More and more online stores are enabling their customers to order products on invoice. This is convenient and builds trust – because the customer only has to pay once the goods have arrived. However, for the store operators, this means: They are advancing funds.

The goods are shipped, the invoice is included – and then it’s a matter of: waiting and hoping that the transfer is made on time. But what if the payment is absent? What if the customer simply forgets the invoice – or consciously does not pay? At the latest, this is when it becomes apparent whether the store’s dunning process is professionally and efficiently organized.

1. Online stores sell on invoice – but bear the full risk

Whether fashion, electronics, dietary supplements, or B2B items – many online stores offer products that can be paid easily by invoice. This payment method is very popular as it offers maximum security for the customer. However, for the retailers, it comes with a clear risk:

• The goods are already with the customer

• The invoice is created and sent

• The payment is still pending

With every order on invoice, the store assumes the risk that the payment might be delayed or completely omitted – whether due to forgetfulness, indecision, or lack of willingness to pay.

2. The dunning process begins – often too late or inefficiently

If the payment is not received, a process begins that costs many online retailers a lot of time and resources: the dunning process.

Yet often this does not occur systematically:

• Dunning deadlines are not met

• Reminders are created manually

• Payment reminders are overlooked

• Customers do not receive clear escalation communication

The result: The default in payment drags on – or is never settled.

3. When even the reminder doesn’t help: The next step is crucial

Not every customer responds to a reminder. Some deliberately ignore it, others are unreachable or claim they never received the invoice. At this stage, the online store should initiate a professional subsequent process.

Because: Time is money – and each unpaid invoice strains liquidity.

If the outstanding receivable is processed internally for too long or even forgotten, there's a looming threat of not only monetary loss but also significant additional back-office effort. A clearly structured transition from dunning to debt collection processing is essential here.

4. How professional dunning processes work in online retailing – with KLEVERBILL

Online shops that sell products on account should not rely on luck and patience. Instead, they require an automated, legally compliant, and customer-friendly dunning process – with escalation levels, clear deadlines, and smooth transition into debt collection.

This is where KLEVERBILL comes into play.

KLEVERBILL is the ideal solution for online stores that offer their products on account – and wish to automate their payment security.

Your benefits with KLEVERBILL:

✅ Fully automated dunning processes – tailored to your customer target group

✅ Clear management of outstanding items

✅ Seamless transition to debt collection – professional, reliable, effective

✅ 100% enforceable receivables without cost risk for the shop

✅ Time savings & liquidity protection

With KLEVERBILL, you not only send invoices but also ensure they are paid – without additional effort, without friction losses.

Offering invoices – but please with a system

The purchase on account remains a strong driver of sales in e-commerce – but only if it is securely organized. Online stores that offer products on account must structure their dunning processes digitally to minimize payment defaults.

KLEVERBILL provides the right solution – fully automatically, scalable, and directly connected to a debt collection service provider.