Selling on credit is common practice in many shops. It keeps regular customers coming back and increases sales. But when debts are tracked carelessly, the owner never gets part of that money back.
Here’s how to keep customer debts in order.
The problem with a debt notebook
When debts live in a notebook:
- entries get lost or become unreadable;
- disputes start: “But I already paid that”;
- nobody knows how much money is tied up in credit;
- information is lost when cashiers change.
1. Keep a record for every customer
A name and phone number are essential. Mark wholesale buyers separately — they usually buy more, on longer terms.
2. Link each debt to a sale
Debts shouldn’t be written down separately: during the sale, choose the customer and mark the unpaid part as credit. That way it’s always clear which goods the debt is for.
3. Record payments immediately
Even when a customer pays in instalments, record each payment right away. The remaining balance should update automatically, so “how much is left?” always has an instant answer.
4. Set a credit limit
Decide on a maximum debt for each customer. This reduces risk, especially with new customers.
5. Review debts weekly
At the end of each week, open your debt list: who hasn’t paid in a while? A friendly reminder is usually enough.
6. Don’t forget your own debts
Your shop may owe suppliers too. Seeing both sides — customer debts and your debts — in one place gives you a real picture of your cash flow.
Summary
Selling on credit isn’t the problem — disorganised credit is. When every debt is tied to a sale, every payment is recorded straight away and the total is always visible, you keep both the customer and your money.
In OnHasap, credit sales, customer and wholesale debts, and what you owe suppliers are all in one section. See pricing.