[Mrs Nicholls]

Hi

I have decided to give it another shot into asking customers to pay directly through the bank instead of leaving cheques for cleaners.

not sure how to word it though, anyone got any ideas?

Thanks
Lisa

[*Chris Browne]

On your invoices that you send out, on the other side just print out your bank details explaining that if they want to pay direct these are your details..

Chris

[Joe H]

I have had about 50% of my customers paying by standing order for about 14 years now.
They pay the same amount every month irrespective of 5 week months or cleaner on hols etc.
They go in credit or debit just like one does with gas/elec.
Review it all once a year.

For those that dont want ot do that I give the option of internet banking - just give them my bank details and ask them to pay by the 10th of the month.

Obviously need to check bank statements (or online bank statements) carefully but it works well.

[Mrs Nicholls]

Thanks for the replies,

its the domestic customers who we have chqs from. We dont invoice them every week, they just give payment in an envelope to the cleaner.

commercials pay direct to bank mostly, so not really a problem there.

When we do invoice our bank details are at the bottom.

I just thought a letter to explain that payments system is changing to become more enviro friendly and to make chqs redundant, might solve a few probs.

i'll have another think about it

[garyj]

Just go to your bank and get a direct debit mandate or 10 and go around to your customers and get them to fill them in while you wait, take them into your bank, job done.

( might need a standing order mandate, not sure which one you need but ask at the bank ).

[dustdees]

I have just chamged over from accepting cheques to bank transfer only. Cuts down bank charges, admin time, etc. All my customers prefer that method. If they want to pay by cheque then it has to be by arrangement and I charge a fee of £1 per issude cheque. All my transfer client pay one month in advance too, which cuts down chasing money and stuff. 80% of my client pay in the manner, so much easier all round!!!

I still accept cash tho.

[Bertie Boo]

Lisa

Many of my clients pay by internet banking. If you are thinking of making changes to the way your business runs i would think long and hard about saying that its because of your concern for the environment that you wish to make these alterations. As you know yourself from going into houses and seeing how wasteful folk are, a lot of people dont give a toss about the environment and as such may not really take much notice of your plight.

I dont see a problem in pointing out that to pay on-line (or indeed by phone banking) will enable you to run your service more smoothly (which is the real truth behind it) but be prepared for those who prefer the good old cheque book and those who say they will pay by internet banking but always forget to pay you.

cheers stephen

[Mrs Nicholls]

There are 2 reasons why i want to change payments, one is smooth running and the other is the environment. i am a recycle nut, hate to see waste. I guess others dont think its that important. ie customers.

i'll be putting a note at the bottom of my invoices and short letters to customers (some are monthly invoiced), see what happens.

Thanks
Lisa
x

[dg-cleaning]

lisa I know how you feel about the environment, I recycle by using spray bottles and also never use aerosol products.However I think the point being made was just cos we do our bit for the environment doesn't mean other people feel it is as important an issue as others. Some clients may have a moan about it and you may just leave a cheque anyway using excuses like "sorry lost the mandate form " etc just cos it is easier for them.
If you however draft a letter explaining that your policy towards cheques is changing due to new charges. I don't like dealing in cheques cos my bank charges every time I make a cheque deposit. Use this as your reason and request either cash or standing order.Be direct, if clients wish to pay by cheque apply a 2.5% charge for paying via cheque and explain you will only be accepting payments over £75 via cheque.