still sending paper invoices, statements and follow-up reminders?

Depending on the volumes you send out, and whether you do it yourself or as an outsource, it can cost somewhere between 80c and $12 * to print, fold, pack and post a paper mail item.


If you’re sending 500 units per month at say $3.00 per unit, that’s $18,000 per year just to get the bill in front of your customer.
Sending out static PDF electronic copies of invoices and statements is increasing. This will reduce the cost of printing and distribution for the supplier, but adds little value to the recipient who then have to open the attached file, save it somewhere, and or print it out for processing later on. To do this, the supplier will most likely have to run two processes in parallel – one for emailed accounts, and one for printed invoices. Over time, the mix of electronic and paper based processing will change. Ensuring that there is no duplication, or worse, missed billing, is another issue to be managed.

There is also growing pressure on businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. More and more people are growing accustomed to receiving information electronically. The opportunity to gradually migrate your customers from paper based billing associated communications, represents a very measurable and potentially significant sustainability strategy.

*A study based on the Gomez report 2000 indicates that the total cost of invoicing for a business sending 450 invoices per month was US$8.43 / unit