While having a small accounts-receivable balance indicates good financial management, (around 1.5% to 2.5% of your gross income), collecting past-due balances is a difficult aspect of the sales process. Studies show that 75% of receivables that are 3 months delinquent are paid. However, this number drops to 56% after 6 months. Therefore your delay in collecting past-due accounts will reduce your chance of receiving payment.