Is your customer paying late? How to protect your cash flow in 2026
March 2026 - Late payments remain one of the biggest frustrations for SME entrepreneurs. Now that invoicing is fully digital via networks such as Peppol, many entrepreneurs expect faster payments. In reality, things are different. And every day of delay directly affects your cash flow.
An invoice for 10,000 euros that is paid 30 days late may not seem like a disaster. But if your fixed costs – wages, rent, suppliers – continue to run, you will have to pre-finance that amount yourself in the meantime. With multiple outstanding invoices, this can quickly add up. Especially in sectors with low margins, a structural delay of 10 to 15 days can mean the difference between comfortable business operations and constantly putting out fires.
What does the law say?
According to Belgian law, commercial transactions between companies are subject to a standard payment term of up to 30 days, unless otherwise agreed (with an absolute limit of 60 days).
Is your customer paying late? Then you are entitled to:
- interest on arrears (automatically payable)
- fixed compensation of at least €40
- possibly a contractually agreed penalty clause
Many entrepreneurs do not exercise these rights for fear of damaging customer relationships. But clear agreements are precisely what ensure professionalism.
5 concrete ways to protect your cash flow
1. Work with advance payments
For larger orders, ask for an advance payment of 20 to 40%. This reduces your risk and shows the customer's commitment.
2. Shorten your payment terms
30 days is not mandatory. 14 or 21 days is perfectly acceptable, especially for services.
3. Automate your reminders
Use your accounting software to send automatic reminders. Many customers simply “forget” to pay.
4. Consider factoring
With factoring, you sell your invoices to a financial partner. You get paid the majority of the amount immediately. This costs money, but it can give you peace of mind.
5. Don't be afraid to call sooner
A phone call often works better than a formal reminder email. Keep it businesslike and solution-oriented.
Digitization helps, but it is not a miracle cure
Although e-invoicing via Peppol ensures correct and structured transmission, in some cases invoices disappear technically in the system or are not processed correctly by the recipient. This increases the risk of late payment. Therefore, always check that your invoice has actually arrived and is being followed up. Technology takes a lot of work off your hands, but follow-up remains crucial.
