When only some arrives.
WHY IT HAPPENS
A customer paying what they can A dispute about part of the invoice An error Deliberate part-payment to buy time
WHAT TO DO
Record the amount received against the invoice Issue a receipt for it State the balance and when it is due
WHAT NOT TO DO
Mark the invoice paid Ignore the shortfall Let it become the new normal
THE DISPUTE CASE
If they dispute part, resolve that specifically rather than letting the whole invoice stall.
Issue a credit note for anything genuinely not owed.
FOR ONGOING WORK
Decide whether to continue with a balance outstanding.
State your position rather than continuing silently and resenting it.
WHAT TO CHASE
The balance, on a stated date.
A partial payment does not reset the terms.
WHAT TO RECORD
Every payment against the invoice, with dates.
