Payment Write-off

Payment Write-off is a key step in foreign trade finance and order management. It refers to matching and offsetting the customer's actual payment against the corresponding accounts receivable (usually based on an invoice or order) to confirm that the payment obligation for that order has been settled. Use cases include: after receiving a customer's deposit, balance payment, or full payment, finance staff perform the write-off in an ERP or accounting system, changing the order status to 'paid' and releasing credit limits or arranging shipment. Notes: The write-off must be based on an accurate payment notification (such as a bank slip) and invoice number to avoid write-off errors caused by combined payments for multiple orders; if there is a difference between the payment amount and the invoice amount (such as bank charges or exchange rate fluctuations), a partial write-off or adjusting entry is required. Difference from 'collection': Collection only records the inflow of funds, while write-off emphasizes the correspondence with a specific order/invoice; difference from 'reconciliation': Reconciliation is checking accounts between both parties, while write-off is a unilateral accounting process. Correct write-off ensures accurate accounts receivable, avoids duplicate payment reminders, and supports cash flow analysis.