Survey shows government business popular, albeit painstaking.(TRADELINE: NACM)

A recent NACM monthly survey, which asked "Does your company do business with the local, state or federal government?" showed that government business is popular among participants with 70.8% of respondents answering "yes" and the remaining 29.2% responding "no." Comments left by many participants, however, indicate that the process of getting paid by the government can often be a source of stress, despite governmental efforts to speed up payment cycles.

"I have found that government agencies are more of a stickler on paperwork issues than your normal everyday customer," said one respondent, whose concerns were echoed over and over by other frustrated participants. "It is extremely difficult. Each federal account has different ways of needing information from us. There is no standardization," said another respondent. Others said simply, "It's difficult at best," and "They can be a real pain in the neck."

Some respondents noted that there are things credit professionals and companies can do to make the process a bit easier and that organization is key when it comes to invoicing a governmental entity. "It is critical to have documentation (i.e., PODs, bills of lading, contracts if required) in order and your vendor account set up properly with the respective agency to avoid payment delays," said one participant. "Also, verifying where and how invoices should be sent and who to contact to resolve disputed invoices. The governmental agencies ...