A "SALE," by definition, is the "exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something." Without money, there is no such thing as a sale. If we are not collecting a customers payment, we are effectively giving our product away for free. No business will stay open if they are continually forced to give away their product. If the client is refusing to pay, they are guilty of stealing our product. This puts both the company and the sales person in the unenviable position of having to take extreme measures to collect the debt. Ultimately, the sales person is responsible for dropping the ball in both scenarios. In our business, closing a sales includes asking for and receiving payment. As a courtesy, Medibag allows hospitals and nursing homes to be invoiced for their payment. This is because many large businesses and organizations require extra time to process a check. This is understandable. However, all other types of businesses should be ready to at least make a downpayment the day the reservation agreement is signed. This is a mutual act of good faith--we're reserving a space for them on a bag and they are putting down earnest money. The agreement is also clear; there is space for a down payment and to notate the amount paid, the date paid, and a check or credit card number. The terms also clearly explain when the remaining balance is due; at the time a client receives a proof. As much as everyone enjoys a good chase, the Medibag accounting department would prefer not pestering customers for payment. It is vital for all Medibag sales representatives to handle money collection before the bags are produced, preferably when the agreement is signed. Too often customers cannot pay or refuse to honor their end of the agreement and charge backs are NEVER preferred. Often Medibag will pay out a commission on an agreement which has no accompanying payment. We do this because we want to give the sales person and the customer the benefit of the doubt. However, making an effort to collect all or at least a portion of a payment promptly will go along way towards keeping all parties content.