🎅 Santa’s List Day: Are Your Customers on the ‘Good’ List? 🎅

Today, 4th December, is 'Santa’s List Day'—the day when Father Christmas decides who’s been good and who’s been, well... not so good. While Santa’s criteria might focus on behaviour, in the business world, we operate a similar system: prompt payers versus non-payers.

It’s a festive reminder that knowing who you’re dealing with in your customer base is just as important as knowing who’s naughty or nice.

🎁 The ‘Good’ Customers

Good customers honour agreements, pay on time, and value the relationship. They’re the ones you can trust to keep the sleigh (or your cash flow) running smoothly.

But even ‘good’ customers can hit rough patches. Regular communication is key - checking in and offering solutions like payment plans can help keep them firmly on the nice list

❄️ The ‘Bad’ Customers

Then there are the not-so-good customers. These might include:

• Chronic late payers.
• Those who dispute invoices without good reason.
• And the most challenging—those who disappear without settling their debts.

Dealing with these customers can feel like trying to find a snowflake in a blizzard. But fear not—there are ways to manage them without losing your festive cheer.

🎄 Practical Tips for Staying on Santa’s ‘Nice’ Side

1. Credit Checks Are Crucial Just as Santa checks his list twice, you should be running regular credit checks on both new and existing customers. Circumstances change, and staying informed about your customers’ financial health can save you from unwelcome surprises.
2. Clear Terms and Conditions A well-drafted agreement can work wonders. Make sure your terms and conditions are unambiguous and include clear payment terms—it’s much harder for customers to dispute invoices when everything is clearly documented.
3. Send Invoices Promptly The earlier you issue an invoice, the sooner you’re likely to be paid. Don’t let delays on your end push you to the back of their payment queue.
4. Follow Up Without Delay A polite but firm reminder can go a long way. Following up quickly on overdue invoices is far more effective than waiting until they’re months overdue.
5. Know When to Escalate (pun entirely intended...) Sometimes, despite your best efforts, certain customers require a stronger approach. When that time comes, it’s important to act decisively—whether that’s issuing a formal letter or bringing in professional support.

At Escalate Disputes , we specialise in helping businesses tackle non-payers and resolve disputes. Whether your customers are on your naughty list or just need a gentle nudge, we’re here to ensure you receive what you’re owed.

After all, Santa’s job might be delivering presents, but ours is delivering results. 🎁

Is it time to review your list and make sure your customers are paying up? Let us help you turn your ‘naughty’ customers into prompt payers this festive season. 🎅✨

Escalate Disputes is a multi-award winning litigation law firm delivering the number one packaged solution for commercial disputes up to £2 million. 🏆