Typical Payment Terms When Wholesaling

Typical standard payment terms for selling to gift stores is Net 30 days.  In other words, you deliver or ship your products and in 30 days the retailer will pay for the order.  Originally, Net 30 terms are used so the retailer to have time to sell some of your products before needing to pay for them.

Credit card payment is another standard payment method that is becoming more popular with gift store buyers — especially when taking first-time orders from small stores.

Now, let’s talk about each payment term individually.

Net 30 Days Terms

•    If you plan to use Net 30 terms, I highly recommend you ask for prepayment on all first time orders – especially if you are working with a new store (open less than a year).  Stores that are owned by a management company or have a separate bookkeeping department may not be able to prepay orders, but if you work with the buyers, you will have a better chance of getting paid quicker than if you did not ask for prepayment. (NOTE:  Most larger box style stores will not be able to prepay you, so be prepared!)

•    While processing the first order, ask for a credit sheet that lists at least 3 references, bank information and person responsible for paying the bills.  Although this will not ensure you will receive payment on time, the information helps determine whether or not the store is a good risk.

•    Unfortunately, with the slow economy, Net 30 can turn into 60 or even 90 days before you receive your payment.  You must keep contacting the store for payment if they are late.  If you don’t, the buyer/bookkeeper will assume that you are not serious about receiving timely payments.

Credit Card Payments   Typical Payment Terms When Wholesaling

•    Payment by credit card is great, in my opinion, for generating quick cash flow.  You receive your money in just a few days without worrying about generating invoices, mailing statements or making collection calls.

•    If you plan to use credit cards as a means of payment, you need a merchant account.  Merchant accounts can be set up through your bank or various internet offers.   Prepare ahead of time as merchant accounts are timely to set up.   Merchant account companies charge various extra fees per transaction as well as month gateway fees, so make sure you investigate your options before deciding to accept credit card payments.

•    Having the ability to accept credit card payments makes your company look more professional.  Believe it or not, looking professional translates into more (and possibly bigger) sales.

paypal_group_03•    Pay via credit card with PayPal. Using PayPal is quickly becoming a good option for accepting payments from retailers — especially if you have a website with online ordering.  But beware, you may need to get back to your buyer to remind them if you chose to email a PayPal invoice to them.

Other payment terms which are not as common are as follows:

•    2% Net 10.   If the store pays their bill in ten days rather than 30 days, they can deduct 2% from the total due.

•    Net 60 or 90 days.  If you wish to get your product on the shelf quickly but have the cash flow to wait longer for payment, this is a good option.  I used Net 60-90 to promote early sales during a very slow season.

•    Pay half the invoice amount when the order is shipped or delivered and pay the balance due in 30 days.  I used this option with a store that was historically late with their payments.

The Arts Business Institute published an article  — Set Your Payment Terms — that you may want to review

Whichever terms you decide to use, remember to investigate all your options and be well prepared when offering these terms to your potential buyers.

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