RL Retail Services Limited posts an average payment time of 17 days, which appears favorable on the surface, however this figure is significantly skewed by the 61% of invoices settled in the 31–60 day band, suggesting the mean does not reflect typical payment behavior. Only 21% of invoices are paid within 30 days, indicating that prompt payment is the exception rather than the norm. The 18% of invoices exceeding 60 days further signals a tail of slow-paying transactions that could create cash flow pressure for suppliers.
With 40% of invoices classified as late, RL Retail Services Limited demonstrates a notably unreliable payment pattern, meaning suppliers cannot consistently depend on contractual terms being honored. The wide spread across payment bands — from under 30 days to over 60 days — points to high variability, making cash flow forecasting difficult for suppliers carrying this account. This unpredictability represents a tangible credit risk, particularly for suppliers operating on tight working capital margins.
Overall, RL Retail Services Limited presents a moderate-to-high payment risk profile, driven by a 40% late payment rate and the dominant concentration of payments falling in the 31–60 day range despite favorable average day figures. Suppliers should consider implementing shorter contractual payment terms, early payment incentives, or credit limits to reduce exposure. Requesting advance payments or personal guarantees on larger orders would be a prudent risk mitigation measure before extending significant credit to this company.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Sept 2025 - 28 Mar 2026 | 15 Apr 2026 | 17 | 21% | 61% | 18% | 40% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
Our normal or standard payment term with vendor is 45 days
Were there any changes to the standard payment terms in the reporting period?
No information available
Any other information about payment terms
N/A
Maximum contractual payment period agreed
90
Any identified errors or issues on the invoices received are investigated with the vendor and buyer. Only until the invoice is fully reconciled it is posted in the accounting books.
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
RL Retail Services Limited is a private limited company operating within the retail services sector. The company provides services to the retail industry, offering operational and commercial support to businesses within this field.
Incorporated on 23 December 1999, RL Retail Services Limited has maintained an active status throughout its trading history, giving it over two decades of presence in the market. The company is registered in England and Wales under company number 03901528, with its registered office located at 46 Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1HE.
Companies operating within the retail services sector in the UK typically provide a range of specialist functions to support retail businesses. These services commonly include retail consultancy, merchandising, store operations support, and supply chain management, helping retailers to optimise their commercial performance and customer experience.
With its base in Watford, Hertfordshire, RL Retail Services Limited is positioned within a well-connected commercial region to the north-west of London, benefiting from strong transport links and proximity to a broad range of retail clients and industry networks across the United Kingdom.