Invoice on Delivery, Not Despatch

Invoice on Delivery, Not Despatch: A Smarter Approach to Customer Billing

The Hidden Cost of Optimistic Invoicing

In the world of logistics and order fulfillment, timing is everything - especially when it comes to invoicing. Many businesses using third-party carriers fall into a common trap: they invoice customers the moment an order is despatched, optimistically assuming the delivery will be successful.

But what happens when it isn't?

The Problem: When Invoices Arrive Before Parcels

Picture this scenario: Your customer receives an invoice for goods that haven't arrived yet. The delivery failed, was delayed, or went to the wrong address. Now you're facing:

- Frustrated customers questioning charges for items they haven't received

- Increased support tickets as customers reach out for clarification

- Finance team burden creating return orders, processing credit notes, and reconciling accounts

- Cash flow complications when invoices need to be reversed or adjusted

- Damaged customer relationships from what feels like premature billing

This "invoice on despatch" approach might seem efficient, but it creates friction at the very moment you want to delight your customers - when they're expecting their order.

The Solution: Invoice on Delivery with Tilted Carriers

What if you could eliminate this problem entirely? With the Tilted Carriers addon for Sage 200, you can shift from optimistic invoicing to confident, delivery-based billing.

Here's how it works:

✓ Enable carrier tracking integration directly within Sage 200

✓ Capture real-time delivery confirmations from your carriers

✓ Automatically trigger invoicing only when delivery is confirmed successful

This means invoices are generated based on actual deliveries, not hopeful assumptions.

The Business Impact

By invoicing on delivery rather than despatch, businesses can:

- Improve customer satisfaction by ensuring invoices align with received goods

- Reduce finance workload by eliminating unnecessary credit notes and adjustments

- Strengthen cash flow accuracy with invoices that reflect completed transactions

- Minimize disputes and support queries related to billing

- Build trust through transparent, delivery-aligned billing practices

Moving Forward

In an era where customer experience is paramount, the details matter. Something as simple as when you send an invoice can make the difference between a delighted customer and a frustrated one.

If your business uses Sage 200 and third-party carriers, it's worth asking: Are you invoicing based on what's been sent, or what's been received?

The Tilted Carriers addon offers a straightforward way to align your invoicing with reality and your customers will thank you for it.

For more information about Carriers for Sage 200 and its order tracking functionality, or to discuss how it could transform your logistics operations, contact us today.