WATERSTONES BOOKSELLERS LIMITED exhibits a consistent trend of slow payments, with an average payment time of 69 days. A substantial majority (72%) of invoices are paid over 60 days, indicating that extended payment cycles are the norm rather than an exception for this company.
Payment reliability for prompt settlement is low, as the overwhelming concentration of payments occurs well beyond standard 30 or 60-day terms, leading to unpredictable cash flow for suppliers. The additional 11% of payments classified as consistently late further indicates a risk of invoices exceeding even extended agreed-upon payment periods.
Suppliers should factor in significantly extended payment times when engaging with WATERSTONES BOOKSELLERS LIMITED, budgeting for payments to consistently fall into the 'over 60 days' category. To mitigate risk, consider negotiating shorter terms for new contracts, requesting upfront payments for significant orders, or adjusting pricing to account for the impact of delayed working capital.
| Reporting Period | Filing Date | Average Time to Pay (days) | Paid within 30 days | Paid 31-60 days | Paid after 60 days | Not Paid within Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Nov 2025 - 02 May 2026 | 26 May 2026 | 68 | 24% | 10% | 66% | 8% |
| 04 May 2025 - 03 Nov 2025 | 01 Dec 2025 | 69 | 22% | 9% | 69% | 9% |
| 28 Oct 2024 - 03 May 2025 | 02 Jun 2025 | 69 | 18% | 10% | 72% | 11% |
| 28 Apr 2024 - 26 Oct 2024 | 25 Nov 2024 | 69 | 19% | 9% | 72% | 10% |
| 29 Oct 2023 - 27 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | 73 | 17% | 9% | 74% | 14% |
| 29 Apr 2023 - 28 Oct 2023 | 24 Nov 2023 | 76 | 11% | 5% | 84% | 13% |
| 01 Nov 2022 - 29 Apr 2023 | 25 May 2023 | 77 | 6% | 5% | 89% | 12% |
| 01 May 2022 - 29 Oct 2022 | 23 Nov 2022 | 75 | 17% | 7% | 76% | 14% |
| 25 Oct 2021 - 30 Apr 2022 | 30 May 2022 | 73 | 14% | 10% | 76% | 13% |
| 25 Apr 2021 - 24 Oct 2021 | 23 Nov 2021 | 77 | 15% | 9% | 76% | 14% |
| 26 Oct 2020 - 24 Apr 2021 | 24 May 2021 | 84 | 3% | 8% | 89% | 13% |
| 26 Apr 2020 - 25 Oct 2020 | 08 Feb 2021 | 89 | 4% | 11% | 85% | 16% |
| 28 Oct 2019 - 25 Apr 2020 | 22 May 2020 | 66 | 16% | 25% | 59% | 16% |
| 28 Apr 2019 - 27 Oct 2019 | 21 Nov 2019 | 64 | 17% | 26% | 57% | 14% |
| 29 Oct 2018 - 27 Apr 2019 | 23 May 2019 | 64 | 14% | 30% | 56% | 16% |
| 29 Apr 2018 - 28 Oct 2018 | 08 Nov 2018 | 65 | 12% | 31% | 57% | 15% |
| 31 Oct 2017 - 28 Apr 2018 | 25 May 2018 | 69 | 6% | 35% | 59% | 24% |
| 30 Apr 2017 - 30 Oct 2017 | 29 Nov 2017 | 69 | 4% | 35% | 61% | 29% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
The standard payment terms for the supply of books is 60 days from the end of the month in which the invoice is received , with an additional 7 working days to ensure funds have cleared through BACs. However there are a number of suppliers who fall outside the standard terms. The company does not have standard payment terms for the supply of non book products for resale. The most frequest terms for non coffee products are 60 days from the end of month, with payment made on the next working day. The most frequent terms for coffee projects is 30 days For trade purchases of goods not for resale and services, the company has standard written terms of purchase, which can be found here:-à, and which contain standard terms of payment. However, in certain circumstances, a supplier will seek to impose its own payment terms, and in other circumstances, a bespoke contract will be agreed. The most frequently used payment terms used for suppliers to the company of goods not for resale and services sold in its shops is 30 days from the date of the invoice.
Were there any changes to the standard payment terms in the reporting period?
No information available
Any other information about payment terms
No additional information
Maximum contractual payment period agreed
90
Resolution of disputes will be handled on a specfic case by case basis. We always see to resolve disputes as soon as possible.
Has this business signed up to a code of conduct or standards on payment practices?
For example, signatories to The Prompt Payment Code must commit to paying 95% of their invoices within 60 days.
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Does this business offer e-invoicing in relation to qualifying contracts?
This is where suppliers can electronically submit and track invoices. It's not just allowing suppliers to email them an invoice.
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Does this business offer supply chain finance?
This is where a supplier who has submitted an invoice can be paid by a third-party finance provider earlier than the agreed payment date. The business would then pay the finance provider the invoiced sum.
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Under its payment practices and policies, can this business deduct sums from payments under qualifying contracts as a charge for remaining on a supplier list?
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During the reporting period, did the business deduct sums from payments as a charge for remaining on a supplier list?
No information available
WATERSTONES BOOKSELLERS LIMITED is an active private limited company that specialises in the retail of books.
Incorporated on 22 August 1958, WATERSTONES BOOKSELLERS LIMITED operates under company number 00610095. Its registered office is located at 203-206 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9HD.
As a bookseller in the UK market, the company provides a wide selection of books across various genres, catering to diverse customer interests. This typically includes fiction, non-fiction, and children's literature.
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