// THE SCENE
Suresh. Nashik. Industrial fittings supplier.
Rs 85L outstanding across 40+ clients.
His accountant Priya: checks Tally, makes a list, calls each one.
Some get angry. Some claim invoice never received.
Some genuinely forgot.
Meanwhile: Suresh borrows from bank at 18% per annum.
To fund production. While clients sit on his money.
// THE COST
DSO: 60 days. For Rs 5Cr turnover: Rs 82L locked in receivables.
At 18% borrowing cost: Rs 14.7L/year in interest.
Rs 14.7L/year in interest. On money that's already his.
Priya spends 3 hrs/day chasing. Could be invoicing new orders.
// THE FIX
7 days before due: polite WhatsApp to client with invoice PDF.
"Sirf yaad dila rahe hain — invoice #1234 due on 15th April."
1 day before: gentle nudge.
3 days overdue: Suresh gets flagged. He calls.
Helpful assistant. Not collection agency. Tone matters.
Client can reply "paid" or "need 5 days." System tracks it.
// THE MATH
DSO drops from 60 to 45 days.
Rs 20.8L freed in working capital.
Interest saved: Rs 3.7L/year.
Priya's time freed for invoicing new business.
Cost: Rs 29,999. Pays for itself 12x over every year.