The decision in one line: Check readiness.
01 / ESCALATION
Check readiness
Can the business show the agreement, fulfilment, invoice, payment context and communication history? If not, the next step may be records work rather than a stronger demand. How should a small business compare a collection agency, negotiation and court action?
02 / ESCALATION
Compare control and cost
Negotiation, mediation, a specialist and a court process offer different levels of control, cost and formality. Ask what happens if the invoice is disputed. The reader goal here is to compare readiness, cost structure, control, dispute status, enforceability and relationship impact before selecting a route..
03 / ESCALATION
Read the forum
A formal route is useful only when it fits the transaction and jurisdiction. Open the relevant primary source and note what remains uncertain before acting. Return to the action map when the file changes.
NEXT CHECK
Keep the next action visible
Use the Receivables Action Map to name the state of the file, the evidence still missing and the point at which the routine should pause. It is a working prompt, not a legal conclusion.