Disadvantages of Trade Credit

The advantages and disadvantages of trade credit are important points of consideration before forming any decision relating to trade credit. The key advantage of trade credit is that it is simple to obtain and considered practically cheaper.

On the other hand, it is believed that no supplier will sell products at a loss, and therefore against the credit, the creditor bills the buyer at increased prices. Sometimes delaying payment becomes the policy of the buyer to enjoy the credit, but it hampers the goodwill of the buyer in the market. There are costs of administering the payment to the creditor on time attached to this type of credit.

Disadvantages of Trade Credit

Disadvantages of utilizing trade credit include loss of goodwill, higher prices of raw materials, the opportunity cost of the discount, administration cost, and under worst circumstances, one may lose the supplier as well. For suppliers, bad debts are the biggest disadvantage, among others.

For Buyers

Opportunity Loss of Discount

All suppliers provide a discount on bills amount if payment is made early or is made in cash. If the buyer enjoys trade credit, he must forego the otherwise available discount.

Increase in Input Prices

As clearly explained above, in the advantages of suppliers, the buyers with liberal credit terms are charged premium prices. This increases the cost of raw materials for the buyer, making it a direct increase in the cost of finished goods for the buyer. Finished goods with higher prices are difficult to sustain in the competitive market. We know that price is an important factor in the demand for products. Higher prices may badly impact the demand for the buyer’s products.

Loss of Goodwill

Some managers tend to delay payments till the last point possible. But, they are unaware of the problems posed by their suppliers in the absence of timely payment. Over a period of time, this idea impacts the firm’s goodwill in the market. All the suppliers will come to know about payment delays of the buying firm and will entertain other buyers first. The firm may face problems like late supplies, no supplies in emergencies, etc.

Cost of Administration and Accounting

If goods are purchased on credit, and the supplier’s list is too long, the cost of maintaining and keeping track of defaults of payment will be high. Businesses would need a special department to take care of related issues.

Loss of Suppliers

At times, failure to abide by the terms of credit can cause loss of supplier as well. The supplier may find it challenging to work with the buyers not paying on time as suppliers also have their obligation to pay on time.

For Suppliers

Bad Debts

The suppliers’ biggest risk of trade credit is that of bad debts. Bad debts are the biggest losses of any business and can take away the whole company’s profits. A supplier should always stick to its credit terms and should not try to extend unreasonable terms to any buyers.

Cash Flow Mismatch as There is No Guarantee of Timely Payment

When a supplier provides credit to the buyer, the ball goes to the buyer’s court. The supplier is completely dependent on the buyer’s willingness to pay. If the buyer delays the payment, the supplier may face cash flow mismatch problems.

The cost of Funds Invested in Book Debts / Accounts Payable

All suppliers invest their working capital into their debtors/ book debts/ accounts payable. The working capital extended by the bank is not free of cost.

Cost of a Cash Discount

As part of encouragement to buyers for early payment, suppliers offer a discount for early payment. This reduces their margins on sales.

Running Special Departments

Expenses for running special departments to manage trade credit say sales, collection, legal, etc., are a cost to the supplier which would otherwise not take place.

We conclude that there is a cost of trade credit, and it should be quantified, and to our surprise, it can also be quantified.