Swiss SMEs approach the future with cautious optimism. According to recent studies, 69% of employers consider their economic situation "good" or "very good", with only 3% reporting difficulties. However, behind this confidence lie major challenges: difficult economic conditions, digitalization, recruitment, and energy transition. In this race for competitiveness, an often underestimated pillar can put a company at risk: proactive accounts receivable management, crucial for protecting cash flow.
Multiple challenges for Swiss SMEs
Management priorities are clear: nearly 60% cite the economic situation as their main challenge, followed by skilled labor shortages (9%) and profitability concerns amid price pressure and declining margins. Other concerns include digital and environmental transformation, skills adaptation, and for exporting SMEs, US tariffs and the strong franc.
Access to bank financing remains generally satisfactory, which explains why cash flow is not perceived as the primary concern. But this focus on growth can mask a concrete risk: a payment delay or bad debt can weaken even a solid SME, sometimes in just a few weeks.
A context requiring vigilance
In an environment where bankruptcies reach historic levels, caution is essential. In Switzerland, the number of bankruptcy proceedings jumped nearly 20% between January and September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with 1,433 cases opened in September, the highest level of the year*. The most affected sectors are construction (1,192 cases), restaurants (872, +26.2%), and retail (606, +17%).
In French-speaking Switzerland, the situation is particularly concerning: Geneva and Neuchâtel show a record debtor rate of 9.4%, with Vaud following at 6.8%. Under these conditions, a performing SME can see its cash flow stressed by a single payment delay.
* Note: This sharp increase is partly explained by a legislative change that came into effect on January 1, 2025: tax debts of companies registered in the commercial register can now be pursued through bankruptcy proceedings (rather than solely through seizure), mechanically accelerating the number of official procedures.
Why payment monitoring remains crucial
In Switzerland, the legal payment term is 30 days. In practice, companies pay their invoices after an average of 37 days, and public authorities after 45 days. For SMEs dependent on large contractors, these delays can climb to 60, 90, or even 120 days. Sector studies show that one in five SMEs feels threatened by payment delays, and nearly 60% are forced to accept extended terms.
A bad debt is never neutral: with a 10% net margin, you need to generate 50,000 francs in additional revenue to compensate for an unpaid 5,000-franc invoice. The recent Coface Economic Observatory on SMEs reveals that over 80% of SMEs have experienced payment delays in the past twelve months, and the vast majority consider these delays a direct threat to their financial health, a reality particularly sensitive in French-speaking Switzerland.
Risks of reactive management of receivables
In many SMEs, it's often the manager who handles payment monitoring, in addition to commercial and managerial responsibilities. Swiss structures, like their European counterparts, generally outsource their accounting to fiduciary firms: privileged partners for implementing rigorous financial monitoring.
The problem? Since this monitoring is not the primary function of the CEO or sales manager, it's often neglected. Result: late reminders, accumulating bad debts, and constant stress. Nearly two-thirds of managers believe the time spent on accounts receivable management could be reduced or better used. This situation weighs on peace of mind and diverts them from their core business: developing their activity.
Anticipating bad debts: four effective levers
1. Business Information for selection and monitoring
Before signing, verify your prospects' creditworthiness. Minimal information can avoid many surprises and allow you to adapt your payment terms accordingly. Coface notably offers an all-in-one information solution, providing access to exclusive data and the expertise of a recognized credit insurer.
2. Credit insurance: an often unknown protection
Contrary to popular belief, credit insurance is not reserved for large companies. Flexible, modular, and affordable, it protects against bad debts and secures your sales. The insurer evaluates the client's creditworthiness, covers the debt, and handles collection in case of default. A solution adapted to SMEs, in Switzerland and for exports, combining information, collection, and compensation.
3. Professional collection when problems arise
When a client doesn't pay despite your reminders, entrusting the file to a specialist allows faster recovery of owed amounts. You save time to focus on your business and only pay upon success. It's also the best way to preserve your commercial relationship. Because a bad debt, however significant, shouldn't necessarily end a long-term relationship.
4. Short-term financing for cash flow
When cash flow tightens, several levers exist: bank overdrafts (simple and quick), debt assignment to a bank, factoring (assignment of debts to a financial institution that advances funds), or supplier credit. These tools offer immediate cash flow relief but remain often underutilized by SMEs.
Best practices for daily peace of mind
Before the sale : Clearly frame your payment terms in your general conditions (deposits, terms adapted to client profile, planned penalties), verify new clients' creditworthiness, identify risky counterparties, and proactively manage your payment terms.
Day-to-day : Invoice without delay, follow up from the first day of delay—your client must know the invoice is closely monitored—digitize your processes (automatic alerts, deadline tracking). The later the intervention, the higher the bad debt risk.
For smooth management: Monitor your cash flow with a rolling forecast over 4 to 8 weeks, automate recurring flows (rent, salaries, subscriptions), regularly calculate your net cash flow (available funds + investments – short-term debts). It's an essential warning signal.
Your partners to support you
You're not alone facing these challenges. Your fiduciary firm, privileged partner for your company's financial management, can advise you on implementing these tools and guide you toward solutions best suited to your situation.
Specialized actors, like Coface, also offer turnkey solutions, specially designed for SMEs, combining prevention, collection, and compensation, with 100% online management and controlled costs.
Key takeaways
Swiss SMEs are right to focus on growth and innovation. Economic barometers show they remain generally confident despite an uncertain context. But in an environment where bankruptcies reach historic records (+20% in 2025) and French-speaking cantons show concerning debtor rates, securing accounts receivable remains an essential condition for sustainability.
Simple and accessible solutions exist, adapted to the constraints of SMEs without dedicated financial directors. Implementing them today means securing your cash flow, gaining peace of mind, and fully focusing on what matters: developing your business and seizing all growth opportunities in a competitive market.