The buyer pays on time. Why might you still run out of money?
Case in point: a client hasn't yet paid for the first delivery and places a second order. If the payment due date hasn't arrived, there are no breaches. But a new shipment increases the amount you are financing out of your own pocket.
Therefore, you need to control all outstanding debt, including invoices that are not yet overdue.
Before the next delivery, check:
- how much the client already owes;
- how much more you will ship before payment is received;
- what limit is set;
- who is authorized to exceed it.
Then, shift the expected payment to a later date in your cash flow forecast. Will you have enough funds for salaries, taxes, and suppliers?
If one buyer's delay disrupts your calculations, reconsider the limit before a new shipment. Repeat sales must align with your working capital capabilities.
Inventory and costs: protecting the ability to deliver
When cash is constrained, review inventory alongside receivables. Compare each important stock item with confirmed orders, supplier lead times and minimum purchase quantities. Slow-moving stock may be reduced, but running out of a critical component can stop delivery.
Case: a business cuts purchases of a key component to preserve cash. If the supplier is late, production may fail to fulfil an accepted order. Compare the cash released with the buffer needed during replenishment and the consequences of downtime. Use the lead times and delay risks of the actual suppliers.
Separate expenses that can be deferred without breaching commitments from those needed to deliver orders, such as key staff, equipment maintenance and critical inputs. Before cutting, check contractual deadlines and who will perform the remaining work. Show available cash, expected receipts and unconfirmed financing separately in the forecast.
Updated on 27 October 2026. The Central Bank of Türkiye survey of inflation expectations tracks expectations for the next 12 months; expectations do not guarantee future inflation or when conditions will ease.
Read more: How to limit the risk of non-payment for sales in Turkey