2026 Survey: Approximately 70% (68.5%) of SMEs Experienced Payment Delays; Ranking of 'Absurd Excuses' from Business Partners Also Announced. — Cash Flow Defense Strategies to Prevent Black-Ink Bankruptcy

AI Summary (NQ-processed)

A survey conducted by Factum Co., Ltd. (Kumamoto, Japan) from March 25 to April 5, 2026, targeting 315 SME managers and sole proprietors nationwide, revealed that 68.5% experienced accounts receivable payment delays within the past year. The top reason for delays was 'staff forgetting to process invoices' (42.1%), followed by 'chain reaction due to client's delayed payment' (28.5%), and 'internal system errors' (14.2%). Additionally, 81.2% of managers reported mental distress due to these delays. Factum, a factoring business, highlighted the risk of 'black-ink bankruptcy' and the importance of credit management and legal measures.