There have been quite a few complaints from publishers about late or non payment from Baker & Taylor. Some have stopped sending books to the large distributor because of past due invoices, some over 180 days old. Part of the problem is no response, it is bad enough when you are not getting paid, but when orders keep coming in and you are not getting any acknowledgement to your collection efforts, you just can't keep sending books, says one publisher.

There are steps publishers can take to get paid on those past due invoices and keep new invoices current.

Step #1Gather together all the past due invoices, and stamp them PAST DUE.
Step #2If you have an email address or phone number with a contact name at Baker & Taylor, email them or call them and give them the information on the past due invoices and let them know their account is on hold.
Step #3Mail the invoices to Baker & Taylor with return receipt requested or send them in a flat rate Priority Mail envelope with delivery confirmation.
Step #4Send a letter with these invoices stating the age, invoice numbers, their PO#, your account #, total amount due, and any other pertinent information.
Step #5Tell them their account is on hold and you will not be shipping any more books to them until these invoices are paid. You can include a self addressed envelope and state that you have enclosed an envelope for them to send their check. Give them a date, to have this paid to you.

If you would like a free sample letter to use, please email me at michelle@michelledunn.com with B & T past due letter in the subject line.

Once they have received the package, email or call them. Ask them what they are doing with the invoices. Ask them questions such as:

Do they have to be approved by someone else?
If they have to be approved, who has to approve them and when will they give them to that person? Get that person's direct number if possible. Find out if that person signs the checks.
Are there any discrepancies with the invoices?
When will the check be cut? When can you call back for the check number?

Once all the past due balances are cleared up, you need to think about future invoices. Do you want to extend credit again or do you want to have pre-payment or payment at the time of the order. Whatever you decide put it in writing. If you can both sign the agreement, that is even better. Remember, having a credit policy in place tells people you mean business.


About the Author
Michelle Dunn has over 17 years experience in Credit and Debt collection. She is a writer, consultant and Editorial Advisor for Eli Financial. Michelle has been featured in Ladies Home Journal, PC World, Home Business Magazine, Home Business Journal, Entrepreneur, Professional Collector, Home Based Business for Dummies, Shameless Marketing for Brazen Hussies, and was a featured guest on (NPR) National Public Radio.