blog. To provide you with a resource you can reference with those “middle of the night” questions as you launch, run and scale your own successful (and sustainable) business. There’s lots of information in this blog, so bookmark it and hit me up if you have any questions. We all need a little guidance every now and then, right? Take care friend. Keep shining!

Love and Soul Always, Kawania

Popular Business Post

5 Rules for Keeping Your Business Cash Flowing. The Enlightened Creative.

5 Rules for Keeping Your Business Cash Flowing

Popular Personal Post

Kawania Wooten and Chris Wooten. The Enlightened Creative.

Three Things My Husband Taught Me About His Life As An Entrepreneur’s Spouse

Brainery-Header

Become a “Brainery” Insider

Enter your name and email below to be the first to know about flash sales, new courses, product launches, and new blog posts.