Sometimes you will get a check from someone and when you go to post the payment you see it is just a partial payment. You scrounge through your trash for the envelope to see if there is a letter, credit memo or any indication as to why this is a portion of what is due and what about the balance?
This happens more than you think, partial payments are received with no prior conversation and no explanation. You should assume the customer is trying to make a good faith payment but could not afford to send the full amount. It can also mean there was a problem with the order or shipment or service and your customer is not telling you.
When you receive a partial payment like this, your best bet is to call or send a letter thanking them for that payment and telling them what the balance due is. Your call to action in that letter will be to ask for the balance due in full, include a payment envelope and even include a date you need the payment in your office by.
If the customer could not afford to pay in full, this may prompt them to make the payment in full or call you if there is still an issue.
By thanking them for the payment and following up on what the balance is and what you want them to do about it, you show them that you are on top of your cash flow and need to keep it flowing smoothly. Nothing can get by you.
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