Dangers of over-reliance on trade credit

In effect for the reason that trade credit represents temporary borrowing from suppliers until invoices are paid it becomes an important method of financing the firm's investment in current assets. Firms perhaps tempted to view trade payables as a cheap source of finance especially as in the UK at least it is currently interest-free. Having a receivables' collection period smaller than the trade collection period may be taken as a sign of efficient working capital management.

Nevertheless trade credit is not free. First by impediment payment of accounts due the company may be passing up valuable discounts thus effectively increasing the cost of goods sold. Second extreme delay in the settlement of invoices can undermine the existence of the business in a number of ways. Existing suppliers perhaps unwilling to extend more credit until existing accounts are settled they may begin to attach a lower priority to future orders placed they may raise prices in the future or simply not supply at all. Additionally if the firm acquires a reputation among the business community as a bad payer its relationships with other suppliers may be soured.