You Asked: What’s the Most Effective Way to Handle Vendor Payments?

YOU ASKED: What’s the most e ective way to handle vendor payments? Is it better to pay all at once or use structured terms like 30, 60, 90, or even 120 days?

WE ANSWER: Paying vendor bills the moment they arrive might feel responsible, but it’s not always the most strategic move. Use the terms you’ve been given. Most vendors o er Net 30, 60, or even 90-day terms. If the invoice says Net 30, that’s how long you have to pay. There’s no benefit to paying early unless you’re receiving a discount for doing so. Otherwise, it’s usually best to pay as late as possible. This keeps more cash in your account longer, giving you more flexibility.

Put payments on autopilot. Platforms like QuickBooks Online or BILL make it easy to automate payments so they safely go out at the latest possible date.

Talk to your vendors. If you ever fall behind, the key is communication. Most vendors are willing to work with you — as long as you’re upfront and show a clear plan to pay o what’s owed. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for extended terms, especially if you’re a longtime customer in good standing. Some vendors may o er Net 60 or even Net 90 if you ask. Spreading payments over a longer window can help smooth out your expenses and keep more cash in the business when you need it most.

What are other practices doing? We’re seeing more eyecare practices move toward structured, intentional payment strategies.

Many are using payment platforms to stay organized, spacing out payments based on terms, and viewing their vendor relationships as part of a broader cash flow plan.

We’ve also seen firsthand that practices working with an accounting and advisory team that specializes in the eyecare industry tend to have stronger systems in place for managing vendor payments without stress or confusion.