You deliver the goods. They smile, shake hands, maybe even promise, “Don’t worry, I’ll sort you out soon.”
Then a few days later, you follow up. They answer some messages, ignore others, and finally hit you with the classic:
“I don’t really remember the details… maybe you should come and explain it again.”

If you’ve ever had this happen, welcome to the stall tactic Olympics. It’s not always about forgetting — it’s about buying time or dodging delayed payment.

The Pattern Behind a Customer’s Delayed Payment

  • Agree to the deal — goods or service delivered.
  • Partial communication — they reply to casual chats but dodge the money topic.
  • Memory fog — they act like the deal was unclear, so you have to start from zero.
  • Delay loop — by the time you “re-explain,” payment is pushed further down the road.

This isn’t random. It’s either a bad habit or a learned way to make suppliers give up chasing small amounts.

The Hidden Side Effects of Late or Delayed Payments

A customer delayed payment isn’t just about the unpaid balance — the side effects pile up fast:

  • Data drain: You burn through airtime and internet bundles chasing them.
  • Time lost: Every follow-up is time stolen from income-producing work.
  • Transport cost: Visiting in person can eat into your profit, sometimes costing a quarter of the goods’ value.
  • Exhaustion: Constant chasing wears you down mentally and emotionally.
  • Cash flow freeze: While they’re holding your money, you can’t restock or reinvest.

Why Customers Use the “I Forgot the Deal” Trick

  • Buying Time: They don’t have the money yet but don’t want to admit it.
  • Shifting Control: Making you “re-explain” puts you on the back foot.
  • Avoiding Guilt: Pretending they forgot makes it feel less like they’re refusing.
  • Testing Your Follow-Up: If you don’t chase hard, they know you’re an easy delay.

How to Handle a Customer’s Delayed Payment in the Moment

If they suddenly claim not to remember, skip the storytelling and go straight to the present reality:
“Here’s what I delivered, here’s the agreed price, and here’s the balance. Can we settle today or should I pick up the goods?”

Don’t let them pull you into “reminding” mode for too long. You’re not there to give a history lecture — you’re there to close the loop.

The 3-Step Deal Memory System

This simple framework keeps everything clear before, during, and after a sale — and leaves no room for fake forgetfulness.

  • Lock the Customer Delayed Payment Terms Before Delivery

Always get written confirmation before goods leave your hands.

Example message:
Hey [Name], I’ll be delivering [X items] today. Price: [amount]. Payment: [date]. Please confirm 👍

A simple “Yes” reply is your receipt and shuts down the “I forgot” excuse later.

  • Send a Friendly Reminder Before Payment Is Due

One day before the due date, send a short, neutral message.

Example:
Hey [Name], just a quick reminder — payment for the [X items] is due tomorrow. I’ll pass by to collect.

This keeps the deal fresh and reduces last-minute delays.

  • Use the Urgency Close for Late or Delayed Payments

If they dodge, give them two options — pay or return the goods.

Example:
Hey, I’m nearby — are you at the shop? I can pass by and, if the goods aren’t moving, I can take them back.

Short. Direct. No drama.

Fixing the Side Effects of Customer Delayed Payment

  • Cut Transport Losses – If collection costs too much, stop traveling for it. Require mobile transfers or meet halfway.
  • Data Efficiency – Send one concise message with the amount, date, and consequence. Avoid drawn-out chats.
  • Set Boundaries – After one delay, stop offering credit. First time is a chance; second time is a choice.
  • Bundle Debts – Combine small unpaid amounts into one bigger collection date to reduce trips.
  • Track & Screen Customers – Keep a “reliable customer” list and stop giving goods on credit to the rest.

When It’s Not Worth the Chase

If someone has done this more than once, it’s not bad luck — it’s a pattern. Once they know you’ll still deliver without upfront payment, they’ll keep stretching the limits.

The only fix for repeat offenders is payment before delivery — no matter how small the deal.

Final Word

In business, “forgetfulness” about money is rarely real. It’s a delay tactic that only works when the supplier is too polite to lock the terms early.

If you don’t want to keep repeating the same frustration, remember:

  • Confirm the deal in writing.
  • Remind before the due date.
  • Give a clear pay-or-return choice.
  • Cut off credit to repeat dodgers.

Protect your time, data, and transport costs like you protect your profit.
You’re running a business — not a charity for professional amnesia.