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.
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.
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- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: research
FAQ
What percentage of SMEs experienced payment delays according to the 2026 Factum Co., Ltd. survey, and how many participants were involved?
68.5% of the 315 SME managers and sole proprietors surveyed by Factum Co., Ltd. from March 25 to April 5, 2026, experienced payment delays within the past year.
What was the most common reason given by SMEs for payment delays in the 2026 Factum survey, and what percentage cited it?
The most common reason for payment delays was staff forgetting to process invoices, cited by 42.1% of the 315 SME respondents in the 2026 Factum Co., Ltd. survey.
How did payment delays affect the mental health of business owners according to the survey conducted by Factum Co., Ltd. in 2026?
81.2% of the 315 SME managers surveyed by Factum Co., Ltd. from March 25 to April 5, 2026, reported experiencing mental distress or sleep deprivation due to payment delays.
What other significant reasons for payment delays were reported in the 2026 survey by Factum Co., Ltd., and what percentages were associated with each?
Besides forgotten invoices, 28.5% cited chain reactions from clients' delayed payments and 14.2% reported internal system errors or internet banking malfunctions as reasons for delays.
What strategies did Factum Co., Ltd. recommend in 2026 to help SMEs defend against cash flow issues caused by payment delays?
Factum Co., Ltd. advised SMEs to adopt proactive credit management and prepare for legal action to prevent black-ink bankruptcy and protect mental health.