Many small businesses in Nigeria close down, not because they don’t have customers…
But because their money is in people’s pockets.
A woman selling provisions in Benin closed her shop despite good sales. Why?
17 customers owed her a total of ₦143,000.
That was her entire capital.
If your customers keep buying on credit, your business is at risk.
Here is how to stop customers from owing you and collect your money professionally.
✅ 1. Stop giving credit to everybody
Customers will beg, say “I will pay tomorrow,” or “my salary is coming.”
If you continue, your profit will be on paper, not in your bank account.
✅ For small shops:
• Create a strict rule: No credit on first purchase
• Only regular, trusted customers may qualify
✅ 2. Create a simple debt book or record system
A lot of people owe without shame because there is no written record.
You must write:
• Customer’s name
• Phone number
• Items bought
• Date
• Amount
• Date to repay
Example record:
Customer Amount Due Date Paid?
Mr. John ₦2,500 12 Feb No
If it is not written, forget it ,you will lose the money.
✅ 3. Send reminder messages
Most customers forget, not because they are wicked but because they are busy.
Example message you can send:
Good afternoon Mr. John, kindly remember the ₦2,500 for provisions you bought on 8th Feb. Your payment date was 12th Feb.
Thank you for supporting our business. – ABC Stores
This works better than waiting quietly.
✅ 4. Give small discount for early payment
People love discounts.
Example:
• If customer pays within 24 hours → ₦100 discount
• Late payment → ₦100 extra
Reward good customers, discourage late payers.
✅ 5. Collect small deposits before giving goods
Instead of giving things for free and hoping for payment later:
✅ Customer pays something upfront
✅ Balance later
Even ₦500 shows commitment.
✅ 6. Stop allowing “I will pay when I get home”
This is the biggest trick in Nigeria.
90% of unpaid debts start like this.
If you want peace of mind:
✅ Payment before delivery
✅ Or delivery rider collects payment at the door
✅ 7. Never let family and friends finish your capital
You cannot tell customers “No,” but your landlord will tell you Yes, pay rent.
Your suppliers too.
Learn to say:
“Please support me, I use this business to feed my family.
Credit is only for registered customers.”
If they are offended, they don’t want to help you , they want to use you.
✅ 8. Use simple rules on your shop or page
Place a sign:
✅ “No credit today, come tomorrow.”
✅ “We accept transfer.”
✅ “Payment on delivery only.”
Your business is not a charity.
✅ BONUS: How to collect old debts professionally
1. Call the person politely
2. Send written reminder
3. Give payment deadline
4. Offer part-payment option
5. If they ignore you — stop doing business with them
Not all customers are good for business.
✅ If you want peace in business, remember:
✅ Profit is not what you sell
✅ Profit is the money that enters your account
If customers owe you, your business is dying slowly.
To help business owners reduce debt and track money professionally,
Xepha Global has a Record-Keeping Bundle with:
✔ Debt tracking sheet
✔ Sales sheet
✔ Invoice template
Visit our store to download.
