Accounts Receivable In The Cannabis Industry

By Danny Batler

Accounts receivable (AR) is an important part of any business, but are especially important in the cannabis industry. AR is the money owed to a business by its customers for goods or services that have been delivered but not yet paid for. It is a key component of cash flow and a major asset to any cannabis business.

Unfortunately, AR can also be the source of many problems for cannabis businesses. Delayed payments, bad debt, and other issues can lead to cash flow problems and put a strain on the business. Here are some of the most common AR problems in the cannabis industry and how to fix them.

Delayed Payments: One of the most typical AR issues in the cannabis sector is delayed payments. Customers may take longer than expected to pay their invoices, causing cash flow issues. To address this, firms could try offering early payment incentives, such as discounts or other awards. They can also consider setting up automated payment reminders to keep clients informed of payment deadlines.

Bad Debt: Another typical AR concern in the cannabis sector is bad debt. This happens when consumers are unable to pay their invoices, either due to financial constraints or for other reasons. To reduce the risk of bad debt, businesses should consider implementing credit checks on customers before extending credit.

Inaccurate Invoicing: This happens when bills are incorrect or missing vital information, such as the customer's name or address. To address this, firms should ensure that all invoices are accurate and full. They should also consider implementing automated invoicing systems to assure accuracy and limit the possibility of errors.

Lack Of Automation: This occurs when firms rely on manual processes to manage their AR, such as manually inputting data into spreadsheets or manually issuing invoices. To address this, organizations should consider implementing automated AR solutions to speed their procedures and reduce the chance of errors. By addressing these common AR problems, cannabis businesses can ensure that their AR processes are efficient and effective. This will help them to maintain a healthy cash flow and ensure that their customers are paying their invoices on time.

In addition to addressing the common AR problems, cannabis businesses should also consider implementing various strategies to collect their AR. This includes setting up automated payment reminders, offering incentives for early payment, and setting up payment plans. In severe cases they should even think about using a third-party collection agency to help them collect on overdue outstanding accounts receivables. 

In the cannabis industry, nobody collects accounts receivables better than CannaBIZ Collects. CannaBIZ Collects is a specialized cannabis collection agency with over three decades of experience in the debt collection field. Our team has successfully recovered over ten million dollars for our over six hundred clients. We understand the unique challenges that come with collecting payments in the cannabis industry, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible service. For more information about CannaBIZ Collects or to learn more about debt collection in the cannabis industry head to CannaBiz Collects.

About Author: Brett Gelfand

Brett is an accomplished entrepreneur in the cannabis industry, with a talent for building successful brands and businesses. His career began in 2015 as CEO of a vertically integrated cannabis company in Colorado, where he gained extensive knowledge of the industry.

Later, Brett co-founded, PAQcase, a specialty child-resistant cannabis packaging business and served as CEO, successfully developing innovative packaging solutions that established the company as a leader in the space. His leadership and strategic vision were instrumental in achieving a successful exit in 2022.

Currently, as Managing Partner of CannaBIZ Collects, the nation’s first and leading cannabis collection agency, Brett leverages his expertise to help cannabis businesses navigate the complex legal and financial landscape related to credit and collections.

With a BBA in Finance from The University of Georgia, Brett brings a unique blend of business acumen and financial expertise to his work. Passionate about driving innovation in the industry, Brett continues to explore new opportunities and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs from his home base in St. Petersburg, FL.