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Management Smarts Tips and trends for growing your business

By Jacquelyn Lynn

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In the ongoing battle to get paid on time, two of your mosteffective weapons are well-designed invoices and billingstatements. Start by understanding the document's purpose,advises Frank Uhlman, a collections expert at the Commercial LawLeague of America.

"The invoice describes a particular purchase," Uhlmansays. "Statements, or bills, are usually sent monthly and listthe invoice numbers and dollar amounts of purchases and paymentsmade during the billing period."

Clarity is a critical element of both documents. "Theinvoice should contain enough information to deflect anypossibility of a delayed payment because of confusion as to whatthe bill is for," Uhlman says.

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