The ability to know when you will be paid, and if you can expect those payments to be reliable are essential when determining long term strategies like large purchases or expansions. Certain industries naturally have a longer average collection period due to the norms set by industry standards. For instance, construction companies often have long collection periods because contracts traditionally stipulate payment upon completion of a project. There might be a significant time gap between providing the service and receiving payment. Conversely, the retail industry normally sees a shorter collection period as customers typically pay for goods and services at the point of sale. In gauging a company's operational effectiveness, the average collection period plays a significant role.

The Average Collection Period above can be defined as the metric that determines the number of days between the sale transaction, and the time when the customer pays the organization. The time they require to collect the money back from the customer is known as the accounts receivable collection period. In specific terms, the average collection period denotes the days between when a customer buys the product and makes the full payment.

The Data Dilemma: 11 Accounts Receivable KPIs For Your AR Team to Prioritize

The average collection period signifies the average duration a business requires to collect payments owed by clients or customers. Vigilantly tracking this metric is essential to maintain sufficient cash flow for meeting immediate financial obligations. The average collection period is closely related to the accounts turnover ratio, which is calculated by dividing total net sales by the average AR balance. Companies may also compare the average collection period with the credit terms extended to customers. For example, an average collection period of 25 days isn’t as concerning if invoices are issued with a net 30 due date. However, an ongoing evaluation of the outstanding collection period directly affects the organization’s cash flows.

• For example, say you want to find Light Up Electric’s average collection period ratio for January.
• Our model unveils the dynamics, depicting that the cost of collections is just a few cents within the credit period.
• The average collection period is an accounting indicator that represents the average number of days between the date of credit sale and the date of payment remittance by the purchaser.
• Maintaining a proper average collection period is the way to receive payments on time and keep them at your disposal.
• The average collection period is an indicator of the effectiveness of a firm’s AR management practices and is an important metric for companies that rely heavily on receivables for their cash flows.
• It can guarantee a significant increase in sales in exchange for long payment terms.

The average collection period focuses on the time it takes a company to receive payments due from its customers. This payment process and its eventual speed is deeply intertwined with a company's CSR commitments. A longer average collection period signifies that a company is more lenient or slower in collecting its receivables.

Optimize Your Average Collection Period and A/R

The Accounts Receivable Turnover ratio is calculated by dividing the total net credit sales by the average accounts receivable. The faster the turnover, the shorter the collection period, which indicates efficient credit sales management. In order to calculate the average collection period, divide the average balance of accounts receivable by the total net credit sales for the period. Then multiply the quotient average collection period meaning by the total number of days during that specific period. One of the simplest ways to calculate the average collection period is to start with receivables turnover which is calculated by dividing sales over accounts receivable to determine the turnover ratio. The average collection period for accounts receivable is the number of days, on average, that a business takes to collect payments on outstanding AR.

• A lower average collection period usually means that a company has efficient collection practices, tight credit policies, or shorter payment terms.
• So, when a company's average collection period is lengthy, it means its accounts receivable aren't being converted into cash quickly.
• More information on the formula that is used to calculate the average collection period is provided below.
• The Accounts Receivable Turnover ratio is calculated by dividing the total net credit sales by the average accounts receivable.
• The average collection period is determined by taking the net credit sales for a given period and dividing the average accounts receivable balance by the net credit sales of the company.
• Listed as current assets on a company’s balance sheet, AR demonstrates liquidity, reflecting the capacity to settle short-term debts without depending on additional cash inflows.