Tired of Chasing Invoices? Here’s How to Take Control of Receivables and Cash Flow

If you're constantly checking your bank balance and wondering why your revenue isn't translating into real cash, uncollected invoices might be the culprit. For contractors and small business owners, outstanding receivables can quietly stall your growth and drain your energy. At Freedom Line Accounting & Tax, we help you shift from reaction mode to a place of clarity and control—so you're not chasing payments, you're managing them strategically.

Why Receivables Management Should Be a Priority

Cash flow is the lifeline of any business. And yet, according to a recent QuickBooks® study, 60% of small businesses experience cash flow stress every year—largely due to late payments.

Whether you’re coordinating events, managing short-term rentals, or offering beauty and wellness services, uncollected revenue can snowball fast. The good news? With the right approach and systems, you can stay ahead of it.

Make QuickBooks® Online Work for You

Let’s walk through a few no-fluff tactics you can use inside QuickBooks® Online to get clarity—and control—over your receivables.

1. Run Your A/R Aging Summary

Go to: Reports > Who Owes You > Accounts Receivable Aging Summary

This gives you a clear snapshot of which invoices are current, 30, 60, or 90+ days overdue. It helps you prioritize follow-ups and identify clients that may need a firmer payment policy.

2. Automate Your Invoice Reminders

Navigate to: Gear Icon > Account and Settings > Sales > Reminders

You can schedule polite, automated nudges to remind clients of outstanding invoices—so you’re not chasing payments by phone or email every week.

3. Customize Payment Terms Per Client

Different clients need different terms. Whether you’re on retainer or charging per project, tailoring due dates and payment windows can prevent confusion and encourage timely payment.

Example: A mobile hair stylist may request 7-day terms, while a rental property manager prefers 30 days. Match your payment terms to the nature of the service.


Freedom Line Pro Tip: Set a Weekly Receivables Rhythm

Make checking your A/R Aging Summary a weekly habit. Cross-reference it with your bank feed to ensure all incoming payments are recorded. We suggest setting a recurring calendar reminder to follow up on any invoice over 60 days past due. Stay proactive—don’t wait until tax season to find out you’re short on cash.


When Late Payments Signal a Bigger Problem

If overdue invoices are becoming the norm, it’s time to rethink your approach. Here are some practical strategies we recommend to improve collections and preserve client relationships:

  • Request deposits upfront for large jobs or event bookings

  • Offer early-payment discounts, such as 2% off if paid within 10 days

  • Enforce late fees (just be sure they align with state guidelines)

  • Use recurring invoices for retainer clients or membership-based services

These small adjustments can significantly reduce aging receivables—and save you from unnecessary cash flow drama.


Let Freedom Line Help You Reclaim Your Time (and Your Cash)

With the right systems in QuickBooks® Online and a support team who gets it, managing receivables doesn’t have to consume your day. At Freedom Line Accounting & Tax, we help service-based business owners create seamless, automated workflows so you can focus on growing—not collecting.

Ready to stop chasing payments and start optimizing your cash flow? Book your complimentary consultation today. Let’s build a receivables process that works—so your business can run smoother, stronger, and stress-free.

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