Easy Methods to Create Letters of Notification for Your Service Business

By Lanee’ Blunt

A good service business can get all outstanding funds.

When someone owes you money in your service business and doesn’t choose to pay in response to your regular billing, then it's possible you'll begin writing letters for notification. This is the first stage in the collection process for your service business. It allows you to have a business relationship with the client. Quite often, a client will give you no trouble in coming up with a payment, but occasionally you’ll get clients that won’t pay and you will need to send a notification cover letter.

Difficulty

Moderately Challenging

Things you’ll need

Client contact information

Step 1

Send copies of former bills. In the early stages start the process by sending repeated bills to the client. On the bills write reminder to indicate that you’re giving them the opportunity pay you. Write a polite cover letter urging the recipient to start payment on the overdue bill.

Step 2

Start the notification letter by using a double space under your salutation. In this paragraph write the overdue balance that is owed to the service business, the account number, and date. Remind the client that there has not been a payment received for services you provided. The most common request is that your client has lost the invoice.

Step 3

Start your second paragraph by a double space and informing the client in a respectful tone that you’re assuming the fact that some mistake has resulted in their lack of payment. For example, “I felt sure your payment would be here presently. Please send the payment by mail so you can continue to receive the services you’ve been receiving.” The letter ought not to sound too harsh because there is another stage of “severity for letters” that follows the notification letter.

Step 4

Close the letter. With a friendly but firm tone that your payment should be mailed before you continue any services for the client. If the payment had been mailed please ignore your letter.

Tips

Mail the letter when you don’t hear anything within couple of weeks, then send another letter. Instead of losing an account from decline of payment it’s far better to send letters of notification to your service customers.

See also

• Creating a Marketing Brochure

Reference:

“Accounting Best Practices”; Steven M. Bragg, 2010

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Best Small Businesses to Start

By Lanee’ Blunt

There are many profitable
business to start

You may be looking to start a small business this year. There are some  potential profitable businesses that you can start that will be in high demand in the coming year. Some of them have lower initial investments, but will make a profit. When you start your own business you need to make key financial decisions and complete a series of legal activities before you can open the business. The start-up requirements will depend on the type of business you are going in. Advertise your business for new customers.

Home Elderly Health Care

Start your own eldercare service. This can be a lucrative business because there is an increase in the elderly population and a need for this service.  Most adult children are looking for someone that they can trust to take care of their parents. If you want to make top wages you should take some classes in nursing. Home health eldercare is a popular alternative to nursing homes, and the startup is relatively low.  You will need business cards, website, brochures, and character references.

Consulting

Do you have experience in an existing job?  Work as a consultant. Put your skills and experience to work and hire your services out on an hourly rate or a flat fee as a freelancer.  Corporate layoffs have made a lot of people repurpose their skills and do what they have done for years, but for themselves.  There is a demand for consultants for public relations damage control, minimize financial losses, and help companies save money, according to Inc.com. Market your consulting business and find work online or send direct mail to local companies and corporations.

eCommerce Website

The first thing you are going to need is a plan. Opening an ecommerce store requires little overhead, and the startup cost is low. You might want to sell many of your own products, or work with wholesalers when opening your own ecommerce store. When approaching wholesale suppliers make sure you understand the volume discounts, return policies, and order processing time.

Reference:

Inc: The Best Industries for Starting a Business Right Now

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How to Open a Courier Service Business

By Lanee’ Blunt

When you open a courier service business you will have a variety of different options to consider. Will your service deliver envelopes and small packages, or large cargoes?   Some courier services deliver sensitive medical and industrial chemicals, or perishable goods, so deciding what your service company will deliver up front will help because you will have to invest in specialty trucks to handle refrigeration.  Some couriers specialize in court filings and deliveries to and from law offices.

Start your own delivery business

A business plan will be required if you are going to request financing. It can help you by getting you a business loan and investors. Include in the plan the name of your company, what your business hours will be, and the types of vehicles your company will use for transporting goods.

Business License

You must set up your business as a legal entity. Decide which form of ownership is best for your particular business: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, or S corporation. Obtain a business license from your state.  Take the commercial driver's license exam at your local motor vehicles department. Purchase commercial license plate, commercial vehicle, and commercial auto insurance.

Equipment

When you first start your courier service business you will need a car, if you are delivering large parcels you will need a truck.  Work with what you have when opening your business. You will need a cell phone, clipboard and GPS system or maps.  A computer with a printer so that you can create and maintain invoices, tax records and contact information.

Reference:

Courierpros:What You Need When Starting Out
[Image of a Courier](n.d).Retrieved from http://www.1stamericancourier.com/

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