A customer placed an order before the end of the year with the requirement for delivery before year-end. However, due to the relatively low qualification rate of materials from our supplier (attributed to the complexity of the manufacturing process), only a partial shipment could be made before the year-end. Additionally, the customer was unable to secure shipping containers, leading to no shipments before the year-end. After the New Year, the customer urgently needed the goods. We expedited and delivered several batches, but the delivery quantity couldn't meet the customer's sales volume. As a result, the customer ceased promotional activities, leading to a decline in sales thereafter.

      After delivering some batches previously, the customer mentioned that there was no need to continue with phased deliveries for the remaining goods. They preferred to wait until everything is ready before arranging further shipments. Now that the remaining goods are ready, the customer has not scheduled the shipment or made the final payment. How do you suggest encouraging the customer to schedule the shipment and make the final payment more effectively?

    I think due to your delay, the customer might have missed the peak sales period. Now, the sales are not doing well, and there's currently not much demand for this batch of goods. There's a significant risk of this batch becoming a 'dead stock

     On your end, you should follow up and maybe play the emotional card a bit:

Dear X,

   The goods on your end have been ready for a while. Could you please help arrange payment of the final installment?

    Now, the warehouse is pushing me every week about when the shipment will be made, and the finance team is also urging me. Honestly, this is causing me immense pressure, and I can't even sleep well. Today, the finance team asked again and jokingly mentioned that if they don't receive the final payment this month, according to company regulations, my salary will be temporarily suspended.

     I truly had no choice but to come and remind you. If possible, I hope you can help arrange the final payment first. Shipping can be delayed a bit; I'll request approval from the company. I hope you can understand and take care of the final payment. Thank you very much!

    As a token of appreciation, for the next order, I'll apply for a discount for you. How does that sound? Alternatively, if there's anything else you need assistance with, please let me know. I'll do my best to provide you with the utmost support!

      The general idea is to play the emotional card first when following up.