Atradius has published a guide on late payment that lists seventeen common excuses (from “we lost the invoice” to “cash-flow issues” and “bank delays”) and recommends clear, consistent follow-up. Practical steps include resending the invoice, confirming details, requesting evidence (payment confirmations or references), and pursuing partial payment for undisputed amounts. Atradius highlights three “golden rules”: demand evidence, time-box every conversation with firm dates, and link behaviour to consequences such as tighter terms, service restrictions and escalation. Atradius concludes that recurring excuses can indicate rising credit risk and stresses that “having credit insurance and access to professional collections can make all the difference when payment delays start piling up.” To read Atradius’ article, go to https://atradius.co.uk/knowledge-and-research/resources/dealing-with-late-payment-excuses.