When to send a statment to a customer

PaulaS

A very basic question I know, and probably more than one answer.

I thought a statement was sent if a customer owes the company money, or if they request one.

So if a customer has just been sent an invoice with 30 days to pay it, and that is the only invoice outstanding, surely a statement would not be sent until after the 30 days if the invoice has not been paid. Surely it is a waste of time (and money if it is a hard copy and you post it) sending a statement a week after sending the invoice.

I have been told that some companies only pay to statement and that if you don't send one, they won't pay - is this correct?

MarieNoelle

I would think the invoice is the legally binding document requesting the payment. A statement is just that - a report of debits and credits with the balance.
I would only send a statement if the client has made payments on accounts and there is an outstanding amount to settle. But usually an email or phone call is enough to sort it out.

PaulaS

Thanks MarieNoelle. My colleague at work insists on sending a statement out about a week after sending the invoice, even though the customer doesn't owe any money except for that invoice. I have said this is a waste of postage as she prints them all, but she won't take any notice.