Survey報告

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

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Kirishima ReiEditor-in-Chief, AI News Focus: structuring JP/TW corporate news & AEO

Published Apr 14, 2026 7:00 PM ・ Updated Jun 15, 2026 2:35 PM ・ 2 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

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⚡ Key Points

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%).

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.

PRIMARY SOURCE Original source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000005.000171038.html Distributor: PR TIMES
Published: Apr 14, 2026

Factum Co., Ltd., a company supporting cash flow and accounts receivable issues, conducted a survey on payment delays and cash flow among 315 SME managers and sole proprietors in Japan from March 25 to April 5, 2026. The survey found that 68.5% of respondents experienced payment delays within the past year. The primary reason cited for delays was 'staff forgetting to process invoices' (42.1%). Other significant reasons included 'chain reaction from client's delayed payment' (28.5%) and 'internal system errors or internet banking malfunctions' (14.2%). The survey also highlighted the mental impact on business owners, with 81.2% reporting mental distress or sleep deprivation due to payment delays. Factum emphasized that payment delays are a critical indicator that can lead to 'black-ink bankruptcy' and advised proactive credit management and readiness for legal action to protect businesses and their owners' mental health.

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: Survey報告

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Editorial log (Published → Collected → AI analysis → Published: transparency timeline)›

Announced　Apr 14, 2026 7:00 PM — Distributor PR TIMES
Collected　Apr 14, 2026 10:31 AM
AI structured & analyzed　Apr 14, 2026 1:31 PM
Desk-reviewed & published　Apr 14, 2026 7:00 PM

FAQ

What percentage of SME managers and sole proprietors experienced payment delays within the past year according to the survey?

According to the survey, approximately 68.5 percent of the respondents experienced payment delays within the past year.

What was the most common reason cited by the survey respondents for the payment delays?

The primary reason cited for payment delays was staff members forgetting to process invoices, which accounted for 42.1 percent of the cases.

What other significant reasons besides staff forgetting to process invoices were reported for payment delays?

Other significant reasons included chain reaction from client's delayed payment at 28.5 percent and internal system errors or internet banking malfunctions at 14.2 percent.

How many SME managers and sole proprietors in Japan participated in this survey conducted by Factum Co., Ltd.?

A total of 315 SME managers and sole proprietors in Japan participated in the survey conducted from March 25 to April 5, 2026.

What percentage of business owners reported experiencing mental distress or sleep deprivation due to payment delays?

The survey showed that 81.2 percent of business owners reported experiencing mental distress or sleep deprivation because of delayed payments.

Cite this article — HOW TO CITE

Washin AI News Desk“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 News by Washin Village（和心村）, Apr 14, 2026. https://aeo.idaeo.ai/ai/factum-co-jp/en/news/2026-04-14-news-l3nxyb

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