Have you provided a good or service to a customer who is now slow to pay? Are your outreaches of additional invoices, phone calls, and more proving unfruitful? Maybe it’s time to up your ETHOS!
Ethos is defined as “the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution” (Ethos Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster). As it relates to business, think of ethos as being credible or knowledgeable on the subject being discussed.
When asking for a payment (in person, phone, email, etc.), use ethos as a way to show your customer that payment is reasonable and overdue. Show your credibility in the following ways.
– Discuss the work done and how it relates to the work requested. If there are details on the customer signing off, picking up goods, or commenting positively on the work, mention these.
– State the work was done and the agreement of a timely payment has not occurred.
Utilize your pathos (emotions) and logos (logic) along with your ethos to bring resolution to the receivable by asking for a “good faith” payment with a future payment plan or payment in full!
Learn more about pathos at Using Your Pathos To Collect Past Dues (beyondgreensolutions.com) and logos at Using Your Logos To Collect Past Dues (beyondgreensolutions.com).
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